Ball stretching: how to start, sizing and safety

What ball stretching is

A ball stretcher is a ring, weight or strap worn around the neck of the scrotum, above the testicles. It pulls the balls down and away from the body, which makes them hang lower and feel heavier, tightens the skin of the scrotum and gives a constant tug that many men find intensely arousing, especially during sex or when a partner plays with it. Worn regularly over months, the scrotum does hang lower; how much differs from man to man. What stretching does not do is change the size of the testicles themselves.

Types of stretchers

Steel rings: the classic. Solid, polished stainless-steel rings in heights from about 20 to 60 mm and weights from 150 g to over 1 kg. Split, hinged and magnetic versions open so that you can put them on without squeezing the balls through. Find them in ball stretchers and weights.
Silicone stretchers: soft, stretchy and light, in the form of a wide ring or a stack of rings. The best way to find out whether you like the feeling before you buy steel. See ball straps and stretchers.
Leather and neoprene straps: adjustable with snaps or Velcro, stackable for more height, comfortable for long wear and good under clothes.
Weights and hangers: extra weight that clips or screws onto a ring, or parachute-style harnesses that carry weights on chains. For men who already wear a ring comfortably.

Measuring for the right size

Take the measurement in a warm room when everything is relaxed; cold pulls the scrotum up and gives you a number that is too small. Pull the balls gently down, wrap a soft tape measure or a piece of string around the neck of the scrotum just above the testicles, and read the circumference. Divide by 3.14 for the inner diameter. Most men need 30 to 40 mm. The ring must sit tight enough not to slip over the balls and loose enough to slide over the skin easily; if you are between sizes, take the larger one. For a first steel ring choose a modest height (20 to 30 mm) and weight (150 to 300 g). Every product page lists inner diameter, height and weight.

Putting it on

Trim or shave the area: hair caught under a ring hurts and makes it slip. Warm up under the shower so the scrotum is relaxed, put a little water-based lube on the skin and the inside of the ring, then work one ball through at a time with a solid ring, or close a split or magnetic ring around the neck of the scrotum. Check that no skin is pinched. Taking it off works the same way in reverse; a warm shower helps here too.

How long, how heavy

Start with one or two hours a day and see how the skin and the balls react. Extend the time gradually over weeks, and only add height or weight once the current ring is comfortable for a full day. Serious stretchers wear a ring most of the day, but everyone takes it off for the night: never sleep with a ball stretcher on, because you cannot feel a circulation problem while asleep. Take a rest day when the skin feels sore.

When to take it off, immediately

Ball stretchers restrict a small area of the body, and the testicles need blood flow. Remove the stretcher at once and let everything recover if you notice pain that does not fade in a minute, numbness or tingling, a cold feeling, blue or purple discolouration, swelling, or skin that is chafed or broken. Do not try to sit it out. If a ring cannot be removed, or symptoms last after removal, seek medical help without delay; a cut-off ring is cheaper than a damaged testicle. If you have varicoceles, hernias, circulation or sensitivity problems, or any injury to the area, talk to a doctor before you start.

A few more rules

Magnetic rings hold with strong magnets: keep them away from pacemakers, implanted devices, bank cards and phones, and mind your fingers when they snap shut.
Clean steel with soap and water or a toy cleaner; leather is wiped, never soaked.
Stretching is not medical treatment, and there is no injection, cream or shortcut that safely replaces slow, regular wear. Anything a forum suggests along those lines belongs in a doctor's office, not in your bedroom.
Combine with a cock ring or a cock and ball toy once you know both sizes; the combination is the classic look of the leather scene.

Not sure about your size? Mail your measurement to info@gaysteel.eu. More measuring help is in the size guide.