Many of us who work in the sexual health sector will agree that erectile dysfunction is one of the most prevalent reasons men seek our help (ED). There has been a lot published on the causes, therapeutic methods, and psychological impacts on men and their spouses.

My colleague Catriona Boffard discusses ED in-depth here, and I encourage that you spend some time reading her interesting and detailed article on the subject. What to do if you think you might have ED. What could be the root of the problem? How it emotionally impacts men and their spouses, as well as therapeutic options.

Following the publication of this article, many men have inquired about toys and equipment such as penile 'cock' rings, vacuum pumps, and other instruments that can be used to cure ED. In my perspective, and based on my experience as a psychosexual therapist, men's understanding of these toys and tools is typically restricted, and they are rarely discussed.

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Many men appear to be ashamed to inquire, or they may simply be uninformed that these options are accessible to them — not only for the treatment of ED but also to play with and have fun with.

Penis or 'cock' rings are metal, rubber, plastic, or silicone band that goes around the base of the penis. Some rings contain a section that accommodates both the penis and the scrotum. A cock ring's purpose is to reduce blood flow to the penis and so increase the strength and duration of an erection. Because of this blood limitation, finding a penis or cock ring that fits you appropriately is critical. If it's excessively tight, blood flow will be limited, making it uncomfortable to wear and potentially causing bruises and skin chafing. If the ring is too loose, it will not be effective and may slip off.

When it comes to picking a ring, which can be a bit of a 'trial and error process, some worry is understandable. The best advice is to take your measurements near to your body, at the base of your penis and scrotum. To determine the diameter of the ring you require, use a flexible tape measure (or a piece of string and a ruler). However, avoid measuring with an erect penis.

To measure the circumference, gently wrap the tape measure or string around the base of your penis and behind your scrotum. This should be done firmly on your skin, but not so hard that the flesh is squeezed into creases. Here's a useful sizing guide to help you figure out what diameter size ring to buy:

Circumference Ring Diameter

13.0-14.5cm ---- 40mm

14.5-16.5cm ---- 45mm

16.5-18.0cm ---- 50mm

18.0-19.5cm ---- 55mm

You'll know what size ring to buy if you get the correct diameter measurement. The most common ring sizes in South Africa are 40mm, 45mm, and 50mm. As a suggestion, start with a rubber or silicone ring before investing in a metal one to ensure you get the right size. If the sizing is incorrect, rubber and silicone are significantly more forgiving and less likely to damage you.

When used in conjunction with vacuum pumps or penis pumps, penis rings are very vital since the pump will assist you in achieving an erection. Because the ring restricts blood flow out of the penis, you can maintain it with a penis ring.

A vacuum pump is essentially a constriction device that a man with ED (or just want to have some fun) can use to obtain and maintain an erection. These devices are pleasant to play with and available in a variety of shapes, forms, and materials, in addition to their clinical use. That's why it's critical to select vacuum pumps and rings that work for you.

In terms of whether they help with ED, studies show that combining ED drugs, ED devices, or vacuum pumps with penis rings can greatly increase the ability to achieve and maintain an erection.