Penis Pumps &
C-rings

How do I maintain an erection during intercourse?

If you’re like us, you’ve experienced the stigma around talking and learning about sex and admitting your curiosity. In these articles, we hope to add excitement and enjoyment in your life, by answering the sexual health questions you're too afraid to ask. Have additional questions? Contact our friendly "sexperts".

Penis Pumps and C-Rings are sexual aides that help maintain a firm erection.

Constriction Rings

A constriction ring (also known as a cock ring) is a band that helps maintain a firm erection. It can be worn around the base of the penis and behind the scrotum or solely around the base of the penis. C-rings can be made out of various materials and have different tensions to them. If you have dexterity issues (due to neurological disorders, arthritis, etc.), using a c-ring with a snap fastener might be a good option for you.

Men use c-rings for different reasons. Examples of this include enhanced genital sensation, focused pressure, enhanced appearance of genitals, and maintaining an erection. C-rings can be used with penis pumps by first placing the band/ring around the outside of the penis pump. Then the pump goes over the penis and is held tightly against the body to start pumping. After the desired erection is achieved, slide the c-ring off the pump (with the help of lubricant) and pull over the base of the penis. Intercourse can then be attempted with the c-ring in place to help maintain the desired erection.

Cock rings should not be used for more than thirty minutes at a time since it works by temporarily restricting the flow of blood. Setting a timer may help you to track when to take off the c-ring. Sometimes c-rings can cause a “hinging effect” on the base of the penis (like a door swinging on a hinge) while it is on. This is generally no cause for concern, but you may need to put your hand at the base of the penis to help with insertion.

Penis Pumps

A penis pump (or vacuum constriction device) is used to help a man achieve and maintain an erection. The pump goes over the penis and has to be held tightly against the body. Pumping draws air out of the cylinder, creating a vacuum. This pulls blood into the penis, leading to an erection. Once the pump is removed, if the man is not aroused or has problems maintaining an erection, the erection will go away. In order to maintain a firm erection by using a penis pump, you may also need to use it with a cock ring (c-ring). The c-ring should be placed around the outside of the penis pump prior to placing over the penis. After the desired erection is achieved, slide the ring off the pump and pull over the genitals. Many high quality pumps already come with a series of rings to assist in maintaining erections.

It is important to remember that an erection achieved by a penis pump is not the same as a natural erection. The penis can be a little purplish in color and can be somewhat cold and numb. Minor bruising on the shaft of the penis can be a normal side effect of using a penis pump. However, if pumping causes pain or severe bruising it is important stop using the pump and speak with your doctor.

Some medical conditions may make penis pump use ill-advised such as peripheral vascular diseases, blood clotting disorders, and diabetes. Talk with your medical provider before using a penis pump in order to make sure it is right for you. You should not use a penis pump if you are taking blood-thinning medications or suffer from significant bleeding disorders.