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How an Erectile Dysfunction Ring Can Help Erectile Dysfunction

What Are Cock Rings?

Cock rings are rings that go around the penis and/or scrotum. They slow blood flow out of an erect penis and can help make erections harder and longer-lasting. Some may also have little vibrators to increase pleasure for you and your partner.

Cock rings are also known as penis rings, tension rings, and constriction rings. They may also be marketed as erectile dysfunction (ED) rings, but people without this condition may want to use them, too.

There are several different kinds:

Soft and stretchy rings. These are the most common and generally the cheapest rings available. They are circles of a soft material, often silicone. They’re easy to use and remove. It may take some trial and error to find the right fit.

Adjustable cock rings. These use lasso adjusters, velcro, or other fasteners to allow the wearer to adjust the fit as needed.

Vibrating cock rings. These have a small vibrator attached. The sensation may feel good for men, but these are generally designed to stimulate a woman’s clitoris during sex.

Part of the reason for these long wait times and short appointments is due to a nationwide shortage of physicians that is only getting worse. A report by the Association of American Medical Colleges predicts that, due to population growth and specifically growth of the elderly population, the physician shortfall in the U.S. could reach 121,300 by the year 2030.

Solid cock rings. These rings are only for very experienced users. Even then, you may want to avoid them. There is a danger of penis strangulation with metal cock rings that fit poorly, get stuck, or are left on too long.

Why People Like Them

Cock rings make sex more intense and last longer. Specific benefits include:

A delayed and more intense orgasm
Boosted confidence in your erection and sexual performance
Help keeping an erection
Added sensation for you and your partner

Myths About Cock Rings

There are a few common misconceptions about cock rings:

They’re Only for Older Men with Erectile Dysfunction

Not at all. People with no medical issues use cock rings. They may want the erection to last longer, increase sensitivity, or add a new element such as vibration or texture for their partner.

They Can Be Used as Contraception

No. Cock rings cannot help you avoid pregnancy in any way.

They Hurt

When you use them correctly, cock rings should not cause pain. The new sensation may take some getting used to, but if it hurts, remove the ring right away. It may be a symptom of something else or simply an indication that you need a different size or style of ring.

How to Try Cock Rings Safely

Pick a beginner-friendly ring, something soft, stretchy, and easy to remove. Use the least constrictive size that still stays on and helps maintain your erection.

Psychologist and sex expert Antonia Hall, in an interview with Cosmopolitan magazine, recommends putting the ring on while the penis is flaccid or only semi-erect. Use lubricant to make it easier to slide the ring on, and then continue stimulating the penis until it’s erect.

If you want to wear your ring over your testicles, Hall suggests sliding them in one at a time. Remember: the fit should be snug but not uncomfortable.

For Erectile Dysfunction

The best way to use a cock ring to help with ED will depend on your specific problem.

If you can get an erection but have trouble keeping it, you can try the cock ring by itself. If you struggle to become erect, you may want to use your ring with a penis pump.

After pulling blood into your penis with the pump, slip your ring around the base of your penis before you remove the pump. The erection should last long enough for sex. A little light bruising afterward is normal.

Safety Measures

Because cock rings restrict blood flow, it’s important not to wear one for longer than 20 minutes. Start by wearing one for just 5 minutes at a time to give yourself time to get used to the feeling. If you feel discomfort, take it off immediately.

If you’re using the cock ring as a sex aid for erectile dysfunction, make sure that you’ve talked to a doctor about your symptoms. There are many health conditions that can cause ED or make it worse, including heart disease, diabetes, alcohol problems, and mental health issues. It’s important to get help for those conditions and not use a sex toy to mask the symptoms.

Also, consult a doctor before use if you are on blood-thinning medication or have a bleeding disorder.

Do not fall asleep while using the ring, and don’t use it while you’re impaired by drugs or alcohol. It could lead to potential injury.

Allow at least 60 minutes between uses.

Care and Cleaning

Remember that sex toys can transmit STIs. You may also risk other kinds of infection if you don’t clean them properly.

