put a ring on it

A guide to choosing and using cock rings (for pleasure, erection oomf, and with pumps)

why use a ring

A penis pump is designed to improve the flow of oxygenated blood to the penis which may result in an erection. Using a vacuum erection device (VED) is one non-invasive way of establishing oxygenated blood flow into the penile tissue.

When using a penis pump, a tension ring will help maintain the erection for as long as possible. The tension ring is designed to constrict the flow of blood. This is why a tension ring should only be worn for 30 minutes.

Most men find using a vacuum pump without a tension ring can cause the penis to return to a flaccid state more rapidly.

a ring of choices

vacurect-ring-sizes

When choosing a ring there are two factors to consider:

Size: Ring sizes are typically based on diameter of the penis. You can find out the diameter by measuring the circumference and using an online tool to calculate the diameter. At the beginning of your ED rehab, a smaller or more constricting ring is ideal.

Quality: A high quality ring is typically medical-grade. We recommend Vacurect products because they’ve been tested with success and have achieved TGA approval and FDA certification. Choosing a good quality ring will ensure proper fit and improved results. A quality ring also helps reduce risk of side effects.

The Vacurect System includes a variety of sized rings, but there are other brands of rings available.

how to use a pump ring

These videos demonstrate how to use cock rings for erectile dysfunction

By clicking an image below, you will be directed to YouTube to view the video. YouTube requires you to sign into a Google Account (you can create a free Google Account) to view these videos. Some videos contain nudity.

a ring of questions

  • 30 MINUTES MAXIMUM.

    It is very important you remove the ring after 30 minutes to allow oxygenated blood to flow again.

  • If you are completely filling the Vacurect cylinder and find the largest ring acts more as a constriction ring than a comfortable rehabilitation base, you might want to try either not pumping up to full capacity to see if you still achieve desired results but with more comfort. Or, you can try using the Vacurect cylinder without the rings (this won’t be the most comfortable experience but it is possible to create a seal against the groin with just cylinder). You might then find another ring set that goes over the Vacurect pump and is placed onto the shaft base post pumping a way to maintain that erection.

    We also recommend contacting the Vacurect supplier you purchased through to see if they have other suggestions or accessories for you to try. Unfortunately, at this time Vacurect only make a one-sized cylinder that fits the majority of men with ED. If you are concerned that you might be too big for the device, we recommend contacting the Vacurect supplier before purchase.

  • Try these three techniques for easy ring removal:

    1. Squeeze the erection to encourage blood to flow back into the body.

    2. Lift the opening up at one side / pull the opening to the side slightly.

    3. Take a warm shower and remove using soap and water.

    Remember to only leave the ring on for 30 minutes. Your body needs to reinstate oxygenated blood flow after this time.

    This live demonstration video shows how to remove a tight Vacurect ring.

  • There are two main ways to apply the tighter rings, either on the base of the penis (using lubricant to move into the ring when flaccid), or you can draw the penis into the ring and cylinder by pumping. We recommend watching this demonstration video to get a sense of each technique:

    Starting with the ring on.

    You may also come up with your own technique that works best for your body. It takes trial and error to find both the ring size and the best method for you.

  • Yes, you can keep the tension ring on and just reattach the cylinder that is on the base of the penis. The blood will still pull into the penile tissue due to the negative pressure created in the cylinder.

  • If a man is still ejaculating, you might need to remove the ring in order to ejaculate depending on how tight it is.

  • Most men don't need to replace the rings as they are made from medical grade silicone and are designed to last (note it’s important to use a water-based lubricant to protect the quality of the rings).

    If required, you can purchase extra Vacurect rings/parts here:

    - Australia

    - USA/Canada

  • The tighter Vacurect rings can help reduce some leakage during sexual activity. If you find that you experience leakage when aroused (a common post Prostatectomy side effect called ‘climacturia’) then you can also use a condom easily with the Vacurect.

    Learn how to put a condom on before pumping in this article (scroll down to point ‘3. Safety’)

  • Uncircumcised men can also enjoy using the Vacurect. It is best for each individual to experiment with different technique’s to determine what is the most comfortable. It should not be a painful experience.

    Here are two ways to adapt the technique:

    1. Pull back the foreskin before placing the pump (with tension ring attached) on the tip of the penis and prior to starting the pumping process. Remember, it is important to use lubricant during the process to make it comfortable and easy.

    2. Put the ring on first (without the pump attached), and with a hand towel pull your foreskin out of the ring and position the ring just behind the head of the penis. Then, place the pump onto the ring and slowly start pumping.

    There is a set of four silicone rings that can be used with the Vacurect, however, it is a different type of technique required in getting those rings onto the pump, and then onto the base of the penis.

    We also recommend purchasing a separate universal pump sleeve to go with those rings. Please see this video to learn how to use the rings and opening with the Vacurect.

  • The OTC 5 comes with:

    The 1:(28mm), 2:(26mm), 3:(24mm), 4:(22mm) and 5:(20mm). Each ring is clearly marked for identification (by number). The mm refers to the inside diameter of each ring and is not shown on the rings.

    In Australia -

    The OTC 10 comes with:

    Ten tension rings in total. The two largest ones in the set of ten are commonly used for rehabilitation after prostate surgery (options of two different sizes).

    The tension rings sizes/numbers included in the OTC model is as follows: XL-Rehab(32mm), L-Rehab(30mm), 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. The number 8 is the smallest ring in the set of ten supplied/ manufactured. Inside diameter of 6 (19mm), 7(18mm) and 8(17mm).

    In the US

    The OTC 10 comes with:

    The Deluxe package now comes with sizes XL, L, and 1 through 8. The XL has replaced the "rehabilitation" ring.