QUESTION: I have worn a cock ring to enhance sexual pleasure for my girlfriend and to make sex more interesting. Does wearing this cause any harm, since it is tight around the base of the penis? Also if left on there during sex and then ejaculating with it on does that cause any problems that could be harmful as well? I also use it to prolong the sex since with it on; the feeling and sensation makes you go longer because you can't feel it as well.
Answer: Cock rings (also known as erection rings or c-rings) are bands that are typically made of some combination of leather, rubber, aluminum or Velcro. A cock ring binds around a man's penis and scrotum in order to enhance sensation and to restrict blood flow from leaving the penis (erections occur when the amount of blood flowing into the penis and swellings its internal chambers is greater than the amount of blood flowing out of the penis). Though some men use cock rings to enhance their erections, they are not recommended for this purpose and instead are considered an enhancement toy or a novelty. \nMost cock rings do not enhance the pleasure for a man's partner, though there are exceptions. Some men -- if they feel that their erection is harder or lasts longer with a cock ring -- might feel that rings enhance their performance and in that way pleasures their partner. Other times men may choose a ring that has a textured attachment on the top of the penis that rubs against his female partner's clitoris. More recently, several companies have begun selling vibrating rings such that a small vibrator is positioned on the top side of the ring (on top of the penis) such that it vibrates against the clitoris. \nRings are largely safe to use during sexual activity alone or with a partner (and yes, even with ejaculation), but there are safety considerations. Many people recommend that men use them for no longer than 20 minutes and that they remove the ring if they feel pain, discomfort, soreness or if it otherwise feels too tight on their penis or scrotum. You should also, of course, remove it before falling asleep. Some experts suggest that beginners only wear a ring for five to 10 minutes so that they can get used to the sensation, and it is sometimes said that men with vascular disease, diabetes or nerve problems avoid the use of cock rings. The penis has delicate chambers of erectile tissue inside of it and it is indeed possible for a man to damage these chambers, thus contributing to erectile problems. \nThat said, cock rings can certainly be fun for men to use alone or with a partner. Adjustable rings are often suggested for beginners (or even experienced users) so that you can more safely adjust the fit and remove it if it begins to feel uncomfortable. In addition, a bit of water-based lubricant might help the ring to be placed on (or removed from) the penis more easily. For more information about sex toys, safety and introducing them into a sexual relationship, visit www.babeland.com or www.goodvibes.com or read "The Good Vibrations Guide to Sex or Sex Toys 101"