For most toys, water and a mild dish soap or antibacterial hand soap should do the trick. If your device vibrates or otherwise uses power, you may not want to submerge it in water, but make sure you get it fully clean with soap and a damp cloth.

For further instructions, refer to the directions on your sex toy’s label. At the very least, it should list the material, which may require special care.

Show Sources

Cosmopolitan: “Can You Use Cock Rings for Stronger Orgasms?”

Food and Drug Administration: Center for Devices and Radiological Health: “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: External Penile Rigidity Devices.”

Journal of Pharmacy: “Successful Removal of Metal Rings Causing Penile Strangulation.”

How an Erectile Dysfunction Ring Can Help Erectile Dysfunction

Dennis Sifris, MD, is an HIV specialist and Medical Director of LifeSense Disease Management. James Myhre is an American journalist and HIV educator.

Published on December 31, 2021

Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD, is a board-certified urologist and Chief of Surgery at Orlando Health South Lake Hospital.

Table of Contents
Table of Contents

The first treatments that tend to come to mind when you talk about erectile dysfunction (ED) are drugs like Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil). But several nondrug options can also help improve erections either on their own or with other ED treatments.

This article explores one such option, called an erectile dysfunction ring, that may be useful in people with mild ED or those in whom ED drugs are either ineffective or cannot be used. The article also lists the possible risks of ED rings and the people who should not use them.

What Is an Erectile Dysfunction Ring?

An erectile dysfunction ring is an elastic or solid band that fits around the base of the penis to help maintain an erection. Also known as a penile ring, tension ring, or “cock ring,” it helps treat ED by preventing the backflow of blood from the penis when it is erect. By doing so, both the quality and duration of an erection can be improved.

Some people with mild ED may benefit from using an ED ring on its own or with a device called a vacuum pump (“penis pump”) that draws blood into the penis using suction.

Others may use ED rings as part of a holistic treatment plan involving ED medications called PDE5 inhibitors, lifestyle changes (e.g., exercise and weight loss), counseling, injectable drugs like Caverject (alprostadil), and testosterone replacement therapy.

What It Treats

Erectile dysfunction, formerly known as impotence, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse. It is a condition that commonly affects people over the age of 40. The risk increases with age, with around 40 percent affected by age 40 and nearly 70 percent affected by age 70.

There are many possible causes of ED, many of which are aging-related and others of which are not. It is not uncommon for several different conditions to contribute to ED.

Causes and risk factors of ED include:

High blood pressure
Heart disease
Vascular diseases or vascular surgery
Prostate problems or prostate surgery
Type 2 diabetes
High cholesterol
Peyronie’s disease
Penile trauma
Thyroid disease
Obstructive sleep apnea
Hypogonadism (low testosterone)
Neurological causes (including multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury)
Medications (such as antidepressants and antihypertensive drugs)
Anxiety or depression
Relationship problems
Alcohol use disorder
Smoking

When an ED Ring May Help

ED rings can help treat certain aspects of erectile dysfunction, namely those affecting blood flow to the penis (such as high blood pressure or vascular disease) or the entrapment of blood once the penis is engorged (such as penile trauma and Peyronie’s disease). They may not be as useful if ED is due to a neurological, hormonal, or psychological cause.

How It Works

An erection is a complex physiological response involving nerves, hormones, blood vessels, connective tissues, and smooth muscles.

The penis itself is comprised of two tube-like structures, called the corpora cavernosa , that run the length of the penis and become engorged with blood during an erection.

To prevent the backflow of blood, a band of fiber near the base of the penis called the tunica albuginea will tighten, capturing blood that would otherwise escape. When sexual arousal has passed, the tunica albuginea will relax and the penis will return to its flaccid state.

In people with ED, the flow of blood into the corpora cavernosa may be impaired and/or the tunica albuginea may become less efficient. An ED ring can help overcome both of these issues. Even if the blood flow is reduced, any blood that enters the penis will become trapped as the base of the penis begins to swell and becomes compressed by the ring.

ED rings work by supporting the tunica albuginea, which tends to thicken and harden with age and become less efficient. It can do the same if the tunica albuginea becomes lax, such as can occur with Peyronie’s disease or penile trauma.

