Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat It IsWhat It TreatsHow It WorksHow to Use ItRisksFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What It Is
What It Treats
How It Works
How to Use It
Risks
Frequently Asked Questions
The first treatments that tend to come to mind when you talk abouterectile dysfunction (ED)are drugs likeViagra (sildenafil)and Cialis (tadalafil). But several nondrug options can also help improveerectionseither on their own or with other ED treatments.
This article explores one such option, called an erectile dysfunction ring, that may be useful in people with mild ED or those in whom ED drugs are either ineffective orcannot be used. The article also lists the possible risks of ED rings and the people who should not use them.
Marco Verch / Flickr Creative Commons license 2.0 generic
What Is an Erectile Dysfunction Ring?
Some people with mild ED may benefit from using an ED ring on its own or with a device called avacuum pump(“penis pump”) that draws blood into the penis using suction.
Others may use ED rings as part of a holistic treatment plan involving ED medications calledPDE5 inhibitors, lifestyle changes (e.g., exercise and weight loss),counseling, injectable drugs likeCaverject (alprostadil), andtestosterone replacement therapy.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
There are many possible causes of ED, many of which are aging-related andothers of which are not. It is not uncommon for several different conditions to contribute to ED.
Causes and risk factors of ED include:
When an ED Ring May HelpED rings can help treat certain aspects of erectile dysfunction, namely those affecting blood flow to the penis (such as high blood pressure or vascular disease) or the entrapment of blood once the penis is engorged (such as penile trauma and Peyronie’s disease).They may not be as useful if ED is due to a neurological, hormonal, or psychological cause.
When an ED Ring May Help
ED rings can help treat certain aspects of erectile dysfunction, namely those affecting blood flow to the penis (such as high blood pressure or vascular disease) or the entrapment of blood once the penis is engorged (such as penile trauma and Peyronie’s disease).They may not be as useful if ED is due to a neurological, hormonal, or psychological cause.
Causes and Risk Factors of Erectile Dysfunction
An erection is a complex physiological response involving nerves, hormones, blood vessels, connective tissues, and smooth muscles.
Thepenisitself is comprised of two tube-like structures, called thecorpora cavernosa, that run the length of the penis and become engorged with blood during an erection.
To prevent the backflow of blood, a band of fiber near the base of the penis called the tunica albuginea will tighten, capturing blood that would otherwise escape. When sexual arousal has passed, the tunica albuginea will relax and the penis will return to its flaccid state.
How to Treat Peyronie’s Disease
Erectile dysfunction rings are popular options for people with ED in that they don’t require a prescription or a doctor’s visit. They are relatively cheap, reusable, and can be easily found online or in adult sex shops.
Types
There are both soft and hard ED rings made with different materials, including silicone, rubber, neoprene, leather, plastic, or metal. Many are designed as solid rings of various thicknesses and circumferences. Others are adjustable types and held in place with snaps, velcro, or other fasteners.
There are also variations that not only fit around the base of the penis but have a second attached ring, sometimes called a “ball stretcher,” that is worn around the base of thescrotum. This additional attachment is said to enhance erections.
Choosing a Ring
The choice of ED ring is largely a personal one. With that said, solid rings need to be properly sized so that they are comfortable and neither too tight nor too loose when you get an erection. This is less of a concern with adjustable rings or soft silicone rings that are stretchy.
Before use, some people will “manscape” the area around the base of the penis, shaving away excess hair so that they don’t get snagged as you put on the device. It can also reduce irritation and chafing if you are especially hairy.
Because the design of ED rings can vary, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the ring is put on and worn correctly. This can reduce the risk of discomfort or injury.
Vacuum PumpsVacuum pumps can be used beforehand to achieve an erection. After suctioning, grab the base on the penis with one hand to keep blood from escaping and quickly apply the ED ring with the other hand. Soft silicone or adjustable ED rings are best suited for this.
Vacuum Pumps
Vacuum pumps can be used beforehand to achieve an erection. After suctioning, grab the base on the penis with one hand to keep blood from escaping and quickly apply the ED ring with the other hand. Soft silicone or adjustable ED rings are best suited for this.
There are risks associated with ED rings and certain people who should not use them.
Because ED rings restrict blood flow, it’s important to not wear one for longer than 30 minutes.This is especially true if you take Viagra or other PDE inhibitors. Doing so can lead to a medical emergency calledpriapismin which the penis remains erect.
