This sex toy helps you get harder, last longer, and have better orgasms

By wrapping the ring around the base of your penis and (in most cases) under your scrotum, it can improve the size and stiffness of your erection. It can help you last longer. It can even help your partner get off.

Here’s how.

THE BENEFITS OF PENIS RINGS

Penis Rings Help You Stay Harder, LongerRegardless of the type of cock ring you use, they all function in a similar way. The ring traps blood inside the shaft of your penis, which helps you maintain a rock-hard erection, says Dr. Brian Steixner, M.D., chief of urology at Atlanticare Regional Medical Center.

A tight-fitting ring at the base of your penis can also help prevent “venous leakage,” a type of erectile dysfunction that results when tissues in your penis fail to properly lock in blood, Dr. Steixner says.

Penis Rings Boost Your Confidence If you know a cock ring can help keep you hard, that knowledge may help a ring relieve boner-deflating performance anxiety, says sex and relationship therapist Chris Donaghue, Ph.D.

“Erections require relaxation,” he explains.

Anything that helps you feel more confident and less anxious—whether it’s a ring or an ED drug—will help you relax and perform better.

Penis Rings May Delay and Intensify Your OrgasmThere’s not much published research on cock ring benefits. But anecdotally, some men say that by compressing the area surrounding the base of your penis and testicles—almost like a modified version of the squeeze technique—rings help delay their ejaculation, says Brandon Bartling, manager of the Pleasure Chest sex shop in New York City.

Other guys report that cock rings give them more forceful, pleasurable orgasms, Bartling says.

Penis Rings Can Make Sex Better For Your PartnerVibrating cock rings can help stimulate your partner’s clitoris, Bartling says. Other models have built-in “girth extenders” that make your penis feel wider to her when you’re inside her.

ARE PENIS RINGS SAFE?

Most of the time, yes, says Men’s Health Sex Professor Debby Herbenick, Ph.D. Just follow these guidelines.

Make Sure It Fits CorrectlyYou want the ring tight—but not so tight that you feel numb.

“I recommend adjustable or stretchy silicone for novices because they are easier to adjust to your size,” says Kara Emry, manager of the sex-toy store The Stockroom in Los Angeles.

Take It Off After 20 MinutesMost manufacturers warn against wearing a ring for longer than 20 minutes.

“The penis can be permanently injured if the ring is left on too long,” Dr. Steixner says. “If a man feels numbness, pain, or notices the skin is changing color, remove it.”

ManscapeTrim or shave before strapping on your ring.

“Nothing spoils the mood like unwanted pain from hair being pulled when putting on a cock ring,” says Hernando Chaves, a sex therapist based in Beverly Hills.

THE 4 TYPES OF PENIS RINGS

Adjustable RingsThe most popular type of ring, these use Velcro, snaps, D-rings, or lasso-style adjusters to help you easily wrap on and remove the toy, says Emry. They’re worn underneath your scrotum and around your penis.

Stretchy Cock RingsUsually made of a soft silicone, this type of ring is a closed circle that you stretch to wrap around your penis and under your balls.

“They’re a popular choice because they are easy to remove, but because they’re not adjustable, they may not be as tight as the wearer would like,” Emry explains.

For a great starter pack, check out this set from the Men’s Health store.

Vibrating Cock RingsVibrating cock rings—like this one from the Men’s Health store—feature a small motor that provides vibrating sensations for you and your partner.

“Some men love the vibration, but mostly these are worn to help the woman achieve a more intense clitoral climax,” Emry says.

Unlike the other rings on this list, vibrating cock rings are usually worn at the base of the shaft but not below the testicles.

Hitting her hot spots using a vibrating ring can take a little practice. You may need to stay deep inside her—working your hips from side to side instead of moving in and out, says Chaves.

“Missionary and girl-on-top work best with vibrating cock rings when it comes to clitoral sensation,” he says.

Solid Cock RingsMade of metal or steel, solid rings are not for beginners. They’re worn at the base of the penis and behind the scrotum, and are hard to remove in a pinch.

“If a man uses one that’s too small for his erectile capacity, it can cause penile damage,” Donaghue says.

On the other hand, Chaves says, “Many people love metal cock rings for their extra firm grip and kinky look.”