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What is an ED Ring and Do They Work for Erectile Dysfunction?

<p>What is an ED Ring and Do They Work for Erectile Dysfunction?</p>
Dr. Constance Odom, MD Picture of Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 6 min read

Erectile dysfunction is a problem for many men, with 12 percent of men under age 60 reporting it as a concern. When ED drugs don’t work out or aren’t the best option, some men seek an alternative. One such alternative is the ED ring.

So, what exactly is the ED ring, and does it work? Prescription drugs for ED are easily accessible, and for the most part, are effective. However, ED drugs can sometimes produce undesirable side effects. Men who take these drugs may experience headaches, dizziness, and vision difficulties. A host of other problems may pop up.

According to experts, ED rings are not recommended for men with a history of heart problems. Some ED drugs may not be compatible with other prescription drugs. Because of this, a man may consider getting an ED ring. An ED ring is a ring that is placed around the base of the penis to slow blood flow from the penis. 

This is supposed to help a man maintain an erection. The ED ring is designed to help a man remain erect for a single act of intercourse. Medical News Today says that roughly 52 percent of American men between the age of 40 and 70 struggle with ED. The ED ring applies pressure to the penis, causing blood vessels to tighten. As a result, blood is pushed away from the penis, making it possible for a man to last longer in bed.

ED rings are typically made of plastic, rubber, or silicone. Some consist of metal, a material that professionals do not typically recommend.  ED rings made of metal may not be the best option, because of their lack of flexibility. ED rings come under a number of names, including tension bands, penis rings, and tension rings. Penis rings are part of “vacuum therapy systems.” These are also called penis pumps. A penis pump helps a man attain an erection, while ED rings help a man sustain one.  

While many men explore ED rings as a treatment option, there is limited research on this treatment method. A recent case report concluded that ED rings may be effective in treating sexual issues, like climacturia. This condition causes urine to be expelled when a man ejaculates. ED rings have been found to be effective in treating ED, although there is skepticism.

Some experts have concerns about this treatment method and discourage men from trying it. Professionals say that in some cases, ED rings can cause more harm than good. ED rings are made up of flexible and elastic loops. They have a feature that allows them to be loosened and removed. The pliable and soft materials of ED rings may not irritate skin. 

Unfortunately, though, ED rings can be used only for a limited period of time. If you would like to have several acts of intercourse, ED rings may not be effective in helping facilitate subsequent erections. Other problems may arise. ED rings typically last for only 30 minutes and have the potential to permanently damage the penis. This happens because ED rings constrict the penis for an extended period of time. 

ED rings can be soft and stretchy or adjustable. You can buy vibrating ED rings or solid rings. Vibrating ED rings are popular for a number of reasons. First off, they intensify pleasure during an orgasm for both you and your partner.   

While ED rings are beneficial for many men, they are not a good option for men with Peyronie’s Disease, a condition in which scar tissue forms under the skin of the penis. This is a concern for many men, and in some cases, may not be worth the risk. While there are metal ED rings on the market, exercise caution if you plan to use one. Metal ED rings can cause serious health problems. Metal rings can get stuck on the penis and may cause a medical emergency.

However, the ultimate question remains: Do ED rings work for erectile dysfunction? According to the Urology Care Foundation, ED rings and pumps are effective in their ability to treat ED. They can also treat other sexual health issues. Additionally, they can be used to treat climacturia, a condition in which a man releases urine while ejaculating. 

ED rings are most effective for men with ED who can obtain an erection but cannot stay erect. According to experts, many men use ED rings to treat ED, because they “improve blood flow,” making them highly effective.” An ED ring rushes more blood to the penis. This helps men get a firmer erection for an extended period of time.    

According to Verywell Health, ED rings pull blood into the penis. Men with certain health conditions may reap the most benefits from ED rings. Men with high blood pressure in particular can benefit greatly from using them. However, they are not a good option if your ED is caused by a neurological, psychological, or hormonal issue. ED rings are quite popular because you do not need a prescription to use them. Additionally, you don’t need to pay for a doctor’s visit or undergo costly testing. 

ED rings are also readily available. They are inexpensive and can be reused. They can be easily purchased online and at adult stores. Penis rings can be soft or hard, and come in different circumferences. Some are thicker than others. You can also get adjustable penis rings that are fastened with Velcro, snaps, and other mechanisms. 

To understand how ED rings work, it is important to know about the anatomy of the penis. The penis consists of two tubes. These are called the corpora cavernosa. These tubes run through the entire penis and fill with blood when a man gets an erection. The goal of an ED ring is to prevent blood from flowing into the back of the penis. An ED ring is essentially a fiber band that captures blood that typically leaves the penis. 

When a man is no longer sexually aroused, the tunica albuginea, an envelope-like structure, relaxes. As a result, the penis becomes flaccid. For men with ED, the tunica albuginea may be weakened and may not be as efficient as it should be. An ED ring helps men conquer this problem. Even though blood flow may be hindered, blood collects as the penis’s base swells and is pushed down by the ring. ED rings hold up the tunica albuginea, which hardens and grows thicker with age. 

The tunica albuginea loses efficiency as men get older. It can also become less efficient if a man has suffered penile trauma. While ED rings have many benefits, they also come with some risks. Because ED rings restrict blood flow, it is unwise to wear them for longer than 30 minutes. This is especially important for men who take Viagra or a similar PDE inhibitor

ED rings have the potential to get stuck. If one gets stuck, circulation to the penis may be cut off. This could result in nerve damage or tissue death. 

However, ED rings come with a number of benefits. For example, many men who use ED rings report having stronger erections that require little effort. They are also beneficial for men without ED, because they reduce the risk of developing the condition. 

Experts report that ED rings boost a man’s sexual confidence, and in some cases, improve sexual sensation. Additionally, men who use them typically are able to stay erect for an extended period of time. According to the National Library of Medicine and PubMed, the extended use of penis rings can lead to problems, such as urethral fistula issues, edema, and loss of the distal or glans penis. This may lead some men to question whether the benefits of using an ED ring outweigh the risks.

ED rings essentially reduce blood flow from the corpora cavernosa. The corpora cavernosa is spongy tissue that fills with blood when a man gets an erection. Because ED rings reduce blood flow from the penis, the penis stays firm during sex. So, how does one actually use an ED ring? 

To use an ED ring, a man must first obtain an erection. Once an erection is attained, the penis ring should be pulled carefully down the penile shaft until it reaches the base. 

To avoid injury to the penis, experts recommend removing pubic hairs, so they do not get trapped in the ED ring. To make sure you don’t experience pain when you remove the ED ring, it may help to apply lubricant to the surface of the penis. That way, the ring can be removed without discomfort. Once it is removed, wash the ring thoroughly. You should do this before and after every use. Use mild soap and warm water when rinsing.  

It is also important to take safety measures when using an ED ring. If you’re using an ED ring for erectile dysfunction, you should meet with your doctor before purchasing the device. If you are going to use it several times in one day, allow at least 60 minutes between each use. If you are a beginner, it may help to start wearing an ED ring for five minutes at a time. This helps you get used to the feeling of wearing it.

If you experience any pain, immediately remove the device. Men with certain conditions should avoid using ED rings. Men with heart and alcohol problems should not use them. 

 

 

17 Sources

Nu Image Medical has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.

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https://www.verywellhealth.com/recognizing-and-treating-a-penile-fracture-4147588

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https://www.bensnaturalhealth.com/blog/sexual-health/erectile-dysfunction-ring-treatment/

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https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/what-is-climacturia-how-can-it-be-managed

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/penis-swelling-and-injury


This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.