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Cock rings

A cock ring is worn around the cock (penis) usually at the base. Wearing it restricts the flow of blood from the erect penis to produce a stronger erection. It can also be used increase girth (width) and/ or to maintain an erection for a longer period of time. They can also look very sexy and positioned over the cock and balls (genitals) providing an enhanced "fuck me now look". 

Modern cock rings are made from a range of materials, including rubber, silicone, metal, leather and, in some cases, titanium. Some incorporate vibrating motors, textures, or additional features to enhance pleasure.

  • Leather cock rings often have button poppers to adjust the size
  • Silicone cock rings can also make it easier to put on/ take off
  • Steel and titanium cock rings can look awesome but can present a serious problem if they need to be removed but can't

There are reports of guys turning up in emergency departments fully erect wearing a metal cock ring which cannot be removed. Removing it may require the fire brigade to cut off the ring in theatre. This is especially challenging if the ring is made of steel or titanium. We urge you to use cock rings NOT made of steel or titanium. If they are, they should have a release mechanism. 

Penile and scrotal strangulation due to metal rings

For a deep dive, we suggest "Penile and scrotal strangulation due to metal rings: case reports and a review of the literature (link below) where a orthopaedic pin cutter, a rotating saw, an air grinder saw, a Gigli saw (flexible wire saw used by surgeons for bone cutting), a dental drill, a hydraulic cable cutter, and a Bosch electric grinder have been used to remove rings. 

FOI request: steel and titanium cock ring removal in London NHS EDs (A&E)

In late January 2025, we sent an FOI request to the London Fire Brigade asking about the number of times it had to remove cock rings. Information supplied by London Borough and NHS emergency department. 

  • There are a total of 51 incidents in 19 boroughs over the last 3 years: 2022: 20, 2023: 13 and 2024: 20.
  • Boroughs with the the highest number of incidents: Camden (7), Hammersmith and Fulham (4), Hounslow (4) and Kensington and Chelsea (4) .
  • Emergency Departments (A&E)  with the highest number of incidents: Charing Cross Hospital (4), and West Middlesex University Hospital (4).
  • We are assuming the rings were made of steel or titanium (though this was not specified in the data supplied). 

Removal of objects from people - ring removal | FOI | PDF | London Fire Brigade | 3 Feb 2025

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

In recent years, cock rings have been marketed as aids for erectile dysfunction (ED) by helping maintain erections. They can be used on their own or with a penis pump to assist in the management of erectile dysfunction. Check out our content on erections  and impotence (getting it up, or not) .



Measuring up for a cock ring

Measuring for a cock ring is an important step to ensure comfort, safety, and effectiveness. A well-fitting cock ring should feel snug but not tight enough to cause discomfort or restrict blood flow excessively. As a step-by-step guide, you’ll need a flexible measuring tape (preferred). Alternatively, use a piece of string or thin ribbon and a ruler. Decide where you want to wear the cock ring as it affects how and where you measure. Do you want a cock ring:

  1. Around the base of the cock (penis) and behind the balls (testicles) over both, or
  2. Just around the base of the cock (penis)

Email us and we will send you a free measuring tape while stocks last.

  • Measuring the circumference if wearing around the cock and balls:
    Since most rings are designed to fit around an hard/ erect cock, it makes sense to make sure you're hard when you measure.
    Wrap it around the base of your cock and balls where the ring will sit.
    Pull it snug but not tight. There should be no pinching.
    Note the measurement in millimetres (mm) or inches.
  • Measuring the circumference if wearing around just the cock:
    Since most rings are designed to fit around an hard/ erect cock, it makes sense to make sure you're hard when you measure.
    Wrap around the base of the cock where the ring will sit.
    Pull it snug but not tight. There should be no pinching.
    Note the measurement in millimetres (mm) or inches.
  • Calculating the diameter:
    Most cock rings are sized by diameter (across) rather than circumference (around). To calculate the diameter, divide your measurement by 3.14 (also known as Pi).
    For example, if your circumference is 140mm, divided by 3.14 and you will need a cock ring with a diameter of 45mm.