If an ED ring is “stuck” and cannot be removed, blood circulation can become strangulated and lead totissue deathor nerve damage.
Adjustable rings or soft silicone rings are generally safer as they can be easily removed or cut off in an emergency.Metal rings should be avoided.
If an ED ring causes pain, numbness, bruising, pins-and-needles sensations, or the skin to turn blue, remove it immediately. These are signs that the ring is too small and needs either adjustment or replacement.
Certain people should not use ED rings. These include people withsickle cell diseaseandblood-clotting disorders, as the restriction of blood flow can lead to the formation of clots and the total obstruction of a blood vessel.
Speak to your doctor if you are on blood thinners likewarfarinor antiplatelet drugs like Plavix (clopidogrel) before using an ED ring or any other constrictive ED device.
Never fall asleep with an ED ring still on.
How to Cope and Live Well With Erectile Dysfunction
Summary
An erectile dysfunction ring is a band that goes around the base of the penis to restrict blood flow out of the penis and maintain an erection. ED rings are available over the counter in many different designs. Care must be taken that the ring is not too tight or there can be damage to the penile tissues. People with clotting disorders or those taking anticoagulants should not use an ED ring.
A Word From Verywell
Erection dysfunction rings are simple and often effective means to improve the quality or duration of erections. For some people, they may be all that is needed to sustain an erection suitable for intercourse.
If they are not, do not be embarrassed to speak with your primary care provider, who may refer to you aurologistfor further evaluation. Generally speaking, a urologist should be seen if you are failing to get or sustain an erection 50 percent of the time or if ED is causing emotional distress or affecting your relationship or ability to conceive.
There are many treatments for ED today that extend beyond Viagra or Cialis. By meeting with a specialist, you can pinpoint the cause and find the options that work best for you as an individual.
What to Know About Telehealth With a Urologist
It can be if used correctly. The International Society of Sexual Medicine recommends silicone or adjustable rings that can be easily removed rather than metal rings that can get “stuck” and cause a medical emergency known as priapism in which an abnormally prolonged erection can cut off blood circulation in the penis.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Koifman L, Hampl D, Silva MI, Pessoa PGA, Ornella AA, Barros R.Treatment options and outcomes of penile constriction devices.Int Braz J Urol.2019 Mar-Apr;45(2):384–91. doi:10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2018.0667Sooriyamoorthy T, Leslie SW.Erectile dysfunction. In:StatPearls.StatPearls Publishing; 2021.Cleveland Clinic Center for Continuing Education.Erectile dysfunction.Panchasharam PK, Durland J, Zito PM.Physiology, erection. In:StatPearls.StatPearls Publishing; 2021.El-Sakka AI.Reversion of penile fibrosis: current information and a new horizon.J Urol.2011 Mar;9(1):49–55. doi:10.1016/j.aju.2011.03.013Herwig R, Bayerl M.Superficial tunica albuginea rupture as initial starting point of Peyronie’s disease: a topic for interdisciplinary consideration.Biomed Res Int.2015;2015:751372. doi:10.1155/2015/751372International Society of Sexual Medicine.What is a constriction ring? Why should one be used with caution?Cuartas JPS, Sandoval-Salinas C, Martínez JM, Corredor HA.Treatment of priapism secondary to drugs for erectile dysfunction.Advances Urol.2019;2019:6214921. doi:10.1155/2019/6214921Kato GJ.Priapism in sickle cell disease: a hematologist’s perspective.J Sex Med.2012 Jan;9(1):70–8. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02287.xYuan J, Hoang A, Romero C, et al.Vacuum therapy in erectile dysfunction—science and clinical evidence.Int J Impot Res.2010;22:211-9. doi:10.1038/ijir.2010.4Cleveland Clinic.Erectile dysfunction.