Many men are interested in experimenting with sex toys, but don’t know where to begin. Whenever considering trying a new toy, it’s important to understand the intended purpose, different options available and safety concerns associated with the product. For men interested in cock rings, the following information will help maximize pleasure while maintaining penis health.
What are they?
Cock rings fit either around the base of the penis or around the base of the penis as well as the top of the testicles. Some have adjustable straps, while others are solid and one-sized.
Purposes
Cock rings serve two main purposes: 1) restricting blood flow out of the penis, thereby helping men maintain erections; and 2) providing extra pressure that many men find pleasurable. Some cock rings are designed to serve both purposes.
Rings that fit around the penis and testicles are the most common type. These are less efficient at maintaining blood within the penis, but tend to provide extra pleasure. The rings that fit solely around the penis are designed more for maintaining erections, but men should be aware that they don’t guarantee a raging hard-on; rather, they generally keep the penis at least semi-stiff, enabling intercourse.
Variations
Some cock rings come with a vibrating component that can both provide stimulation to a woman’s clitoris during intercourse as well as additional stimulation to the man wearing the ring. There are also cock rings with extra straps designed to separate the testicles, a sensation some men enjoy.
As mentioned above, some rings are adjustable, while others are solid. Materials vary; some are made of soft silicone, for example, while others are made with tougher leather. Men just starting out may want to go with adjustable rings constructed of softer materials, for both comfort and ease of removal.
Safety
Cock rings are safe when used correctly, but there are a few important cautionary points to keep in mind.
First, rings should not be worn for more than 20 minutes. They restrict blood flow, and this can be damaging to tissues if continued for a long period of time. Men just starting out are well-advised to keep rings on for no more than 10 minutes at a time to acclimate to the sensation and the restriction of circulation.
Men using solid, non-adjustable rings should have medical scissors nearby in case emergency removal is needed. Generally, lubricant, cold water or ice can facilitate removal, but if these don’t work, it’s important to be able to cut the ring off.
Cock rings should not be used by people with blood clotting disorders, bleeding disorders, diabetes, peripheral nerve disease or vascular disease. They should also not be relied upon as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, a condition that may be caused by a variety of physical or psychological issues that should be addressed.
Men experimenting with new toys may find that their sex lives become much more exciting and enjoyable. On the other hand, they may notice that their penises are sorer and more chafed after sexual activity with sex toys such as cock rings.
Along with using lubricant while masturbating or having sex, men can alleviate the toll on their penis skin with the use of a quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). Such a moisturizer, equipped with Shea butter and vitamin E, and made specifically for the penis, will protect the skin from the frictions of the day. Man1 Man Oil also contains acetyl L-carnitine, an amino acid that helps prevent peripheral nerve damage that may result from regular, rough use of the penis. Keeping the member skin healthy is just as important to a man’s sexual wellbeing as incorporating exciting new methods into his repertoire.
