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Penis rings are used to restrict blood flow out of the penis, which creates sensations of tightness and pressure that many men find pleasurable.
Although some men find that wearing a penis ring can make erections firmer or longer-lasting, it is not advised to use penis rings to “cure” erectile difficulties without first consulting a physician.
This article contains a few tips on putting on some of the different penis rings. However, because of individual anatomical differences, penis rings will not fit all men equally well.
How it works
Penis rings are usually worn at the base of the penis, behind the scrotum, although some men wear them around the shaft of the penis only. Most men find it easier to put on a penis ring when their penis is flaccid or not fully erect.
You may want to trim or shave the hair around the penis base and / or scrotum to decrease the likelihood of catching hair in the ring or snaps. It is recommended that penis rings should be worn for no longer than they are comfortable, or 20 minutes, whichever is shorter.
If you’re using a ring for the first time, you may want to remove it after five or ten minutes so you can become familiar with the various sensations penis rings provide.
- Single-strap penis ring (adjustable): Place behind scrotum and fasten over the top of penis. Adjust for snugness. Because these are economical, easy to put on, and quickly removable if sensations become too intense, we recommended these for men who are trying penis rings for the first time.
- Single penis ring (solid): Only men who have experience with other types of penis rings should use these. When the penis is soft, tuck the testicles (one at a time), then the penis, through the ring. A lubricant can be helpful in removing solid penis rings from an erect penis; ejaculation, cold water or an ice compress will reduce the size of an erection and may also aid in removal. We also recommend keeping a pair of blunt-tipped safety or paramedic scissors on hand to cut the ring, if necessary. To remove from a flaccid penis, push penis back through the ring and “untuck” testicles. (We do not recommend metal rings because they cannot be easily removed from an erect penis.)
- Testicle-spreader (Double Crown): Place the longer strap behind the scrotum and snap closed on top of the penis, forming a ring. The short straps should be hanging down, behind the scrotum. Snap each short strap to the ring, using one hand to hold a testicle and the other to bring the strap between the testicles to the side of the ring.
- Ball-stretcher (Triple Crown): Place the longest strap behind the scrotum and snap closed on top of penis. Pull testicles to the bottom of the scrotum and snap the ball stretcher – the widest piece of leather – around the scrotum above the testicles. Bring the thin strap between the testicles and snap to the ball stretcher. Sensations of pressure can be increased by adding small weights or a leash to the attached D-ring.
- Double-strap (Duet Crown): Place the longer strap over the top of the penis and behind the scrotum. Snap closed with the strap connecting both rings on the top of the penis. Snap the smaller strap around the penis shaft.
Warning: Do not use penis rings if you bleed easily or have a blood clotting disorder, if you are diabetic, or if you suffer from any peripheral vascular or nerve disease. Do not use these toys if you are taking anti-coagualants, aspirin, or any other blood-thinning medication. In the event of discomfort or any unusual body changes – including bruising, pain, bleeding or loss of sensation – discontinue use immediately and check with a sex-positive physician. Do not place over sore, swollen, or infected areas or areas without sensation.
- (Dr Elna McIntosh, Health24 sexologist)
