The 4 Best Sex Toys for ED
Sex toys aren't just for fun — they can also be a creative way to help you navigate erectile dysfunction (ED) and sexual health.
If you’re reading this, you might have already considered buying something new as a solution to some sexual dysfunction, perhaps to avoid an awkward conversation with your healthcare provider about what’s going on.
While they’re not a cure, certain toys may enhance intimacy and provide extra support when ED gets in the way of having a healthy sex life.
Keep reading to learn about the evidence behind sex toys for ED as sexual aids for men.
Erectile Dysfunction: Basics and Causes
ED can affect men of all ages. Approximately 30 to 50 million men in the U.S. are dealing with this condition.
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get an erection firm enough for satisfactory penetrative sex, as well as:
You can’t get an erection every time you want to have sex
Your erections don’t last long enough for satisfactory sex
You’re unable to get an erection at all
Erections happen thanks to increased blood flow to the penis’s blood vessels and the trapping of that blood in two long chambers in the penis called the corpora cavernosa.
But achieving and maintaining erections isn’t always the straightforward process guys hope for, and there can be several causes of ED.
Health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure can affect sexual health, as can obesity, excessive alcohol use, and illicit drug use.
Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, as well as performance anxiety, can also play a psychological role in ED and other sexual issues.
Why Use Sex Toys for ED?
There are several scientifically-backed pharmaceutical treatment options for ED out there, but there are a few reasons why you might choose to try erectile dysfunction toys either in place of or in addition to a pill.
Pills can have side effects (like facial flushing, headaches, and heartburn) may interact negatively with other medications, or simply might not work for some people.
On the surface, male enhancement toys and devices present a less-invasive, non-prescription option for in-the-moment ED treatment.
But could toys for erectile dysfunction be useful male sexual aids for you?
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4 Sex Toys for ED
While there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that toys can have some benefits, they’re far from proven treatments. Let’s examine a few of the most popular device types and if they can do what they claim to do.
1. Penis Sleeves: Extra Support for Penetration
A penis sleeve is a hollow male sex toy that’s worn over your penis during sex. Penis sleeves come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and types.
Some are sized realistically and are designed primarily to increase sexual pleasure for you and your partner if you find it difficult to maintain an erection during penetrative sex.
The idea is that your partner gets something firmer and girthier, and you both get an enhanced, textured — and in some cases, vibrating — sensation for added pleasure.
Although penis sleeves seem to have promise for ED treatment, there’s only a small amount of research available on their effectiveness.
One scientific review published in 2017 mentioned penis sleeves as an option for men with erectile dysfunction who’d like to have penetrative sex. How well this works, though, can vary greatly based on factors such as the sleeve’s fit, shape, and thickness.
Pros and Cons of a Penis Sleeve
Here’s a quick look at the benefits and downsides of this option.
Pros:
Adds girth and texture for enhanced partner pleasure
Can help simulate firmness during penetrative sex
May boost confidence during intimacy
Cons:
Does not help create or maintain a natural erection
Fit and comfort vary greatly by product
Can reduce sensation for the wearer
Limited scientific research on effectiveness for ED
2. Penis Rings: Stay Hard, Longer
These male enhancement toys work similarly to penis sleeves, in that they’re a tool worn to enhance sexual pleasure during intercourse. Essentially, penis rings, also called cock rings, are ring-shaped devices you wear around the base of the penis.
Silicone rings are a good baseline model for beginners, as they’re usually stretchy and easy to put on and take off. Penis rings can also incorporate a variety of pleasure-enhancing devices, such as butt plugs, dildos, and harnesses, and they’re available in a variety of sizes.
Penis rings work by applying pressure to the area near the base of your penis. This slows the flow of blood out of the penis, which may help you to maintain an erection and stay hard for longer during sexual activity.
But while they may be effective in keeping the blood in, penis rings are not a treatment for issues that prevent blood from flowing into your penis and keep you from getting an erection in the first place.
There are also reports of them getting stuck, called penile ring entrapment — which, while not common, can lead to gangrene, oedema, and more.
Keep in mind that it’s also important to thoroughly clean a penis ring after each use.
Interested in trying out this toy but want to learn more? You can read this full review for everything you need to know about the Giddy device for ED.
Pros and Cons of a Penis Ring
Consider the following if you’re curious about trying a penis ring.
Pros:
Helps maintain an erection by slowing blood flow out of the penis
Inexpensive and widely available
Can be used with or without other toys
Some include added features (like vibration) for dual pleasure
Cons:
Doesn’t help with initiating an erection
May be uncomfortable or cause numbness (or injury) if worn too long
Needs cleaning and careful use to avoid injury
Not recommended for certain medical conditions (like clotting disorders)
3. Male Vibrators: More Than Just a Buzz
These sex toys are just what they sound like — vibrating toys designed for male pleasure, although many have the added bonus of enhancing female pleasure as well.
