But how exactly do these guys work, anyway? Something about blood flow, but we don’t remember anything about this in high school sex ed. Since these little devices are, arguably, less intuitive to use than a phallic vibrator, we asked for explanations from the experts. We hit up Tyler Aldridge, Maude’s senior director of product and operations (he's a product design guy who has overseen design of everyday essentials including kitchen utensils) and Gigi Engle, Skyn's resident expert (she's a certified sex and relationships psychotherapist). Between the two, we learned the finer points of penis rings and how they can be used (hint: they are not just for penises).
How Do You Use a C-Ring?
"A cock ring is a 'ring' or lasso that 'enrings' the base of the penis or penis and testicles," says Engle, who says they can be made of rubber, silicone, leather, or metal. “The c-ring should be placed on a flaccid or semi-erect penis and can be placed at the base of the penis, along the shaft or stretched and pulled over the testicles and penis,” says Aldridge. If the c-ring includes a vibration component, like Maude's band and a host of new vibrating penis rings, then the vibrating portion can be placed above or underneath the penis or even used as a hand-held spot vibrator for nipples, clitoris or anywhere you would use a spot vibrator. "Sex toys have become much more mainstream in recent years," Engle says, "with penis owners being brought more into the conversation. We're shifting away from the idea that sex toys are competition for penises, but rather sex enhancements."
What’s It Do, Exactly?
“They can help folks maintain erections, have harder erections, prolong intercourse and increase pleasure,” says Aldridge. This isn’t a new concept: c-rings have been reportedly used as far back as 1200 A.D. China and as recently as ‘90s New York City. What is new, however, are c-rings with a tiny motor that vibrate and give extra stimulation to not only the wearer, but also to their partner. For example, in missionary hetero sex with a man on top and a woman on the bottom, a vibrating c-ring worn atop the penis will massage the woman’s clitoris with each stroke. "For vulva owners, certain cock rings come with a raised base (often one that vibrates) which can help with getting that much-needed clitoral stimulation that the vast majority of vulva owners need in order to experience orgasm," Engle says. "The clitoris has over 10,000 nerve endings and since it can be difficult to stimulate with penis-in-vagina sex alone, cock rings can help."
What About Improving Performance?
“Research on c-ring efficacy for P.E. (premature ejaculation) is a bit limited, but some folks believe that using it around the base of the penis and testicles can potentially delay ejaculation,” Aldridge says. Nonetheless, users report that a c-ring can keep blood from flowing out of an erect penis, which can help maintain an erection, and thus can extend sex for those that may have trouble keeping an erection.
Is It a Versatile Toy?
Depending on if your c-ring is motorized, it can be worn with the motor in front (suitable to stimulate the clitoris) or toward the back (so it’s humming along the perineum), and if the circular part is adjustable, then it can stretch or be adjusted to fit over the shaft, the testicles or both shaft and scrotum simultaneously. Also, it can fit on another device, for example a non-motorized dildo. And now there are tons on the market, with special features like a ribbed surface, one with rabbit ears and scores of variations.
Any Special Precautions?
The Food and Drug Administration recommends these devices come with a warning label cautioning use if you have limited sensation in the groin area or are inebriated, since a c-ring shouldn’t be worn more than 30 minutes at a time and should be promptly removed if there’s any discoloration or numbness. “When using a c-ring, folks should always be sure to use a lubricant, and a lubricant that pairs well with the material of the device. If folks are using the c-ring with a condom, it's important to place the device at the base of the penis to prevent any friction that may lead to a broken condom,” Aldridge says. “C-rings should feel comfortably snug, but shouldn't cause any pain or uncomfortable pressure.”
