Do you want to learn how to use a cock ring? You’ve come to the right place. I’ve tried 25+ different cock rings of all shapes, sizes, and kinks.
I’ve learned how to put on a cock ring the right way—and I’ve also made some embarrassing and painful mistakes.
Yes, it’s possible to use a cock ring the wrong way. It can be potentially dangerous, and it can also cause condom malfunctions (and babies), so make sure to read carefully.
Having said that, cock rings are definitely worth using. They’re some of the most affordable sex toys out there, and they do way more to improve your sex life than most of the flashy, fancy toys out there.
In my opinion, cock rings are the #1 essential sex toy to keep on your bedside table. They make you harder, they make you bigger, and they improve sensation from the first thrust to the final bust.
You’ve just got to learn to wrangle your dangle safely—and you’ve got to buy the right cock ring.
You’ll learn how to do both below.
Top Cock Rings for Beginners
There are a bunch of types of cock rings out there, and different rings are used in different ways.
Below, I’m going to tell you how to use a basic stretchy or adjustable cock ring (these are the most common cock rings, and they’re the easiest to use).
If you don’t have a cock ring yet, choose one of the basics below. These are all reliable and safe options by trusted brands.
I don’t recommend beginners to try an advanced cock ring like a dual-ring cock ring or a solid cock ring. Not yet, at least!
How to Use a Cock Ring (Basic)
These instructions are for single-ring and adjustable cock rings. If your cock ring has two rings or a butt plug or some other weird stuff going on, read this section and THEN read the next section on advanced cock ring use.
👉 Get a little hard
The best time to put on a cock ring is when you’re in a semi-flaccid state. Cock rings should fit tight in order to restrict the blood flow to your D and keep you hard as a diamond.
So, it can be tricky to put one on when you’re already rock-solid.
Instead, keep your erection status in mind during foreplay and slide your ring on when you start to chub up. If you’ve missed the opportunity, you’re not out of luck.
Most sets of stretchy cock rings come in a variety of sizes, so you can opt for a larger, more comfy fit (even if it doesn’t do the job quite as well).
If you’re using an adjustable cock ring, this is less of an issue. But it’s still easier to put on when you’re semi-flaccid.
👉 Lube up
As I mentioned, cock rings are meant to feel extra snug around your member. So, lube is a must both for comfort and safety.
All you have to do is lube your shaft before you slide the ring on.
If you’re placing the ring around your scrotum, you should also lube up your balls—generously. It’s not always easy to slide your balls through the ring, making this a potential OUCH moment.
If you lube those balls well, they’ll slip through the ring without problems.
The best lube to use with a cock ring is generally a water-based lube. I recommend Sliquid H2O and Fuck Water Clear.
Silicone lube is also a good choice. It’s much slicker than water-based lube, but you can’t use it with silicone cock rings, which include many types of vibrating cock rings.
Check to make sure your ring is not made of silicone, and then try a silicone sex lube like Gun Oil or Spunk Pure Silicone.
👉 Slide the ring on carefully
This is the moment of truth. And it’s also the moment when guys get confused. Do you slide the cock ring to the base of the shaft above the balls?
Or do you put it on below the scrotum? Do you put it on before or after the condom?
The answer: You can do it however you want. The only WRONG way is to put the cock ring on over the condom. Let’s break down the ways you can don a cock ring:
👉 The easy way: This is the best way for beginners. Don’t worry about the balls. Just slide the ring down your shaft until your reach the balls and stop.
This will still get you nice and hard, and it’ll be much easier to put the ring on and take it off.
👉 The classic way: To get the best results when using a cock ring, you should wear it around both your shaft and scrotum.
This restricts blood flow at the source of your shaft and allows you to penetrate your partner more completely. After lubing up, slide your testicles through the cock ring one at a time.
Next, stretch the ring as much as you can and bend your semi-flaccid D, passing it through the ring.
If you’re using an adjustable ring, loosen it as much as possible so you can fit your penis and balls through. Then, tighten it once it’s on.
👉 The condom way: You can wear a condom with a cock ring in both of the ways described above. Just make sure to put the cock ring on before the condom.
Remember, a cock ring goes on when you’re semi-flaccid, and a condom goes on when you’re hard.
The cock ring should never be on top of the condom, and the condom should never be on top of the cock ring. Friction with a cock ring can cause condoms to tear.
👉 The vibrating way: Vibrating cock rings add a little buzz to your bang. They’re made for clit stimulation, but they feel good on your D too. Vibrating rings should only be worn the easy way (above the scrotum).
