How to Wear and Use a Cock Ring in 5 Steps

Cock rings are the true unsung heroes of the sex toy world!

Just wear a ring around your cock (and balls, if you like) and you can enjoy stronger erections, more intense sensations, and even feel bigger!

That’s a lot from one little ring.

So, if you’re a cock ring rookie and are looking for the right way to wear one, then you’re in the right place.

We’ll go through:

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Wearing a Cock Ring

Find your perfect cock ring

1. Find Your Perfect Cock Ring

The first, and perhaps most important step on your journey to cock ring mastery? Choosing the right ring for your penis!

Here are a few key things to consider when looking for a cock ring:

  • Shape – There’s are so many types of cock ring out there, so you have a lot to pick from. Some are thinner, round cock rings that can be easier to wear, while others are thicker and may provide more constriction. There are also vibrating cock rings that even come with rabbit ears for additional clitoral stimulation for your partner, or even cock rings with multiple loops for the penis and testicles.
  • Materials – What your cock ring is made out of will affect how it feels, as well as how it performs. The most common penis ring material is probably TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) or other another soft plastic, which can provide a lot of stretch to the cock ring. Silicone cock rings is another great option, as it’s easier to clean and maintain, but has less elasticity. Metal cock rings are the firmest of the bunch, and are only recommended if you have a fair amount of experience under your belt.
trim your pubes

2. Trim Down There

I’m a big advocate for wearing your pubic hair however you please. However, it’s an unavoidable fact that wearing cock rings and having long pubes just don’t mix.

Trying to put on or take off a cock ring with long pubic hair can result in a lot of uncomfortable pulling and even ripping. Just getting a hair or two trapped as you wear it can be a mood-killing level of painful.

That doesn’t mean have to go full Brazilian — just trim the hair in the area(s) that you’ll be wearing the penis ring. If you’re just planning on wearing a cock ring around the glans, or head of your dick, then you can get away with no trimming at all!

3. Start Out with a Flaccid or Semi-Erect Penis

Start out with a flaccid or semi-erect penis

This may go without saying, but cock rings are meant to be tight. That’s the whole reason why cock rings work.

However, putting a tight cock ring on an erect penis is not particular comfortable or practical.

Trying to wear a cock ring on a penis that’s already erect will mean that the ring is too tight to be slid down the shaft. Plus, there won’t be enough flexibility there to manipulate it to where you want it to be.

Some penis-owners prefer to put a on a cock ring when they have a semi, rather than being completely flaccid. This is because there’s already some blood in the penis, whereas a totally soft penis may struggle to get enough blood in it if a penis ring is already in place.

Experiment and find out what works best for you!

4. Lube Up

Lube up yourself and your cock ring

Lube is truly your best friend is almost every sex scenario. Wearing a cock ring is no exception!

Before you put on your cock ring, apply a liberal amount of lube to both your penis and the inside of the ring. This will help it slide to wherever it needs to be. Don’t be afraid to reapply if necessary, either.

Which lube you choose depends on the kind of cock ring you’re using. In general, we like to recommend using a water-based lube like Sliquid H2O with your sex toys — its the least likely to react with your toys or your body.

Silicone-based lubes can last longer but can damage silicone sex toys, and oil-based lubes are a no-go if you’re using latex condoms. For more info, check out our ultimate lube guide!

5. Put on Your Cock Ring

Put on your cock ring

We’re finally here: the main event…

Putting on a cock ring isn’t difficult, but it might take a couple of tries to get the technique down. And which technique you use will depend on where you want to wear your cock ring.

If your cock ring is going on the shaft, in front of the balls, then all you need to do is place it on the end of your lubed-up penis. Then, gently slide it down until it reaches the base and feels comfortably tight.

If you have a cock and testicle ring that sits behind the balls, then you should take a different approach. Start by gently pushing one testicle through the ring and then the other. Then, fold your penis pointing downward through the ring and slowly push it through until the ring sits comfortably around your cock and balls.

Another important thing to remember is to put your cock ring on before you put a condom on. This will stop your from accidentally ripping or otherwise damaging it. You may also want to consider wearing your ring behind the balls to give the condom enough space.