How to Use It

Erectile dysfunction rings are popular options for people with ED in that they don’t require a prescription or a doctor’s visit. They are relatively cheap, reusable, and can be easily found online or in adult sex shops.

Types

There are both soft and hard ED rings made with different materials, including silicone, rubber, neoprene, leather, plastic, or metal. Many are designed as solid rings of various thicknesses and circumferences. Others are adjustable types and held in place with snaps, velcro, or other fasteners.

There are also variations that not only fit around the base of the penis but have a second attached ring, sometimes called a “ball stretcher,” that is worn around the base of the scrotum. This additional attachment is said to enhance erections.

There are also vibrating rings that can be stimulating for both male and female partners. Lasso-type rings are long pieces of cord, often made of leather or rubber, that are held in place by a neck bandanna-type ring.

Choosing a Ring

The choice of ED ring is largely a personal one. With that said, solid rings need to be properly sized so that they are comfortable and neither too tight nor too loose when you get an erection. This is less of a concern with adjustable rings or soft silicone rings that are stretchy.

Before use, some people will “manscape” the area around the base of the penis, shaving away excess hair so that they don’t get snagged as you put on the device. It can also reduce irritation and chafing if you are especially hairy.

Because the design of ED rings can vary, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the ring is put on and worn correctly. This can reduce the risk of discomfort or injury.

Vacuum Pumps

Vacuum pumps can be used beforehand to achieve an erection. After suctioning, grab the base on the penis with one hand to keep blood from escaping and quickly apply the ED ring with the other hand. Soft silicone or adjustable ED rings are best suited for this.

Risks

There are risks associated with ED rings and certain people who should not use them.

Because ED rings restrict blood flow, it’s important to not wear one for longer than 30 minutes. This is especially true if you take Viagra or other PDE inhibitors. Doing so can lead to a medical emergency called priapism in which the penis remains erect.

If an ED ring is “stuck” and cannot be removed, blood circulation can become strangulated and lead to tissue death or nerve damage.

Adjustable rings or soft silicone rings are generally safer as they can be easily removed or cut off in an emergency. Metal rings should be avoided.

If an ED ring causes pain, numbness, bruising, pins-and-needles sensations, or the skin to turn blue, remove it immediately. These are signs that the ring is too small and needs either adjustment or replacement.

Certain people should not use ED rings. These include people with sickle cell disease and blood-clotting disorders, as the restriction of blood flow can lead to the formation of clots and the total obstruction of a blood vessel.

Speak to your doctor if you are on blood thinners like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs like Plavix (clopidogrel) before using an ED ring or any other constrictive ED device.

Never fall asleep with an ED ring still on.

Summary

An erectile dysfunction ring is a band that goes around the base of the penis to restrict blood flow out of the penis and maintain an erection. ED rings are available over the counter in many different designs. Care must be taken that the ring is not too tight or there can be damage to the penile tissues. People with clotting disorders or those taking anticoagulants should not use an ED ring.

A Word From Verywell

Erection dysfunction rings are simple and often effective means to improve the quality or duration of erections. For some people, they may be all that is needed to sustain an erection suitable for intercourse.

If they are not, do not be embarrassed to speak with your primary care provider, who may refer to you a urologist for further evaluation. Generally speaking, a urologist should be seen if you are failing to get or sustain an erection 50 percent of the time or if ED is causing emotional distress or affecting your relationship or ability to conceive.

There are many treatments for ED today that extend beyond Viagra or Cialis. By meeting with a specialist, you can pinpoint the cause and find the options that work best for you as an individual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the erectile dysfunction ring safe?

It can be if used correctly. The International Society of Sexual Medicine recommends silicone or adjustable rings that can be easily removed rather than metal rings that can get “stuck” and cause a medical emergency known as priapism in which an abnormally prolonged erection can cut off blood circulation in the penis.

How do you choose an erectile dysfunction ring?

Size matters when choosing a ring. If you choose to use a solid ring, you can get the right size by wrapping a length of string around the base of the penis, ideally while it is erect. To get the correct circumference, fold the string in half and measure it. Soft silicone and adjustable rings are generally easier to use and size.

