Editor’s note: This article was originally published in June 2022 and was updated on 12th August 2025 for relevance and comprehensiveness.

Want a stronger erection for longer? Sex educator Emma Hewitt explains how to put on a cock ring for your best orgasm yet! Here's a guide on how to slip on a cock ring and let the good times roll…

Ready to learn everything you need to know about how to put on and wear a cock ring to enjoy longer, stronger erections and orgasms? Let’s dive right in!

This guide covers:

• What are cock rings?
• How do cock rings work?
• Different types of cock rings
• How to put on a cock ring
• How to use a cock ring safely
• How to get the perfect cock ring size

What is a cock ring?

There are many benefits to using a cock ring or multiple cock rings at once.

Cock rings, also known as C-rings, penis rings, or even pleasure rings, are hugely popular sex toys for penis owners that can be used for masturbation or as part of couples’ play. It’s a ring that you put on an erect, or semi-erect, penis to create a bigger, fuller erection and prolong orgasm. It’s great fun for everyone involved.

They are great to use with a partner, but can also be used during solo sex.

Originally made from jade, ivory and animal skins, they are now made of steel, silicone, rubber or plastic, and there are even vibrating cock rings available.

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How do cock rings work?

Cock rings help with maintaining an erection by preventing the blood from flowing out of the erectile tissues in the penis. This helps to create a stronger erection that feels firmer and lasts longer than it would without the ring. When you do orgasm, the orgasm can feel more intense and gratifying.

The trapped blood will also increase your penises sensitivity, so things tend to feel much more intense when you wear a cock ring.

What types of cock rings are there?

Different types of cock rings: Single loop cock ring – shaft only

A single-loop cock ring is a super common type of penis ring and probably the one that comes to mind when you think of one. It’s a simple loop that sits at the base of the penis and has no fancy frills. These rings are nice and simple but extremely effective. Single-loop penis rings that sit on the shaft of the penis only are great for helping to maintain a firm erection as they trap the blood inside the erection and slow its flow back out. They are great for anyone who is looking for a rock-hard erection, more sensitivity in the penis and those with erectile dysfunction (ED).

This type of ring is made from materials that stretch to sit firmly yet comfortably on the shaft of the penis. Due to their level of stretch, this style typically accommodates all sizes, regardless of girth. Common materials are silicone, TPE or TPR.

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Different types of cock rings: Single loop cock ring – shaft & balls

If you are using a cock ring to last longer in bed, then you will want to purchase a cock ring that can be worn around the shaft and behind the testicles. This style will prolong ejaculation as it holds the testicles away from the body.

When you ejaculate, the testicles pull up into the body, so a cock ring worn this way will prevent that, therefore prolonging the time before orgasm. This type of ring also acts as a push-up bra for your penis and testicles. The ring pushes everything up and forward, meaning there is more contact with your partner’s body.

The materials for this style are the same as the single-loop penis ring for the shaft only, but they may be slightly thicker to be more comfortable to the wearer.

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Different types of cock rings: Double Loop Penis Ring

A double-loop cock ring has the same effect as a ring that goes around the penis and the balls, but it uses two stretchy loops instead of one. These are usually joined together at a point so that they stay connected, but the penis and the testicles each get their own loop. They are designed to maintain a firm penis and help the wearer last longer, too.

Again, this type of ring is usually made from stretchy materials that can stretch wide over the penis but stay firm when they are properly in place. Look out for silicone, TPE or TPR.

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Different types of cock rings: Adjustable cock rings

If you are new to cock rings or want to make sure you are using the exact right fit, then check out an adjustable cock ring as these are great beginner cock rings. These are available in all sorts of different materials and styles and are used mainly around the shaft of the penis only, but some sit around both the shaft and the testicles. There are lasso-style rings, which you can adjust to exactly your preferred tightness, or there are rings with multiple domes so you can choose the size that fits you best. These are also much easier to get off once you are finished, so they are a great choice for beginners.

You can find adjustable penis rings in a wide variety of materials, including silicone, TPE, TPR, leather or metal.

