Interested in putting a rubber band around your balls as a DIY sex toy? In this article, we’ll discuss why you might put a rubber band around your testicles, if it’s safe, and what you can do instead.
Rubber Band Around Balls: Why Do It?
There are a few reasons you might put an elastic band around your testicles.
As a DIY Cock Ring
If you put a rubber band around your balls and shaft when erect, it functions like a cock ring. A cock ring essentially keeps blood “trapped” in your erection, making it bigger, harder, and sometimes more longer-lasting.
As Part of Cock and Ball Torture
Many people enjoy an element of pain during sexual encounters. One kind of pain you may be interested in is cock and ball torture, more generally termed genital play.
The constriction of the testicles with a rubber band is a form of bondage and can introduce an element of erotic discomfort to sexual encounters, much the same way that testicle cuffs or a testicle cage might.
To Try Ball Stretching
Some people may be interested in using a rubber band around their balls as a DIY ball stretcher, to stretch your scrotum down. Using a ball stretcher frequently, especially with weights attached, can make the scrotum hang down lower permanently. Some people do this for cosmetic reasons because they prefer the look of a lower-hanging scrotum. Ball stretching just during intercourse can also delay orgasm, leading to a more intense release.
Should You Put a Rubber Band Around Your Balls?
Those are the main reasons you might put an elastic band around your balls. But should you?
While there are times when DIY sex implements might be safe, this is not one of those times. Putting a rubber band around your balls is extremely dangerous!
Here are the harmful consequences of using a rubber band around your balls, from most to least serious:
Dangerous Levels of Constriction
Rubber bands tend to be far tighter and more constrictive than devices that are actually designed for your genitals. They may also be difficult (and painful!) to remove once the penis is erect.
If left on for more than a few minutes, a rubber band could cause all circulation in the penis to cease completely. This could cause permanent tissue damage and even penile or testicular gangrene. (There’s a reason why farmers use rubber bands to castrate farm animals!)
Additionally, even short time periods of hyper-constriction caused by a rubber band around your balls could cause nerve damage.
Bruising
Testicle or penis bruising is a risk with any device that involves constricting these areas, especially if they are left on for more than several minutes at a time. However, because of the extra-constrictive nature of rubber bands, the risk of bruising is increased.
Chafing and Skin Damage
On the less-severe end of things, un-lubricated rubber is really rough and uncomfortable against skin and hair. This can lead to irritation and chafing and also result in pubic hair being ripped off, especially when the rubber band is put on and removed.
Alternatives to a Rubber Band Around Balls
Thus, you should not under any circumstances be putting a rubber band around your balls. Luckily, you can buy safer products actually designed to be used on the genitals.
When buying a cock ring, testicle cuff, or ball stretcher, you want a fit that is snug, but not too tight. (Certainly not rubber-band tight!) It should only have a slight constrictive effect and you should still be able to remove the device when your penis is erect.
For this reason you may want to stick with models made of adjustable leather or softer silicone. Metal cock rings or testicle cuffs may be very difficult to remove when the penis is erect, which can become a serious problem: even a properly fitted cock ring, testicle cuff, or ball stretcher should only be worn for a short amount of time—20 minutes max. Otherwise, you risk tissue and nerve damage.
If you feel intense pain, tingling, or numbness, remove the device immediately.
You may also want to use lube to put on and remove the device.
Rubber Band Around Balls: Yes or No?
The bottom line is that you should never put a rubber or elastic band around your testicles that isn’t specifically designed to go there. (This also applies to things you tie, like shoelaces and string). The risk of constriction and tissue damage is too high.
Instead, use devices that are actually designed to go on your genitals. Make sure they aren’t too snug, and never wear for more than 20 minutes at a time.