Wellness

What Is a Penis Sleeve? How and When to Use a Penis Sleeve

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Jan 13, 2023 • 2 min read

A penis sleeve can help mitigate the effects of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, plus increase your size. Read on to learn more about penis sleeves and whether or not they’re right for your sex life.

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What Is a Penis Sleeve?

A penis sleeve is a penile support device that enables a person with erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE) to increase their enjoyment of penetrative sex. Sleeves essentially function like a hollow, strap-on silicone dildo with a cock ring worn around the testicles. You may know this nonpharmacological ED treatment and sex toy by its other names: cock sleeve, penis enhancer, penis sheath, penis extension sleeve, penis extender, and extender sleeve.

Not all people who use penis sleeves experience sexual dysfunction. You can also use a penis sleeve to add extra length and girth to the penis. In addition to increasing penis size, many penis sleeves have ribs or nubs, which can improve sexual pleasure. Penis sleeves are not the same as masturbation sleeves (aka strokers, one of the most popular sex toys for penis owners).

Are Penis Sleeves Effective?

A penis sleeve is an effective external penile prosthetic for improving erectile function and penis enlargement without the side effects associated with PDE5 inhibitors (a.k.a. erectile dysfunction pills). However, they’re not guaranteed to work for everyone.

If you’re concerned about your sexual health, seek medical advice from your doctor and ask them about treatment options regarding prescription medications and non-pharmacological and non-surgical strategies for coping with sexual dysfunction.

4 Tips for Choosing a Penis Sleeve

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a penis sleeve:

  1. 1. Take measurements. To ensure that your chosen penis sleeve fits comfortably, you’ll need to know the length and girth of your erect penis. Use a soft measuring tape to measure your penis when you have an erection. Record your measurements and choose a slightly larger size to ensure it will adequately accommodate your penis.
  2. 2. Consider your needs. Penis sleeves come in many shapes and sizes. Some look and feel like a natural penis, while others are textured to enhance sexual arousal. They also come in closed or open designs and vary in firmness. Consider how long you can hold an erection and what else you hope to gain from wearing a penis sleeve before you make your selection.
  3. 3. Consider your partner’s needs. Penis sleeves, like sex toys, allow you to explore new sensations with your partner or partners. For example, some vulva owners might enjoy a penis sleeve designed to target the G-spot.
  4. 4. Experiment with other toys. Perhaps a penis sleeve isn’t for you, or you’re not ready to try it. That’s okay—there are plenty of different sex toys to experiment with.

How to Use a Penis Sleeve

Here’s how penis sleeves work:

  1. 1. Place the penis sleeve over your partially erect or flaccid penis.
  2. 2. Secure the penis sleeve in place. Some penis sleeves have a stretchy ring that attaches around your scrotum, a flexible hole you can place your testicles in, or a harness to keep the sleeve in place.
  3. 3. Apply lube to the inside or outside (or both) of the penis sleeve.
  4. 4. When your penis is fully erect, it should stay in place with minimal effort.

Let’s Talk About Sex

Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a MasterClass Annual Membership and learn more about open communication with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast Sex With Emily).