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Different types of cock rings: Metal cock rings

Now, this style is for advanced users only! Metal cock rings are extremely good at what they do, but as the name suggests, they are made from metal that does not have any stretch. At all! The use of a rigid penis ring is going to give you great results. It is designed to fit around both the penis and the testicles to give you a firmer look and feel and more sensitivity to your penis. For many users, there is also great enjoyment from the look of these rings, and I have to admit, they do look pretty damn amazing when they are on.

Rigid penis rings are commonly made from metal, but you will also find aluminium rings and ABS plastic rings.

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Different types of cock rings: Vibrating cock rings

The majority of the above styles also have options that will vibrate. This may be in the form of a removable bullet vibrator or a permanent fixture at the top of the loop that may also have texture or additional rabbit ears for stimulation. In most cases, vibrating cock rings are designed to stimulate the partner of the person wearing it during penetrative sex. Vibrating penis rings are particularly popular for stimulating the clitoris. But there is also the option to stimulate the testicles if you flip the ring around so that it sits underneath the balls of the wearer.

Some styles will even include multiple vibrators so that you can both enjoy some added vibration while you play.

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Check out the full range of vibrating cock rings here.

How to put on a cock ring

There are many ways to wear a cock ring, depending on the style of the ring and what kind of outcome you are wanting from it.

Before you begin…

• Consider trimming your pubic hair to prevent tugging as you get the ring on and off. Silicone rings tend to tug on hair a bit, and grooming can help to prevent this.
• Use lube! Use lube around the inside of the ring to help get it on comfortably. Make sure you are using a lubricant that is compatible with your ring material. Silicone lubricant shouldn’t be used with silicone cock rings. Stick to water-based lubricant instead.

How to put on a single-loop cock ring

Cock rings worn only on the shaft of the penis work best for rings that are small and stretchy. Cock rings in this location will help to constrict blood vessels and maintain a strong erection. These types of rings should be put on when the penis is erect or semi-erect, as this will make it a lot easier to get on.

Getting a single-loop cock ring on might initially take a little practice, but it will become easier after a few tries. You want to start with an erect penis, so make sure you are adequately aroused and have the cock ring at the ready. I suggest you use a little water-based lubricant around the inside of the ring too, so you can manoeuvre it into the right position. Now stretch that ring out, lower it onto the base of your shaft and release it slowly. But be careful while you do this. It’s basically a rubber band for your penis, and if you let it snap, it’s going to hurt, as I’m sure you can imagine.

How to put on a single loop cock ring around the shaft & balls

Getting this type of ring on is quite a different process from one that only goes on the shaft. With this ring, you need to put it on while you have a flaccid penis. Apply some water-based lubricant to the inside of your ring and slide your testicles through the ring one by one, and then slide your flaccid penis through too.

How to put on a double loop cock ring

This type of ring offers a little more ease of movement, so you can choose whether you want to put it on while you are flaccid or erect. Again, just lube the inside of both rings to make getting it on a lot easier. Then slide your penis through the first loop, and then put your testicles through the second one. It might take a little rejigging, so lubricant is essential here.

How to put on an adjustable cock ring

With lasso-style cock rings, you want to ensure that you are already erect. Then keep the lasso wide and slide your penis through the loop. You can then use the two ends to adjust to your chosen tightness. Dome-style rings can be wrapped around your erect penis and done up with the domes to suit your preferences. Just be very careful with this style to avoid catching your skin or hair inside the domes.

How to put on a metal cock ring

A rigid cock ring is only going to go on if you are completely flaccid. No erection and no semi! Slide your balls through first, and then slide your penis through. And, don’t forget to use lube. You will likely need a lot of it to get this type of ring on properly. I also suggest having a warm shower beforehand to get your genitals as workable as possible.

How to remove a metal cock ring

It’s worth mentioning that these rings can also be difficult to get off once you are done, too. It can’t be removed while you are still erect, so let yourself calm down and remove anything that is stimulating your body or your mind. If that fails, ice it. And, try not to get too worked up, which I know is much easier said than done. But staying calm and using lube really will help you.