They can turn a penis sleeve into a “vibrating penis,” providing added stimulation for both partners if the vibes are powerful enough — and enhanced pleasure is, of course, an added benefit to just about any type of sexual aid.
A review of the use of vibrators to treat sexual dysfunction found that the stimulation from vibrators has evidence-based support for treating not only erectile dysfunction but also other sexual issues like premature ejaculation and difficulty achieving orgasms.
But since vibrators can be enjoyable for vaginas, the clitoris, anuses, the G-spot and everything in between, they may have an added bedroom benefit even if they’re not addressing the core erectile problem.
If you want to bring a male vibrator into the bedroom, make sure you read up on best practices for choosing and using one, like using water-based lube if you bring it into the shower.
Pros and Cons of Male Vibrators
There are several potential ups and downs to consider when it comes to using male vibrators.
Pros:
Stimulates multiple erogenous zones (penis, perineum, prostate)
May help improve sexual response and arousal
Can be used solo or with a partner
Some studies suggest a benefit for ED and other sexual issues
Cons:
Doesn’t directly treat the physical causes of ED
May require experimentation to find the right device or intensity
Higher cost than simpler devices
Not everyone finds vibration pleasurable
4. Other Sexual Aids for ED: Pumps, Extenders & More
There are other male enhancement toys with limited or no scientific backing. Penis pumps and extenders, for instance, have shown promise for making erections larger.
And when they’re paired with a penis ring, these sexual aids may keep you erect longer than you might otherwise be able to stay hard on your own.
The problem again, though, is that neither device solves the initial problem of dilation and blood vessel engorgement. You can’t make an erection bigger if you don’t already have an erection.
Pros and Cons of Penis Pumps and Extenders
Here’s a quick look at the factors to weigh if you’re leaning toward other sexual aids for managing ED.
Pros:
Penis pumps can help achieve a temporary erection
When paired with a penis ring, it may prolong an erection
Some devices (like pumps) are FDA-cleared for ED management
Cons:
Doesn’t work if blood flow into the penis is severely impaired
Temporary results—doesn’t treat the root cause
It can be awkward to use in the moment
Risk of bruising or discomfort if misused
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Alternatives to Sex Toys for ED
While the evidence behind sex toys for ED is lacking, there are other benefits to incorporating new toys into your sexual activities. For solving erectile dysfunction, though, your best bet is to look to proven treatments.
Oral medications for ED treatment are known as PDE5 inhibitors, which allow you to achieve and maintain an erection by helping the blood vessels near the penis expand and allowing more blood flow to the penis.
Some of the most common ED medications include Viagra Connect, (sildenafil), Cialis Together, (tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil) and Stendra ® (avanafil). Hims also offers chewable hard mints you can use just about anywhere.
While medication can help with the physical process of erectile function, there are often underlying psychological causes of ED. What’s more, ED can not only interfere with your sexual activity, but it can also wreak havoc on self-confidence, relationships, and more, all of which can then make ED worse.
If you’re experiencing ED and think it might have a psychological cause, you should consider talking to a mental health professional either in person or virtually.
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Traditional Pill
SildenafilGeneric equivalent to Viagra®
From £2.36/use
The most commonly prescribed ED treatment, contains the same active ingredient as Viagra® but is 80% more affordable than the brand name.
Traditional Pill
As-Needed TadalafilGeneric Cialis®
From £2.36/use
The unbranded, more affordable generic form of Cialis® taken as needed. It is clinically proven to help men get and keep harder erections for up to 36 hours.
Traditional Pill
Viagra Connect®
From £5.83/use
The over-the-counter branded version of sildenafil. Viagra Connect® improves blood flow to the penis, helping you achieve and maintain strong and satisfying erections.
Traditional Pill
Daily TadalafilDaily Generic Cialis®
From £21/month
A clinically proven treatment for erectile dysfunction that helps men achieve and maintain erections more easily. It gives you the freedom to enjoy spontaneous sex without needing to plan ahead.
Important safety information for Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Tadalafil Daily or Viagra Connect.
Sexual Aids for Men With ED: Final Thoughts
Erectile dysfunction can be frustrating. While it’s always best to talk to your healthcare provider about possible root causes, you may decide to try sex toys for erectile dysfunction in the meantime.
If you decide to go this route, just don’t forget these important facts about ED and its treatment options.
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve an erection that’s firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Whether this happens every once in a while or all the time, or if you get partial erections or no erections at all, it’s all ED.
There are several sex toys for ED on the market, such as penis sleeves, cock rings, male vibrators, and other sexual aids for men like penis pumps. But while these can bring sexual enhancement to the bedroom, they don’t solve the underlying issues behind ED.
There are proven-effective treatments for ED, from oral medications like Viagra or Cialis to talk therapy where you can work through anxiety or other sexual experience or mental health issues.
If ED is disrupting your sex life, you're not alone, and you're not out of options. Talk to a licensed provider about treatment, or explore sexual wellness tools to boost your confidence in the bedroom.
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 doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment or medication.