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Koifman L, Hampl D, Silva MI, Pessoa PGA, Ornella AA, Barros R.Treatment options and outcomes of penile constriction devices.Int Braz J Urol.2019 Mar-Apr;45(2):384–91. doi:10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2018.0667Sooriyamoorthy T, Leslie SW.Erectile dysfunction. In:StatPearls.StatPearls Publishing; 2021.Cleveland Clinic Center for Continuing Education.Erectile dysfunction.Panchasharam PK, Durland J, Zito PM.Physiology, erection. In:StatPearls.StatPearls Publishing; 2021.El-Sakka AI.Reversion of penile fibrosis: current information and a new horizon.J Urol.2011 Mar;9(1):49–55. doi:10.1016/j.aju.2011.03.013Herwig R, Bayerl M.Superficial tunica albuginea rupture as initial starting point of Peyronie’s disease: a topic for interdisciplinary consideration.Biomed Res Int.2015;2015:751372. doi:10.1155/2015/751372International Society of Sexual Medicine.What is a constriction ring? Why should one be used with caution?Cuartas JPS, Sandoval-Salinas C, Martínez JM, Corredor HA.Treatment of priapism secondary to drugs for erectile dysfunction.Advances Urol.2019;2019:6214921. doi:10.1155/2019/6214921Kato GJ.Priapism in sickle cell disease: a hematologist’s perspective.J Sex Med.2012 Jan;9(1):70–8. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02287.xYuan J, Hoang A, Romero C, et al.Vacuum therapy in erectile dysfunction—science and clinical evidence.Int J Impot Res.2010;22:211-9. doi:10.1038/ijir.2010.4Cleveland Clinic.Erectile dysfunction.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Koifman L, Hampl D, Silva MI, Pessoa PGA, Ornella AA, Barros R.Treatment options and outcomes of penile constriction devices.Int Braz J Urol.2019 Mar-Apr;45(2):384–91. doi:10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2018.0667Sooriyamoorthy T, Leslie SW.Erectile dysfunction. In:StatPearls.StatPearls Publishing; 2021.Cleveland Clinic Center for Continuing Education.Erectile dysfunction.Panchasharam PK, Durland J, Zito PM.Physiology, erection. In:StatPearls.StatPearls Publishing; 2021.El-Sakka AI.Reversion of penile fibrosis: current information and a new horizon.J Urol.2011 Mar;9(1):49–55. doi:10.1016/j.aju.2011.03.013Herwig R, Bayerl M.Superficial tunica albuginea rupture as initial starting point of Peyronie’s disease: a topic for interdisciplinary consideration.Biomed Res Int.2015;2015:751372. doi:10.1155/2015/751372International Society of Sexual Medicine.What is a constriction ring? Why should one be used with caution?Cuartas JPS, Sandoval-Salinas C, Martínez JM, Corredor HA.Treatment of priapism secondary to drugs for erectile dysfunction.Advances Urol.2019;2019:6214921. doi:10.1155/2019/6214921Kato GJ.Priapism in sickle cell disease: a hematologist’s perspective.J Sex Med.2012 Jan;9(1):70–8. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02287.xYuan J, Hoang A, Romero C, et al.Vacuum therapy in erectile dysfunction—science and clinical evidence.Int J Impot Res.2010;22:211-9. doi:10.1038/ijir.2010.4Cleveland Clinic.Erectile dysfunction.
Koifman L, Hampl D, Silva MI, Pessoa PGA, Ornella AA, Barros R.Treatment options and outcomes of penile constriction devices.Int Braz J Urol.2019 Mar-Apr;45(2):384–91. doi:10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2018.0667
Sooriyamoorthy T, Leslie SW.Erectile dysfunction. In:StatPearls.StatPearls Publishing; 2021.
Cleveland Clinic Center for Continuing Education.Erectile dysfunction.
Panchasharam PK, Durland J, Zito PM.Physiology, erection. In:StatPearls.StatPearls Publishing; 2021.
El-Sakka AI.Reversion of penile fibrosis: current information and a new horizon.J Urol.2011 Mar;9(1):49–55. doi:10.1016/j.aju.2011.03.013
Herwig R, Bayerl M.Superficial tunica albuginea rupture as initial starting point of Peyronie’s disease: a topic for interdisciplinary consideration.Biomed Res Int.2015;2015:751372. doi:10.1155/2015/751372
International Society of Sexual Medicine.What is a constriction ring? Why should one be used with caution?
Cuartas JPS, Sandoval-Salinas C, Martínez JM, Corredor HA.Treatment of priapism secondary to drugs for erectile dysfunction.Advances Urol.2019;2019:6214921. doi:10.1155/2019/6214921
Kato GJ.Priapism in sickle cell disease: a hematologist’s perspective.J Sex Med.2012 Jan;9(1):70–8. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02287.x
Yuan J, Hoang A, Romero C, et al.Vacuum therapy in erectile dysfunction—science and clinical evidence.Int J Impot Res.2010;22:211-9. doi:10.1038/ijir.2010.4
Cleveland Clinic.Erectile dysfunction.
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