Some people get the hardest jobs… that was a really bad joke considering the review is about cockrings. I have to admit that it was something of a novelty being handed a packet of Swedish Erotic cockrings and being told to go away and do a review.

First of all, I must be the only gay man on the planet who hasn't used one and needed to go to the internet for instructions. Seriously, I mean I know the theory - the ring sits at the base of the penis behind the testicles, but which one do I use (there are three in a packet) and how do I put it on.

The more experienced readers are probably having a quiet giggle to themselves right about now - but not all of us are that experienced and guess what, my partner has never used one either.

The first thing I found out was that when using a fixed sized one, in this case a rubber ring, you need to be flaccid - first problem: perhaps it was the excitement of doing something new but bugger me if I could get the sucker on quick enough with all the fumbling before I wasn't in a state to put it on (you get the idea).

Anyway, the trick is do it before your partner gets undressed and into the room and don't - DO NOT let him help. By the time I had my balls through there was no way anything else was getting in there, even if it is rubber and it stretches. And in case any readers are cockring virgins like myself - you hold the ring under your balls and insert your testicles one at a time. Push the penis through and hold it there till you are fully erect and it will be held in place.

So what was the verdict - I noticed that when I was erect my hard-on seemed to be bigger than usual and a little more sensitive. I kept an eye on the clock (that was clock) as one article I read suggested that you shouldn't use a fixed sized ring for more than 20 minutes at a time - the cockring restricts blood flow out of the penis. The rubber cockring was very comfortable and the ability to stretch it made me as a first-timer more relaxed about putting it on.

I've never had a problem getting it up, but it certainly guaranteed a constant erection. Rubber is a lot more advisable for the beginner than a metal cockring if you get into problems and have to remove it while you are sill hard - unless of course you like the idea of wire cutters in the emergency room of your local hospital.

I really enjoyed using the cockring and found that rubber was certainly the best way to go for a novice like me. Will I use it again? You bet! The pack of three costs $19.95 at adultshop.com - so you won't blow the budget.