Lord of the Rings

Dear Mistress,

Never in my life did I think I'd be asking anyone about this, but I'm writing to get some information on cock rings. I've been dating my girlfriend for almost a year, and we're very open about sex. Last week, she mentioned that her ex-boyfriend would often wear a cock ring. I played it off like I knew what it was, but, truth be told, I have no idea.

I've never considered using a cock ring, nor do I really have any idea why a woman might like her man to wear one. I guess I always thought it was a gay thing, but now I feel ignorant and, frankly, a little embarrassed to ask her directly. Can you give me an education in cock rings so I will have the confidence to talk with her about it?

Signed,
Out of the Loop

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Dear Out of the Loop,

Many men — both gay and straight — use cock rings to enhance sexual pleasure. Cock rings are most often made of leather, silicone, rubber or metal and are placed around a flaccid penis and/or scrotum. When the penis becomes engorged, the cock ring tightens, restricting blood flow and intensifying the erection. Some men report that they last longer with a cock ring; however, other men say the sensation of the tight ring prompts them to ejaculate more quickly.

If you decide to try a cock ring, be sure to buy the real thing. Some men have suffered serious consequences from using makeshift cock rings (like a metal washer from the hardware store). Without a quick-release mechanism, cock rings can restrict blood flow too long, leading to priapism, penile gangrene and amputation — ouch. In general, cock rings shouldn't be worn for longer than 20 minutes, and you should remove it immediately if your member becomes cold or numb.

If you want to impress your girlfriend with your knowledge of cock rings, ask her if she's ever tried one with a vibrator attached, designed to stimulate her clitoris (or anus) during intercourse. She won't think you're ignorant — she'll think you're the king of the cock rings.

In the Loop,
MM