Cock ring
A cock ring or cockring is a ring that is placed around a man's penis, usually at the base, primarily to slow the flow of blood from the erect penile tissue, thus maintaining erection for longer. Cock rings can be worn around just the penis or penis and scrotum, or just the scrotum alone, though this is usually designated as a testicle cuff. Rings can be made of a variety of different materials, most commonly leather, rubber, or silicone, though nylon and metal are also used either as the main component or part of the closure. Confusingly, the term cock ring is sometimes used as a synonym for a Prince Albert piercing, a piercing of the penis that is often, though not exclusively, a metal ring.
A man may wear a cock ring because he has erectile dysfunction (ED) or otherwise wants to prolong erection, as a sex toy because he likes the particular sensation of tightness and extreme engorgement that wearing one provides, or as jewelry, simply for the appearance. When used for ED, a vacuum pump is used to produce an erection in spite of vascular or nerve damage, and the ring slid off the pump's cylinder onto the base of the penis to maintain the erection.
Some models include a protruding clitoral stimulator, designed to tickle the clitoris, vulva or anus during sex. Others, such as the Vibrating ring, vibrate, either vibrating the ring itself, or in a popular 'Dolphin' variant using two removable bullet vibrators to provide stimulation to the testicles and clitoris. Some cock rings have vibrators attached which can be worn to stimulate the scrotum or perineum or a partner during sexual intercourse. Another variation is an inflatable cock ring for added control of adjustment.
A triple cock ring or triple crown is a cock ring that has additional rings for restraining the testicles. In orgasm, the testicles usually retract towards the body before ejaculation. A triple crown changes and intensifies the sensation of orgasm by forcing the testicles to stay away from the body.
Cock rings that are too tight, or worn for too long can be dangerous: this may cause priapism, a medical emergency which, if not treated promptly, can result in severe and permanent damage, including penile gangrene which can result in the destruction of the penis. Rings for ED are invariably supplied with the instruction that they should not be left on for more than 30 minutes. Falling asleep with a ring on is a particular danger. This may lead to temporary or permanent nerve damage. Numbness in the glans penis, penis becoming cold or penis becoming white are the typical signs that a cock ring has been worn for a bit too long. It must be removed immediately then and medical advice should be sought.
Elastic, stretchy, cock rings are removed by stretching them and pulling them off the penis, over the head, which can be difficult. Others have a quick-release mechanism allowing them to be easily removed without the need to do this. Some (not for ED) are designed to allow limited blood return, such as by hard beads which cause the ring to roll back and forth during use, increasing circulation.
When used for extreme or total ED, it must be possible to fit the ring onto the erect penis immediately after an erection has been produced by the pump; this practically mandates the use of very flexible rings which can be fitted on the outside of the pump's cylinder, and slid onto the penis without removing it from the cylinder when erection has been maintained.
Some underwear for men features a pouch with an internal fabric/elastic cock ring, or "c-ring", that either slides along the penis and encircles the base of the testicles or, alternately, simply snaps around the base of the testicles to snugly--but not in a constricting way--attach the pouch to the genitals. While this type of pouch permits the wearer to "go backless," c-ring pouches can be attached to either a thong or traditional jockstrap.
Some men enjoy using cock rings for masturbation, as wearing of this sex toy contributes to better erection and delays orgasm, thus it intensifies orgasmic sensations. Also vibrating cock rings deliver a great range of very pleasurable vibrations that enhance enjoyment.
Many women find rings with vibrator attachments provide clitoral stimulation that is needed for achieving orgasm. Cock ring users should keep in mind that any pain, discomfort or feeling of coldness in genitals is a signal to take the cock ring off. Cock rings must not be used by those who have cardiovascular problems, by diabetics and by those who take any blood-thinning medications.