Our Fave Cock Ring Sex Positions

Now you’ve got your cock ring on, it’s time to put it to the test!

Here are some of our expert-recommended sex positions to get the most out of your cock ring…

Missionary

Some of the best sex positions to use when wearing a cock ring are, unsurprisingly, the ones that allow maximum contact with the ring. This is especially true when using a penis ring that vibrates or has textures that are meant to stimulate the clitoris or perineum.

Missionary-style positions are an easy introduction to penetrative sex with a cock ring. The closeness of the two of you will mean that the ring will get some great contact with the clitoris, as well as creating some amazing feelings of connectedness as a couple.

Missionary position

Cowgirl

Positions where the receiver sits and rides the cock ring wearer are similarly good for getting up close and personal with all the right sweet spots.

‘Normal’ cowgirl (or cowboy, or cowperson), where the rider faces their partner, is fantastic for clit contact, as well as that much-needed eye contact. However, reverse riding, where the rider faces the other way, can be a great way to stimulate the perineum too.

If you find that you’re not getting enough contact with the cock ring, try having the wearer sit upright and then ride them while also sitting, reducing the space between you even more.

Cowgirl position

Doggy

Doggy-style positions, where the penetrator stands or kneels and the receiver positions themselves on all-fours facing the same way, can sometimes be hit-or-miss when it comes to penis ring stimulation.

However, they can be ideal for stimulating the perineum, which doesn’t always get the love it deserves.

Doggy-style position

Getting Hands-y

Penetrative sex is certainly not the only way to enjoy a cock ring. If you or your partner are partial to getting some sweet hand loving, then why not pop on a cock ring to enhance the experience?

Choosing to wear a penis ring while being pleasured by your partner’s (or your own) hands can make it last longer and make that sweet release even sweeter.

Handjob with a cock ring

Creative Ways to Use a Cock Ring Solo

Put it on a Dildo

If either you or your partner don’t have a penis on which to place a cock ring, never fear! All of the amazing benefits of penis ring sex are not lost – just put one on your favorite dildo and get down to business.

You can use the dildo to penetrate yourself or a partner, either by itself or by placing it in a strap-on harness, and give them the extra stimulation of vibrations running along the shaft.

You could also use the cock ring alone as an external vibrator for the clitoris, perineum, nipples, or any other erogenous zone.

Put a cock ring on a dildo

Combine with a Masturbator

And last, but certainly not least, why not try combining a cock ring with your favorite pocket pussy or penis vibrator?

Wearing a cock ring whilst you enjoy the sensations of a Fleshlight, or any other kind of masturbator, can allow you to go for longer, and can make your orgasm even more explosive!

You may think of using a masturbator or stroker as a purely solo toy, but they can also be great additions to partner play, too. Let your partner take control as you sit back and savor the sensations – you could even invest in a clear one that allows you both to see the action unfold.

Combine a cock ring with a masturbator

How to Use a Cock Ring Safely

How to use a cock ring safely

Cock rings are one of the easiest ways to give your sex life a boost, and are very safe sex toys when sized and used correctly.

However, since their main purpose is to interfere with your blood flow, it’s important to take some penile protection precautions!

Only Wear It for 30 Minutes or Less

A cock ring shouldn’t stay on your penis for more than 30 minutes. If you’re a cock ring newbie, then you might want to take it off even sooner. The tissue down there is sensitive, and it needs time to relax and return to normal blood flow.

I like to use the analogy of wrapping a rubber band around your finger. It will feel fine for a while, but then it starts to hurt, change color, and really needs the blood to flow normally again.

Watch Out for Warning Signs

While you’re wearing your cock ring, you (and your partner) should keep an eye on your penis for signs that your ring is too tight. These include:

  • Abnormal swelling
  • Numbness
  • Pain
  • Irritation
  • Changes in color or temperature

If you notice your penis displaying any of these symptoms, you should (gently) remove your cock ring immediately. It should return to normal afterward, but you should contact a medical professional if it doesn’t, or if you’re at all concerned.