Many folks equate sex toys with vibrators, and vibrators with women. But men enjoy all kinds of sex toys (including vibrators) and one of the staples of their toy box is the cock ring. A great toy for solo or partner play, the cock ring (also known as a penis ring) is a strip of material or a continuous O-ring designed to restrict the blood from flowing out of the penis, which can prolong an erection. Why wear a cock ring? Lots of reasons! They temporarily create more sensitive, intense and hard erections, and can even help some men delay ejaculation. (Of course, everybody is different, and not all men respond to cock rings the same way. For some, the intense sensations caused by the cock ring make them come faster.) Will cock rings make your penis bigger? Sorry guys, but not in the long run. They may enlarge it temporarily, but repeated use of cock rings won't result in any permanent changes.

Pick a Style, Any Style

There are many kinds of cock rings, but if you're new to cock rings, you'll want to choose one that's adjustable and easy to remove.

• Cock rings that fasten. Basic leather or nylon cock rings are great for beginners because they're easy to put on and can be removed in (literally) a snap. Those with snaps, such as the 5-Snap Leather Cock Ring, can fit a bit more securely, while those with Velcro closures, such as the Velcro Leather Cock Ring, are very adjustable and especially easy to remove.
• Continuous, O-ring-style cock rings. The less expensive styles like the Double Helix cock ring is great for first-time users. They’re not size-specific (and despite their small size, they do stretch a lot), and they're not too difficult to get on. Some, like the Colored Megastretch, are adorned with small nubs which can give some clitoral stimulation if worn during intercourse.
• Vibrating cock rings. These offer an extra buzz to the penis or testicles and are also great fun during partner sex. They're typically rings with a small vibrating attachment, like the Electrosex Penis Rings.

Cock rings with fancy features. Experienced cock ring fans can delight in more complicated leather rings that include multiple straps, testicle separators, or weights, as well as rings made of inflexible materials like aluminum.

Get it On, then Get Off!

1. Prep your gear. If you're using a stretchy O-ring like the ones found in the 4-ring Pack, you might want to increase its diameter by putting it over a shampoo bottle for a few hours. Masturbate or fantasize in order to perk up your penis, as cock rings are easier to put on if you're semi-erect.
2. Lube up. Particularly if you're using a rubber or seamless O-ring, put some lube on your penis and balls, so the cock ring will slide on more comfortably.
3. Location, location, location. Cock rings typically are worn around the base of the cock and the balls. You can just wear it on the shaft (and by all means experiment), but cock rings function the most effectively when secured around both the scrotum and cock.
4. Put cock rings on when you're semi-erect. If you've got a solid cock ring, first pull the loose skin of your scrotum through, then drop one testicle through, then the other, and finally push your penis through. If you're using a strip of material that fastens, like the Velcro Leather Cock Ring or the Vibrating Leather Cock Ring, just gently lift your balls and fasten the strip around the penis and the balls, so it's resting between your genitals and the rest of your body.
5. Masturbate. Once you’ve become accustomed to the sensations your cock ring creates, try masturbating. If your ring is the vibrating type, you can experiment with pointing the vibrating portion on your testicles for an extra buzz.
6. Make a statement. Get into the fantasy surrounding your cock ring. Whether you're showing off a festive adornment as part of a striptease, wearing it under your clothes to show off your package, or telling your lover you're proud to be submissive by wearing a locking cock ring, play up the erotic potential of your toy.
7. Share it with a friend. Vibrating cock rings like the Screaming O Plus  were designed to offer female partners clitoral stimulation during intercourse. Position the vibrator near the top of your cock (or the dildo if you've got a strap-on) so that during intercourse it bumps up against her clitoris. Keep your body down parallel to hers and try slow, shallow thrusts to make sure she receives consistent contact with the vibrator. Or try it with her on top, moving in more of a grinding than up-and-down motion.
8. Accessorize. Cock rings lend themselves well to other sex toy combinations. Try using a penis pump first and then applying a cock ring, or adding a butt plug to your masturbation session.
9. Get it off. In general, it's best to take off your cock ring after about twenty minutes. Pay attention to the penis; it should never turn cold or go numb (clear signs you've had the cock ring on too long). To remove a solid O-ring style cock ring, you need to be only semi-erect so the ring is loose enough to feed your dick and balls back through. (Applying ice can help take down a stubborn erection.) To clean it try our Babeland Toy Cleaner.