11 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Koifman L, Hampl D, Silva MI, Pessoa PGA, Ornella AA, Barros R. Treatment options and outcomes of penile constriction devices. Int Braz J Urol. 2019 Mar-Apr;45(2):384–91. doi:10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2018.0667
Sooriyamoorthy T, Leslie SW. Erectile dysfunction. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2021.
Cleveland Clinic Center for Continuing Education. Erectile dysfunction.
Panchasharam PK, Durland J, Zito PM. Physiology, erection. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2021.
El-Sakka AI. Reversion of penile fibrosis: current information and a new horizon. J Urol. 2011 Mar;9(1):49–55. doi:10.1016/j.aju.2011.03.013
Herwig R, Bayerl M. Superficial tunica albuginea rupture as initial starting point of Peyronie’s disease: a topic for interdisciplinary consideration. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:751372. doi:10.1155/2015/751372
International Society of Sexual Medicine. What is a constriction ring? Why should one be used with caution?
Cuartas JPS, Sandoval-Salinas C, Martínez JM, Corredor HA. Treatment of priapism secondary to drugs for erectile dysfunction. Advances Urol. 2019;2019:6214921. doi:10.1155/2019/6214921
Kato GJ. Priapism in sickle cell disease: a hematologist’s perspective. J Sex Med. 2012 Jan;9(1):70–8. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02287.x
Yuan J, Hoang A, Romero C, et al. Vacuum therapy in erectile dysfunction—science and clinical evidence. Int J Impot Res. 2010;22:211-9. doi:10.1038/ijir.2010.4
Cleveland Clinic. Erectile dysfunction.

By James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, MD
Dennis Sifris, MD, is an HIV specialist and Medical Director of LifeSense Disease Management. James Myhre is an American journalist and HIV educator.

So Uh, What Does a Cock Ring Do, Exactly?

Everything you need to know about this underappreciated pleasure product.

Gabrielle Kassel is a sex and fitness journalist who writes at the intersection of queerness, sexual health, pleasure, and sports.

Published on July 30, 2021 @ 03:32PM

‘Cock ring’ may sound like the name of the junk jewelry or boner bling you’d put through a Prince Albert (piercing). But a cock ring is actually a category of pleasure products — and a very underappreciated one at that!

Never heard of ’em or unsure how to use them? Not to worry. Below, three sex educators explain exactly why cock rings can be a fun addition to any sexual play involving a penis or dildo.

What Is a Cock Ring, Exactly?

Let’s start with a definition, k? Also known as pleasure rings and c-rings, cock rings are round (or oval) rings that are designed to either snuggly hug the base of a penis (or dildo), explains Taylor Sparks, erotic educator and founder of Organic Loven, the largest BIPOC-owned online intimacy shop. Some cock rings secure around both the penis and the testicles, she says.

Uhh… What’s the Point of a Cock Ring?

When worn on a biological penis, cock rings are designed to place slight (slight!) pressure on the vein at the base of the penis in order to (slightly!) restrict blood flow, explains sex educator Lisa Finn with sex-toy emporium Babeland. The point? More blood flow = stronger erection + more sensation.

Does this mean cock rings can help a penis-haver with erectile dysfunction stay hard longer? Yes, it does! However, says Finn, “if someone has issues with erectile function, they should check in with their doctor before jumping right into cock rings.” Fair.

Vibrating cock rings have the added benefit of providing buzzy stimulation to both the wearer and the receiver. “The vibrating piece of the ring can be placed against the balls to stimulate the balls and perineum, or on top of the shaft to stimulate the receiver’s anus or vulva,” she says. For vagina-havers who need clitoral stimulation to climax (and most do), vibrating cock rings could be the difference between touching the O-zone and not.

On store-bought cocks (AKA dildos), “cock rings can be used to keep a dildo in a harness during strap-on sex,” says Stewart. And vibrating options have the ability to transform non-vibrating dildos into vibrating dildos, sending buzz up and down the shaft that stimulates both the wearer and receiver, she says. Woo!

