Doin’ It Well

Dear Doin’ It Well:

I was reading a reply to someone asking about cock rings. I have a question about them, … I was born with Klinefelter’s Syndrome, and while I’m lucky enough to have a good sex drive, I do notice as I age things in the erection dept. are starting to wane. I have an average size penis, but my balls are, well, the size of a hummingbird egg, and my scrotum is very small as well.

Most cock rings do not work; there are no balls to grab a hold of for the rings. I was wondering if there are any cock rings that will just go over the base of the shaft of the cock and work just as well? Do they make rings that small or am I looking for the wrong-named product?

Me and my gal were at an adult store and a store clerk heard my problem, and said that possibly if I start to do ball/scrotum stretching, a cock ring would have something to hold onto. Though he said the process was long and at times painful. So here I am looking for advice, can’t realy go and ask most folks this, as its quite humiliating.

Dear reader,

Thanks for the awesome question! For readers who do not know, Klinefelter’s is a genetic condition in which a baby boy is born with an extra X chromosome, so instead of the XY configuration, he has XXY. About 1 in 500 to 1 in 1,000 babies are born with an extra X chromosome, although most people do not realize they have this condition, as it does not necessarily present any noticeable “symptoms.” But some people with Klinefelter’s do experience smaller penis or scrotum size, less facial and body hair or overdeveloped breasts.

To answer your question: Yes, cock rings can be worn around the base of the penis only, and there are rings that are adjustable to fit snuggly around the shaft. One style cock ring is a cyberskin “tube” that you can simply stretch and “tie” around your penis, tucking or trimming the remainder of the tubing to get the desired fit. Another variety is a silicone or rubber cock ring that is adjustable. Again, this can be worn on the penis only, and can be pulled tight.

Getting Crafty

Leather cock rings have snaps to allow users to adjust the size. If you want it tighter than the snaps will allow, simply head to a craft store, buy some snaps and superglue, and add additional snaps to the leather! While we’re on the topic of do-it-yourself cock rings, here’s a bit of advice: if making a cock ring at home, make sure the material is at least a half of an inch in width. Smaller strings, rubber, etc., can cause damage to the skin and the capillaries of the penis or may cut into the skin! Save yourself the pain; buy a cock ring that can be adjusted to meet your needs.

Erectile Difficulties:

Sometimes folks use cock rings and other devices as a way to address erectile difficulties. Keep in mind, the erection problems you mention may or may not have anything to do with Klinefelter’s. There may be other reasons - and therefore other solutions - for erectile problems. Sometimes lower testosterone production may impact erections; talk with your doctor to explore if testosterone replacement is something that might be an option.

Of course, lots of other things could be causing the erection problems, and you mention that you have noticed this as you age. It may be helpful to think about whether this has started to happen recently or has been on-going, if you experience erection difficulties during masturbation or if erections are more difficult to get and maintain in some situations but not others. Paying attention to when, where and with whom these difficulties surface can help you see patterns and seek solutions.

Problems with erections can be hormonal, physical, emotional, interpersonal or a combination of all these dimensions. Sometimes it can be difficult to tease out all the contributing factors. You may want to ask your doctor about a referral to someone who specializes in sexual difficulties who can suggest alternative ways to address erection problems before you attempt the long, painful process of stretching your scrotal sack.

Sex 411 Resources for Erectile Difficulties:

• University students: Talk to your primary care provider at McKinley, or make an appointment with Kim Rice, the sexual health educator.
• Birch Tree Counseling Center: 217-398-0744.
• Sex Therapist Tom Niebur ( Bloomington, Ill. ): 309-451-2910
• Metz & McCarthy: Coping with Erectile Dysfunction