Guest Bloggers: Alex and Suze
Alex and Suze created their first blog in March 2005 to talk about their sex lives, sexuality and explore their innate inquisitiveness about human sensuality. Since then a very personal, erotic and sexy blog has diversified and spawned the world renown sex toy review website; SexToysBuzz.
They now have 10 years of experience in the sensual world that has seen the couple create thousands of articles on sexuality, hundreds of sex toy reviews and publication in the mainstream media and adult industry press. This gives them unparalleled experience in the sex toy industry and the ability to share their knowledge about the testing and use of sex toys both as individuals and as a couple.
Alex and Suze will be mingling with the crowds at Sexhibition this summer but until then you can read their guides on buying and using sex toys right here on the Sexhibition website.
Cock Rings
Cock Rings or Penis Rings are a varied assortment of adult products that can be used in a wide variety of ways. Not only are they produced in an array of different materials, sizes and shapes – they also perform a variety of different functions depending on these variations. That’s why using a cock ring is as individual to the user as any other sex toy.
First of all let’s consider your basic cock ring, it’s a band of some material that sits at the base of your erect penis during sex or masturbation. It will enhance and prolong the sexual act, even making it possible to have sex with your partner if you’re not able to maintain an erection for some reason. Yes we guys do have trouble keeping it up for a variety of reasons from stress, fatigue and temporary illness to chronic disease or age.
In addition to your basic penis ring you’ll find rings that are intended to fit around the base of your cock and balls, squeezing them and pushing them forward. There are double rings that do the same job but with two separate rings in a figure of eight configuration. Some cock rings vibrate too giving you and your partner an extra level of stimulation be that by transmitting vibrations through the erect shaft of your penis or by directly stimulating her clitoris or anus with a protruding vibrating section. There are even cock rings with built-in butt plugs attached for an even more varied set of sexual sensations.
With all these choices where should you begin when selecting a cock ring?
If you’ve never bought a cock ring before start simple and with a cock ring that’s not too tight. Take note of the dimensions of the cock ring and that of your own erect penis. Buy a cock ring that will hug and support rather than strangle your member. The tighter a cock ring the less time it is safe to wear it.
A Note About Erections
To become erect your penis fills with blood. In simple terms this happens when the arteries feeding your penis dilate, letting in more blood and the veins contract slightly holding the blood inside the normally spongy tissues in the shaft. Blood is still flowing through the erect penis – so it’s not safe to leave a cock ring on for long periods of time. You should regard 20 minutes as a safe maximum, unless your cock ring is tight or you experience any discomfort.
Manufacturers will provide guidance on the packaging of each product so take note of this before using the cock ring.
Putting a cock ring on can be made easier with a little water based lubricant and can be a lot more fun if your partner helps. Once in place with your penis erect you should feel supported and firm – any discomfort during or after use is a warning, don’t ignore it and stop using the cock ring immediately. Buy a larger one or one made from a more elastic material.
And Now The Technical Bit
How your cock ring feels and performs is dictated by what it is made from and in the case of vibrating cock rings how it vibrates.
The materials used to make cock rings fall into two groups – elastic and solid. Elastic materials range from the very stretchy jelly plastics to more rigid plastic and silicones. There are different types of plastic and silicone offering different degrees of stretchiness, and if the ring is quite thick you’ll find it more rigid too. Remember, if a ring is stiffer it will give you more support but will need to ensure that it’s not too tight when you’re erect.
Solid materials like metal and hard plastics are available. The sizing of these to your own body is critical to effectively enhance your love making without being uncomfortable.
Vibrating cock rings vary immensely in power and speed of vibration from tiny bullet vibes with one speed embedded in the ring to larger more capable designs with multiple speeds and patterns. Choose a ring where the vibrating bullet will not get in the way during sex and we would advise you use a vibrating cock ring with multiple patterns.
Multiple patterns are useful because the penis, vagina, labia and clitoris all react differently to different intensities, frequencies and patterns of stimulation. Experiment with each setting to find the one that you both enjoy the most.
As with all sex toys practice make perfect so enjoy finding out about cock rings with some practical experimentation!
