Men's Toys
Sex toys for men span a broad range of designs and functions. Lots of guys like vibrators on all parts of their sexual anatomy (it's a myth that vibes are just for women) and there is a dizzying array of toys for dicks and balls. Here are some of the basics.
Cock Rings
Cock rings are sex toys that bind the penis and testicles and reduce the flow of blood out of the penis back into the body. Blood flows into the penis through blood vessels at the organ's core and out through veins nearer to the skin's surface. The restriction allows the blood to flow in, but not out—or at least not as quickly. Trapping blood in the penis can make for more engorgement and greater sensitivity, create a firmer erection, and, for some, delay ejaculation. Then again, since everybody is different, cock rings may have no significant effect on the size or longevity of an erection (in fact, they can make some guys come faster because of heightened sensation). So we don't recommend them as a “fix” for erectile issues—but they sure can be fun!
How to Use Cock Rings
Penis straps or rings are intended to go around the base of the penis, behind the testicles (so testicles and penis are in front of the ring). Many styles with all sorts of bells and whistles are available—ones that separate the balls, cock rings that provide a consistent squeeze on the testicles, styles that allow you to hang weights off the testicles for varying degrees of pulling, and kits that lace up the whole penis. But the basics are the same although the sensations vary.
The Velcro Leather Cock Ring and Vibrating Leather Cock Ring are highly adjustable and easy to remove. These cock rings can be put on at any time during an erection. Some find that their pubic hair can get stuck in the Velcro straps. A little pubic trimming, or a shave with Coochy Creme will solve that. Secure the strap as snugly as is comfortable. Remember, it shouldn't hurt. After use, your cock ring can be cleaned with soap and water or Babeland Toy Cleaner.
Non-adjustable rings:
If you are using a ring that is not adjustable, it is easiest to put it on when your penis is flaccid. Hold the ring under your balls and insert your testicles one at a time. Now push the penis through. Hold it in place until your erection secures it. The only way it will come off is if you lose your erection after you come or by icing down your member if you can't lose your woody. If you are sporting a metal ring and can't reduce your erection any other way, the emergency room staff can cut it off with a metal cutter. In order to avoid such an experience, start off with the adjustable varieties. We don't recommend the metal rings for cock ring neophytes.
Safety
The penis does not stay hard throughout sex; erections naturally rise and fall during the course of sex. The reason for this is cellular health—blood flow is necessary to transport toxins away from the cells. Therefore, keeping your cock hard with a ring for hours puts you at risk of damaging your dick. We recommend giving your penis a breather after a maximum of 20 minutes. Spending too long with a cock ring on can damage the capillaries and bruise the penis, leaving you sore for a few days. In the worse case scenario, it could permanently affect the tissue. We think it's wise, especially if you are first experimenting with cock rings, to remove it after 5 to 10 minutes to let your blood flow normally. If you are into sleeping in bondage and want to wear a cock ring all night, use an adjustable one and keep it loose. After you learn your unique response to a cock ring, then you can experiment with how long to keep it on and explore the non-adjustable varieties.
Cock rings aren't recommended for anyone with vascular disease, such as diabetes, or nerve disease. If you experience discomfort, numbness, or tingling, take it off. Persistent discomfort may indicate a medical issue and should be referred to your physician.
DIY
If you decide to make your own or tie your dick up with rope, be sure that the material you are using is at least a quarter-inch wide. You run the risk of nerve and tissue damage with string or very thin straps that cut into the flesh.
Pumps
Pumps work on the principle of vacuum aspiration. Through squeezing a bulb or working a plunger, the air is sucked out of a cylinder that is over your sensitive bits. As the air is suctioned out and a vacuum is created, your penis or clit gets pulled into the cylinder and extra blood rushes into the erectile tissue creating greater-than-average engorgement.
Why would anyone want to do this?
Many men find the intense suction sensation to be an enjoyable addition to masturbation, while others like the looks of their dick stretched out in the cylinder. Some people use these toys in BDSM play, because the sensations are more intense, and quite a few clit owners like to thicken up their clits as a part of gender play, with Pump and Cylinders.
Will pumping make my penis bigger?
No, not really. While the pumps are often marked for increasing penis size, the changes are temporary. The dick you will have, at least for a little while after removing the pump (they all have a quick release button), is not Sean Michael's porn dick, but spongy and semi-flaccid. Use the better-quality pumps with caution, as frequent pumping for long intervals can permanently affect the tissue of your penis and make it spongy.
Can I get hurt using it?
Overuse of the pump, which can be from keeping it on too long, or pumping up very quickly, can lead to broken capillaries, bruising, and ligament strain at the base of the penis. Go slowly and gently, stop and back off if it hurts. Learn your body's unique response to the pump by building up your time slowly.
What are the differences among the kinds of pumps you carry?
The Penis Pump is the sturdiest, best-made, and strongest pump. The cylinder is acrylic. The cylinder on the other pumps, like the Sensation Pump, is made of hard plastic and the suction is gentler. Some of the other pumps have a soft or textured lining that adds to sensation.
Pumping tips:
- Shaving at the base of the penis or applying a bit of lube or Vaseline at the base will help to create suction and to enable you to let go of the cylinder once it is pumped.
- Familiarize yourself with the quick release button before you pump.
- Place the cylinder over your penis but do not include the testicles. If you are new to pumps, start slowly and stop pumping if it hurts. Release after 10 minutes for starters.
- For people with a clitoris, the 5/8" clit cylinder, combined with the hand pump can create intense sensations. To find out more about clit pumping, read our How to Pump Your Clit article.
- To clean, use a mild soap and water, or try Babeland Toy Cleaner.
