- They're one of the few toys that are used by men.
- They're one of the few toys primarily intended for couples.
- Their use is not common knowledge, so they can be a little intimidating.
RINGS
Cock rings intensify erection and stimulation by limiting bloodflow out of the penis. The arteries that bring blood into the penis are further towards the center of the penis whereas the veins bringing blood back to the heart are closer to the surface, so just a bit of pressure from a cock ring is enough to hold blood in the penis. This leads to extra swelling which makes for a somewhat larger, more durable, and more sensitive erection.
Risks and considerations:
- Cock rings should not be worn for more than 30 minutes at a time.
- Cock rings are not recommended for people on medication which thins the blood or those who have heart disease or sickle-cell disease.
- If there is any numbness or coolness felt in the genital area while a cock ring is in use, the ring should be removed immediately in order to avoid nerve damage.
Proper use:
- Place the cock ring at the base of the penis. Some are designed to fit around the scrotum as well, so be sure to check the packaging to figure out which model of cock ring you have.
- If using in conjunction with a condom, place the condom on first and the cock ring over top. It is recommended, in this case, to use a cock ring that fits around that shaft and scrotum in order to avoid friction from the ring tearing the condom.
- A bit of lube can help to get the ring on and off.
Just the tip:
- When getting used to cock rings, you may want to try a model with an adjustable size to get used to the sensation. A product like the Blue Loop ($14.99) is adjustable, making it easy to get used to and easy to remove, making it great for first time users.
- TPE is known for being supple yet durable, so it makes an excellent jelly cock ring. A product like Get Hard ($18.99, set of three) is made of TPE and features three slightly different sized cock rings so you can be sure to get the snug fit you want.
SLEEVES
Depending on the design, cock sleeves will add girth, length, and/or texture to a penis. A person may choose to wear a sleeve in order to limit the sensation they feel in order to last longer or to vary the sensation their partner feels.
Risks and considerations:
- If used in conjunction with a condom, the advice I found was to wear the condom over the sleeve. Be wary, though, as anything this bulky can increase friction thus increasing risk of the condom tearing
- If you come while wearing a sleeve, be sure to clean it promptly: semen gets harder to clean once it dries out.
Just the tip:
- Many sleeves are netted patterns which increase texture without minimizing sensation very much. In practice, they function more like a cock ring. If this interests you, you may want to try the Orgasmus Wunder ($9.99).
- One of the great things about sleeves is that they can function in ways a penis never could on its own. The Vibrating "O" Plus ($43.95) has a vibrating tip which can either run constantly or vibrate on contact. The Lust Explorer ($26.99) is not only ridged along the length of the shaft but has a vibrating protrusion angled to stimulate a partner.
Further Reading
- Barbara Kelly Outlet, "How to Use Penis Extension Sleeves"
http://www.barbarakelly.co.uk/usefulinformation/penisextensions/ - Come As You Are, "How to use a cock ring"
http://www.comeasyouare.com/sex-information/sex-toy-how-tos/how-to-use-a-cock-ring/ - Wikipedia, "Cock Ring"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cock_ring - Wikipedia, "Sex Toy: Penile Toys"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_toy#Penile_toys