👉 Take the ring off after 20-30 minutes
This is important: it’s not safe to wear a cock ring for more than 30 minutes. Restricting the blood flow to your bone is a lot of fun in the short term, but it can cause issues if you try to go for marathon sessions.
Keep your cock on the clock, and take the ring off after 20-30 minutes. If you tend to lose track of time while meandering through pleasure town, consider setting an alarm on your phone.
What if you want to wear your penis ring for longer? You don’t have to take it off forever. Just give your D a breather and put the ring on again after 20 minutes or so.
If you start to feel pain or discomfort at any time, it means it’s time to take the ring off—even if 30 minutes haven’t passed.
How to Use a Cock Ring (Advanced)
If you’re ready to try a more advanced cock ring, you should know that you need to use them a bit differently. When I say advanced, I mean:
👉 Dual-ring cock rings (also known as cock and ball cock rings)
👉 Hard cock rings (as opposed to stretchy)
👉 Anal cock rings (they have butt plugs attached)
These cock rings are harder to put on and take off than the basic rings above. While they can boost your pleasure, they also have a higher potential to cause discomfort.
So, how do you use advanced cock rings?
The only difference from the steps above is that you should put advanced rings on when you’re totally flaccid or near flaccid.
These rings are less flexible than stretchy or adjustable rings, so your D needs to be as malleable as possible in order to comfortably get the ring in position.
Keep in mind that these are not the types of rings you put on in the heat of the moment. Put them on carefully, and be mindful of the ring as you get hard.
Once you’ve put the ring on and achieved a full erection, you’ll be good to plow.
If you’re new to advanced rings, you might also want to take them off a bit early just to give yourself the time to do so.
These penis rings are a lot easier to take off once you’ve climaxed, so if you’re trying to go all night, I recommend a basic ring.
You Should Know: Cock Ring Safety
Cock rings are totally safe as long as you use them correctly. To make sure you have nothing to worry about, remember the safety tips below.
👉 The Golden Rule—take the cock ring off after 20-30 minutes: It bears repeating this rule because it’s the most important one for cock ring safety.
Wearing a cock ring for too long is the easiest way to run into problems such as discomfort and injury. Set an alarm, and take it off with plenty of time to spare.
👉 Always use lube: Using plenty of lube will make your cock ring much easier to put on and take off. It’ll also make it more comfortable during sex, preventing pinches and pulled pubes.
If you’re wearing a cock ring below the scrotum, remember to generously lube your shaft and balls.
👉 Don’t use a cock ring while under the influence: The last thing you want to do is pass out while wearing a cock ring. If you’re under the influence, it’s a lot easier than you think to conk out after an orgasm.
👉 Listen to your body: If you feel pain, numbness, or discomfort while wearing a cock ring, take it off. A cock ring should feel tight, and you will experience some pressure as a result of the restricted blood flow.
While this can be a bit weird at first, it shouldn’t feel bad. If your cock ring makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s not safe (or fun) to use. Usually, this means you need to try a larger size.
👉 Use the right size cock ring: Finding a cock ring that fits is the key to having a safe and pleasurable experience.
It might take a few tries before finding the right cock ring for your cucumber. That’s why cock ring sets are great options for beginners. You can try a few different sizes in one pack.
There are some people who may have a higher risk of complications when using a cock ring. If you fall into one of the following categories, ask your doctor before trying a penis ring.
👉 You have diabetes
👉 You have heart disease
👉 You have a blood or nerve disorder
👉 You take blood-thinners
👉 You have a penis injury or have had one
Have Better Sex with a Cock Ring
Using a cock ring is one of the best ways to improve your sex life instantly. By sliding on a penis ring, you can increase the size and hardness of your erection.
With all that blood rushing into your most sensitive nerve endings, sex feels way better with a cock ring too. And thanks to the pressure applied to your D, you can expect BIG finishes that last LONGER.
Learning to use a cock ring requires a little time and attention, but it’s actually very easy. At the end of the day, you’re just putting a ring on your penis.
Now that you know the safety tips and basic guidelines above, you can expect smooth sailing.
That’s about it.
If you’re looking for a ring that fits, you can find loads of options here.
If you want to learn more about cock rings, check out the complete guide to cock rings here.
You’ll learn about all the different types of cock rings, and I’ll introduce you to some of my faves (PLUS: way too many Lord of the Rings memes).