Do Penis Rings Work? What the Science Says

A lot of guys use penis rings—otherwise known as cock rings or penile rings—to support their erectile function. Penile rings are one of the most popular ways to deal with erectile dysfunction. The question is: do penis rings work?

In this article, we’ll dive into the science behind this type of ED device and what men are saying about its effects. 

What Are Penis Rings?

Penis rings are devices worn at the base of the penis before and during sex to improve erections. Penis rings are also known as constriction rings, penile rings, and cock rings. Some men use them for fun as a sex toy, but many men with erectile dysfunction use them to support erectile health. 

You can use penis rings by themselves or together with other devices such as penis pumps or acoustic soundwave therapy. 

How Do Penis Rings Work?

During sexual arousal, blood flows into your penis, causing erectile tissue to expand.  Cock rings work by creating a tight fit at the base of the penis, which keeps blood in the penis, leading to a harder, longer-lasting erection. 

Some penis rings file data to help you evaluate measures of sexual health, such as whether or not you’re having nocturnal erections (more on this type of “smart” penis ring later).

Research Behind Penis Rings

Surprisingly, there isn’t a lot of research on penis rings. But there are a few studies that show they work. 

Study #1: Comparing Devices

The first study compared a standard penis ring to a type of smart ring.(1)  The researchers studied 49 men who had an average age of 40. During the two-week study, the men were randomly divided to use one device first, then the other. The men used each device two to three times during sex or masturbation. 

Afterwards, the men were given a satisfaction survey to determine how they felt about how easy and comfortable the devices were to use, as well as whether they improved the men’s erections. The study authors then compared the satisfaction and effectiveness of the two types of devices, especially between men with and without ED. 

Men rated the ring that used smart technology easier to use whether they were flaccid or erect. It was also more comfortable, and was easier to adjust and stretch, and the men were more likely to use it during either sexual intercourse or masturbation. Both devices were effective for improving firmness, orgasm, and erection duration, which demonstrates that penis rings do work.  

Study #2: Addressing A Common Cause of ED 

Venous leak contributes to approximately 75% of erectile dysfunction cases. When venous leak happens, blood leaks out of the penis, causing a man to lose his erection. 

In a study presented at the World Meeting on Sexual Medicine in 2016, researchers investigated whether a constriction ring could reduce erectile dysfunction caused by venous leak.(2) The study found that 14 of 21 men (66%) using the constriction ring had improved erectile function. In another study of men with venous leak, erectile function improved in 6 of 11 men (54%) who used a penis ring.(2) 

Study #3: Penis Rings When ED Meds Don’t Work

The third study is actually two case reports.(3) In the first case report, a man with erectile dysfunction was prescribed an ED drug. With the drug, he could get an erection, but it would not last for more than 10 minutes, and he developed a loss of sexual interest. Taking the ED drug also led to side effects such as severe headaches and nausea. 

The man then tried another type of ED medication that has longer-lasting action, but in his case the new drug had little effect. He tried a third ED drug, which led to erections that were more effective with less side effects, but he still could not maintain the erection and consequently had low sexual confidence. 

At this point, the man started using a penis ring, at first together with an ED med. Once it was clear the ring was improving his erections, he stopped using the med and only used the ring. He reported that the ring improved his erection difficulties and boosted his confidence. 

In the second case study, a man with erectile dysfunction tried an ED medication, which helped him get an erection, but he couldn’t maintain it. He had reduced sensation and difficulty having an orgasm. His ED remained over four weeks of taking the medication. The man then began using a penis ring. 

After using the ring, the man reported improved sexual abilities with his partner and his ability to maintain an erection. He also reported being back in control of his own body and having increased confidence. 

The Advantages of a Smart Ring

The Smart Ring takes a penis ring to a new level. In addition to stopping blood from leaking out of the penis and strengthening erections, The Smart Ring provides data about your sexual health, such as whether you’re having nocturnal erections or “morning wood.” 

As mentioned earlier in this article, men often prefer rings that use smart technology. The Smartt Ring pairs nicely with at-home acoustic soundwave therapy to enhance the effects of both devices. 

Penis Rings: An Effective Alternative to Other Methods 

Penis rings are one of the most effective ways to deal with a common cause of ED: venous leakage. They keep blood in the penis so that it doesn’t leak out and cause you to lose your erection. Penis rings are a good choice for men who have had no luck with ED pills or who don’t want to use ED medications in the first place. 

Sources:

1. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdae151

2. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41443-023-00754-w

3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/244887007