A few expert tips to make putting on a cock ring easy

• If you don't already groom your genital region, I recommend you start. Either trimming or shaving the pubic area is going to prevent any tugging or pulling on the hair as you put on or remove the cock ring.
• If you are struggling to get the cock ring on, have a hot shower to really soften up. If the testicles are cold, then they will tuck up into the body for warmth and make putting on a cock ring into a near-impossible task.
• Can't get it off? Don’t panic! Just make like Vanilla Ice and ice, ice baby. But really, do. Ice will help to ease your erection and make everything a little bit smaller and easier to manoeuvre. And don't forget to apply more lube to add some extra slipperiness. It really does help.
• And don't forget the golden rule of all sex toys: lubricant. Lube, lube, lube it up and make the situation a whole lot easier on yourself.

How to remove a cock ring

If you are using a stretchy ring, stretch it out and lift it over your penis. It will be easier if you are still erect while you do this.

If you are using a solid ring, you will need to wait until you are flaccid to remove it so you can push your soft penis back through the loop, then push the testicles through one at a time. Apply a bit more lube to your penis if this is difficult.

The general rule of cock rings is to remove them after 20 - 30 minutes of use. It is generally considered safe to restrict blood circulation for short periods, but if you go over this, you are at risk of causing tissue damage. It can also become painful after this time, so always listen to your body.

Are cock rings safe to use?

Cock rings are safe to use so long as you use them correctly.

The ring should be snug but not too tight. As you are restricting the flow of blood through the shaft of the penis, you need to pay close attention to how it feels and looks to ensure that you are keeping safe.

If you are new to cock rings, we recommend you wear them for no longer than 15 minutes at a time while you get used to the sensation.

When you have more experience, you can wear it for up to 30 minutes at a time. Any longer than this puts you at risk of damaging the tissues of the penis.

Cock rings add pressure to the penis, but this shouldn’t feel painful. Pain, numbness or drastic discolouration of the penis is a sign that you need to remove the ring. A little bit of colour change is normal, but if the penis is turning bright red or purple, this is an indication that the ring may be too tight.

How to choose the right-sized cock ring

The size of your cock ring is super important to ensure that it remains comfortable and safe to use. And, it's particularly important if you are choosing a penis ring that is made from a rigid material like steel, aluminium or plastic.

A cock ring has two measurements. The outside diameter (OD) and the inside diameter (ID).

The ID is the more important of the two, as this is the part that your erect penis needs to fit through. You can get this measurement by taking a measuring tape or ruler and measuring directly across the open area inside the ring. Since the ring is round, it does not matter whether you measure vertically or horizontally, as the measurement will be the same. Just ensure you go right across the middle of the ring.

Then you will need to measure your penis. So, grab that measuring tape and let’s do this. You need to pick a ring that has a diameter that is slightly smaller than the diameter of your erect penis. Make sure you are measuring as close to your body as possible, as that is where the cock ring will sit.

To get the diameter of your penis, measure the circumference (around) of your penis and divide that by Pi (3.14).

If you have a ring that goes around the penis and balls, include the balls in your circumference measurement, getting as close as possible to your body and then divide that number by Pi.

If you are unsure of the size, stick to a stretchy material, or choose a set that has multiple sizes. That way, you should be able to find one that suits you.

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What to be aware of when using a cock ring

• Excess swelling
• Discolouration of the skin to bright red or purple
• Discomfort – it should feel snug, not painful
• Pain
• Coldness
• Numbness

If you feel any of these symptoms, remove the cock ring immediately. It might mean you need a larger ring or an adjustable ring that allows you to ease the pressure.

Consult with a doctor before using a cock ring if you experience any of the following:

• Have any injuries or wounds on your penis or testicles
• Are on blood-thinning medication
• Have diabetes
• Have a nerve disease or blood disease
• Have any heart condition like cardiovascular disease

Keen to check out the different cock ring styles?

Check out my ATMS TV video about the different types of cock rings and what to think about before you purchase. It should help point you in the right direction of the perfect ring for your needs from Adulttoymegastore.

Read more:

• The 8 best cock rings for every budget
• The top 7 masturbation sex toys for penises

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Adulttoymegastore does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for illness. Any information published on this website, either by Adulttoymegastore or its authors, is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a medical professional.