The complete guide til penisrings
Which penis ring should I choose?
With benefits like harder, more intense erections, the option to reach climax with no hands, or stimulating you and your partner(s) at the same time, it's no wonder the penis ring is here to stay - but which one is right for you?
What even is a penis ring?
A penis ring, sometimes called a cockring, is a sex toy for people with a penis, and it works by constricting the blood flow. Due to the pressure from the ring, blood will stay in the penis for a longer duration, which means you can experience a harder and stronger erection. Some also report lasting for longer, and an orgasm feels more intense.
Penis rings come in many different materials and varies in hardness. Penis rings in soft silicone enjoy the benefit of being easy to put on or take off, while rings of a harder material needs to fit more accurately to be effective. Please be aware that a penis ring must never fit so tightly that it is uncomfortable or painful, and if it is, you need to take it off. To figure out which size you need, you can measure the circumference of the penis when it is erect. You can use a soft tape measure or wrap a piece of string or something like it around the penis and then measure the length. Afterwards you divide this number with pi (3,14), so you get the circumference your penis rings is supposed to be. If this is a little too elaborate or a little too much math for your taste, you can also get packets of penis rings with multiple sizes.
For the beginners, it can be recommended to use an adjustable penis ring, like this one from Tickler Vibes. With an adjustable penis ring you can easily adjust the pressure around the penis, so you can easily get used to the feeling and figure out which amount of pressure is right for you. In this way you can figure out which size is right for you, and then you can always upgrade to a classic penis ring if interested.
How do I put it on?
The penis ring is typically placed around the shaft at the root, but can also be placed around the scrotum or a combination. Some people find it easier to put the penis ring on when the penis is flaccid, while others prefer the opposite. There is not one right answer, so do what feels best for you. However, it is worth mentioning that there are certain benefits in waiting until the penis is erect, so the blood has had time to circulate and flow out into the penis before you constrict the blood flow.
It can also be a good idea to use a little water-based lubricant so the application is even easier, but don't use too much, you don't want it sliding off immediately after you put it on.
Vibrating or not?
If you feel like treating yourself to a little extra, or want to get a new sex toy for you and your partner(s) to use, a vibrating penis ring could be a great option. A vibrating penis ring, like this one from Satisfyer, can be ideal to stimulate both you and your partner, for example for stimulating the clitoris. There are also multiple vibrating penis ring which can be controlled with an app, like this one or this one, which can be very practical when you're lying close and risk pushing the button to control the vibration pattern. By using the app you avoid accidentally changing the vibration pattern (possibly right before climax - that is annoying), and then you also have the added option to create vibrations based on music of your choice.
Who cannot use a penis ring?
If you haven't used a penis ring before, it's very possible that you need to use the ring a few times before you have gotten used to the feeling - but that doesn't mean just accepting if it hurts. As is the case with all sex toys, it is supposed to be used for pleasure, like a little silicone extension of your body. But if it doesn't feel natural or good, the simple advice is to simply not use it.
With that being said, there are a few precautions to take when it comes to penis rings. As a starting point, the penis ring should never be left on for too long, and a lot of people say 20-30 minutes max. However, it is completely individual what feels good, for some it is shorter, while for others it is longer. A good rule of thumb is to take it off as soon as it starts being uncomfortable or hurts, and of course never sleep with it on. If you are on blood-thinning medication it's a good idea to consult your doctor before using a penis ring. A penis ring can also easily be used with a condom (so no excuses!!), simply put on the condom before putting the ring on.
