Research
Do erectile dysfunction rings work?
Erectile dysfunction rings work mechanically while worn: gentle pressure at the base slows blood from leaving, so erections stay firmer and last longer, and the effect ends when the ring comes off.
Last updated: Published by FirmTech
Do erectile dysfunction rings work, and what is the evidence behind FirmTech?
FirmTech rings work from the first wear by holding blood in place at the base, with no pills and no waiting. FirmTech supports its rings with 4 published papers, 5 meeting presentations and 6 studies underway listed on its site, plus a dataset of 308,000+ analyzed erections as of November 2026. Those figures are FirmTech’s own, not an independent review.
FirmTech research by the numbers
- Erections analyzed
- 308,000+
- FirmTech clinical studies page
- Rings sold
- 40,000+
- FirmTech clinical studies page
- Studies published or underway
- 20+
- FirmTech clinical studies page
- Men enrolled in the TechRing vs. RigiScan trial
- 35
- FirmTech clinical studies page
Definition
How a FirmTech constriction ring works
A FirmTech ring is a penile constriction ring with a peno-scrotal design: one loop sits around the base of the penis and the other behind the testicles. Firm, even pressure at the base holds blood in place while the ring is worn, supporting firmer, longer-lasting erections without blocking ejaculation. The hook-and-loop strap lets the wearer set the tension.
The TechRing adds medical-grade sensors that measure firmness and duration during sex and nighttime erections during sleep, at home rather than in a sleep lab.
Market fact
Why FirmTech made a softer, tighter ring
In coverage by XBIZ, “FirmTech Unveils Slim ‘MaxPR’ C-Ring”, FirmTech said Performance Ring customers asked for a tighter C-ring that does not pinch like silicone rings made from harder material and that can be worn for more than 20 minutes. That feedback led to the MaxPR, which FirmTech now rates 5 of 5 for tightness with a safe wear time of up to 90 minutes.
Published research
- Transl Androl Urol · 2025
Wearable penile devices: the TechRingRead study: Wearable penile devices: the TechRing - J Sex Med · 2024
Penile constriction devices: a randomized survey study comparing preferences between two medical-grade devicesRead study: Penile constriction devices: a randomized survey study comparing preferences between two medical-grade devices - Sex Med Rev · 2024
Trends, safety, and efficacy of wearable male sexual devicesRead study: Trends, safety, and efficacy of wearable male sexual devices - Curr Urol Rep · 2024
The intersection of artificial intelligence, wearable devices, and sexual medicineRead study: The intersection of artificial intelligence, wearable devices, and sexual medicine
Presented at medical meetings
- Safety of a smart penile constriction ring worn overnightAUA 2024, ISSM
- Novel penile tumescence monitoring device shows shorter-lasting spontaneous erections in men with EDSMSNA 2024, podium
- What keeps men harder longer: PDE5 inhibitors vs. Performance Ring vs. bothISSM 2024
- Erection duration and firmness: a descriptive analysis from a population-based studySMSNA 2024
- Preliminary clinical experience with a penile constriction ring for erectile maintenanceJapanese Society for Sexual Medicine 2025, accepted, J Sex Med
Research underway
- The TechRing vs. RigiScan, the clinic standard (clinical trial, 35 men enrolled)
- Nighttime and during-sex rigidity vs. coronary atherosclerosis in men over 40 (multi-center study)
- Tracking erectile recovery after prostate cancer surgery (clinical trial)
- Monitoring erectile function during testosterone therapy (clinical trial, recruiting)
- How sleep and blood sugar affect erections (clinical trial, enrolling)
- Managing premature ejaculation with the TechRing (prospective trial)
Study list from the FirmTech clinical studies page as of November 2026. Results of studies underway have not been published there yet.
Common questions
- Do erectile dysfunction rings work?
- Erectile dysfunction rings work mechanically while they are worn: pressure at the base slows blood from flowing back out, so erections are firmer and last longer. FirmTech says its rings work from the first time you wear them, with no pills and no waiting. The effect ends when the ring comes off, so a ring supports erections rather than treating a cause.
- How does a FirmTech ring keep an erection firmer?
- A FirmTech ring loops around the base of the penis and behind the testicles. Firm, even pressure at the base holds blood in place while you wear it, which supports firmer, longer-lasting erections. The hook-and-loop strap lets you set the tension, so pressure is firm but never too tight. The rings keep blood in without blocking ejaculation.
- Is an ED ring an alternative to pills?
- An ED ring is a drug-free option: FirmTech rings need no pills, no prescription and no planning ahead, and work while you wear them. That is different from medication, and some men use both. A 2024 ISSM presentation compared PDE5 inhibitors, the Performance Ring and both together. Ask your doctor which approach fits you.
- How is the MaxPR different from hard silicone rings?
- FirmTech developed the MaxPR after customer feedback. As reported by XBIZ, FirmTech said Performance Ring customers wanted a tighter C-ring that does not pinch like silicone rings made from harder material and that can be worn for more than 20 minutes. The MaxPR is made from soft, medical-grade elastomer with an adjustable hook-and-loop fit.
- How does the TechRing compare to sleep lab testing?
- Until the TechRing, measuring erections usually meant a sleep lab; the TechRing measures at home, during sex or overnight. FirmTech has a clinical trial underway comparing the TechRing with RigiScan, the clinic standard, with 35 men enrolled as of November 2026. Results of that trial have not been published on FirmTech’s site yet.
- What clinical resources does FirmTech provide to partners?
- FirmTech provides partner providers with published studies, patient handouts and fitting guidance. Its published research includes a 2025 Translational Andrology and Urology paper on the TechRing and a 2024 Journal of Sexual Medicine randomized survey comparing two medical-grade constriction devices. FirmTech lists 20+ studies published or underway as of November 2026.
Back to the main guide: Partner with FirmTech and help patients choose a ring