Guide to circumference ring diameter

  • 13.0-14.5cm (5.0-5.75in) circumfrance: 40mm (~1.6in) diameter ring
  • 14.5-16.5cm (5.75-6.25in) circumfrance: 45mm (~1.8in) diameter ring
  • 16.5-18.0cm (6.25-7.0in) circumfrance: 50mm (~2.0in) diameter ring
  • 18.0-19.5cm (7.0-7.75in) circumfrance: 55mm (~2.2in) diameter ring

Test fit and tips

  • When you buy a cock ring, choose one that closely matches your measurement. If you're between sizes, opt for a slightly larger size, especially for beginners.
  • Material choice for beginners often prefer stretchy materials like silicone or rubber, which are more forgiving if the fit is slightly off.
  • We highly recommend a cock ring with quick release, essential, in our opinion, with metal or rigid rings.
  • If you feel pain, numbness, or significant discoloration, remove the cock ring immediately.
  • As a guide, do not wear a cock ring for longer than 20–30 minutes, especially if it's tight. Cock rings can put pressure on the skin in and around the penis and balls which can become irritated or inflamed, especially if you wear one too long or frequently use one that’s too small.
    It may take some trial and error to find the size and material that works best for you. Start with adjustable or flexible cock rings if you're unsure about the fit.

Do you need professional guidance?

Talk to a doctor before use if you:

  • Take blood-thinning medication
  • Have any type of blood or nerve disease, cardiovascular disease or have diabetes
  • Take medication that affects awareness, attention or the passing of time
  • Chems and recreational drugs also affect awareness, attention or the passing of time
  • Have an existing cock or balls injury
  • Experience soreness in the groin or genital area

Measuring up for a cock ring


A brief history of cock rings

Cock rings have a long history, their use dating back thousands of years across the world and multiple cultures. Beyond their functional use, cock rings have historically carried symbolic meanings, such as virility, dominance, or beauty. They remain versatile and popular reflecting evolving attitudes toward sexuality and self-expression.

  • Ancient China (Han Dynasty, 206 BCE – 220 CE): The earliest recorded use of cock rings can be traced to ancient China, where they were crafted from materials like jade, ivory, or other precious stones. They were believed to enhance sexual performance and stamina by maintaining erections for longer periods.
  • Southeast Asia: In regions like Thailand and Indonesia, cock rings were often made from materials like gold or brass and sometimes designed with intricate patterns or embellishments. These were used for sexual purposes and as decorative items, symbolizing masculinity or virility.
  • Middle Eastern Cultures: Historical records suggest that some Middle Eastern civilisations also experimented with rings or bands for similar purposes, often associated with enhancing pleasure.
  • Medieval and Renaissance Europe: While there’s little evidence of widespread use during medieval times, some suggest that some noble classes used leather or metallic rings as part of sexual practices. Cock rings in this era were likely handmade and crafted from leather straps or rope.
  • 19th and 20th Century: Cock rings begin to appear in metals and rubber. The sexual liberation movements of the mid-20th century (1960s–70s) normalised discussions around sexual health and pleasure. Today, cock rings are commonplace made in silicone, rubber, and adjustable straps. Modern cock rings often come with safety features like adjustable straps or quick-release mechanisms to prevent complications.

For as long as humankind has had erections, it has thought to itself, “This is all well and good, but what if it was that little bit harder?” People have turned to all kinds of methods to make hard-ons harder, boners bonier, erections more erect.

Many ancient recommendations involved rubbing various substances into the penis. At one point in ancient Egypt crushed crocodile hearts were suggested, a fairly unerotic prospect (particularly for the crocodile). Medical texts from ancient Greece, authored by the second-century physician Galen, feature a variety of solidifying treatments. Rubbing honey — sometimes mixed with pepper — into the penis was said to help, as was a fairly unpalatable-sounding concoction made from post-sex bull urine mixed with soil.

If any of these were successful, it’s difficult not to think that the rubbing was doing most of the work.

A history of staying hard | Mike Rampton | The Maudern

More

Understanding Penis Rings: From Ancient Practice to Modern Innovation | Androfill
Cock ring | Wikiwand

 The 21 Best Cock Rings in 2024, Tested by Sex Experts | Men's Health | 29 Mar 2024
 ED Rings: 6 Reasons to Avoid Constriction Rings for Erectile Dysfunction | Premier Mens's medical center | 24 May 2022
Are Cock Rings Safe? 17 Things to Know Before Use | Healthline | 14 Mar 2019
Penile and scrotal strangulation due to metal rings: case reports and a review of the literature | National Library of Medicine | 27 Mar 2018

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