When Do You Wear a Cock Ring, Exactly?

There’s a misconception that cock rings are accouterments for P-in-V intercourse, only. But this is most definitely not true. Cock rings can be used during any kind of solo, partnered, or multi-partnered sex act that involves a penis or dildo, says Finn. Including: Anal penetration, masturbation, oral sex, hand sex, outercourse, and more.

Sparks adds that there are some cock rings designed for day-long wear, for kink and/or aesthetic purposes. A Leather Daddy, for example, might choose to wear a leather cock ring to a leather competition, while a Professional Dom might choose to wear a stainless steel ring to a sex party.

Are Cock Rings Safe? 4 Steps For Safe Cock Ring Use

Yep! So long as they are used correctly. Here’s exactly how to use a cock ring correctly.

1. Use a silicone ring for your first dozen uses.

The silicone used in cock rings is pretty darn stretchy, explains Finn, which means silicone-based cock rings are more likely to provide slight pressure for slight blood flow constriction, compared to more rigid metals.

Also: While there are cock rings that go over the shaft and balls, she recommends starting with one that only goes over the shaft. “It’s the easiest way to start because it cuts down on the risk it will be too tight, and makes it easier to remove if it feels uncomfortable.”

Looking for some product suggestions? Finn says her favorite three for first-timers are the Screaming O Primo Tux (Babeland.com, $26), Je Joue Mio (Babeland.com, $109), and Fun Factory Nos (Babeland.com, $99).

2. Wear the correct size!

“Silicone cock rings are one size fits most girths,” says Finn. “But if you know you have a girthier shaft, buy a ring marketed specifically towards girthier shafts.” For example: The Ringo Ritz XL (Babeland.com, $15).

Another option is to try a bolo-style cock ring like the Toyfriend Buddy Ring (Babeland.com, $12) or JBoa by Vel’vor (OrganicLoven.com, $34), which allow you to customize how snug the fit is, she says. When adjusting one of these babies on your shaft, aim for “pressure” not “pain”.

If you eventually level up to a metal or glass cock ring, you’ll need to do a little measure-and-math. Start by wrapping a string around your penis, then measuring that length on a ruler or measuring tape to find the circumference of your penis, explains sex educator Bobby Box, co-host of the Bad in Bed: Queer Sex (Education) podcast recommends. “Cock rings are sold by diameter (not circumference),” he says. So, you’ll need to divide that measurement by pi (3.14) to find your diameter. Then, when metal ring shopping, look for that diameter on the packaging.

3. Put it on before you’re rock hard.

Ideally, you want to slide the ring down the shaft when you’re flaccid or just semi-erect. “You don’t want to put it on a penis that is above half-mass, unless we’re talking about a store-bought penis,” says Finn. Why? Because sliding the ring down an erency penis can create an uncomfortable tugging sensation, she says.

No matter the state of your peen, she suggests applying lube to both the inside of the ring and the shaft before trying to shimmy the ring down to minimize friction, she explains.

As a reminder: Silicone-based lubricant is not compatible with silicone pleasure products. And oil-based lubes aren’t compatible with latex barriers. So opt for a water-based lubricant like Sutil Water Based Luxe Body Glide (Babeland.com, $42).

4. Take it off slowly!

Usually, people wait to remove the cock ring until after they’ve ejaculated and/or become less-hard. When the penis is soft, the cock ring will slide off pretty easily with a lil lube.

That said, it is possible to remove the ring if you’re still hard! And you should do so if you’re uncomfortable or your body is turning blue, says Sparks. “Always follow the signals from your body. Your body will tell you if the ring is too tight.”

Good news: Doing so won’t hurt, according to Finn. “Simply apply lube and slowly, slowly roll the ring back up the shaft if at any point the ring starts to feel uncomfortable.” (It shouldn’t need to be said, but please don’t take scissors to the ring while it’s on your shaft!)

How an Erectile Dysfunction Ring Can Help Erectile Dysfunction

What Are Cock Rings?

Why People Like Them

Myths About Cock Rings

How to Try Cock Rings Safely