Getting and keeping an erection is a natural part of a man’s sexual health. Many men, mainly aged 40 to 60, want to understand what a typical duration of an erection is and what might signal a problem.
So, how long does an erection last? The duration can differ greatly from person to person. It depends on several things, including your health and your actions.
Knowing these factors can help you better understand your body. It can also help you know when to seek help if you have concerns. This article will explain the typical length of an erection, factors that influence how long it lasts, and when you should consider seeking medical advice.
How long does an erection last on average?
Most erections last for a short time. For many people, an erection lasts from a few minutes to about half an hour during sexual activity.
The average time from vaginal penetration to ejaculation (Intravaginal Ejaculation Latency Time) is approximately 5 to 7 minutes, with some variation by age. The erection may continue for a short period beyond ejaculation.
Sometimes, erections occur without sexual activity and may last only a few minutes. Nighttime erections, or morning wood, which happen during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, typically last about 25 to 35 minutes each and occur several times per night.
What factors affect erection duration?
Many things can change how long an erection lasts. These include:
- Age: Erections may not last as long as you get older.
- Health: Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and Heart Disease can affect erections.
- Emotions: Stress, worry, or sadness can make erections shorter.
- Medicines: Some medicines can change how long an erection lasts.
- Lifestyle: Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or not getting enough sleep can have an effect.
You may notice changes in your erections over time. This is normal. If you are worried, talk to a doctor.
When is an erection too short or too long?
An erection is generally considered too short if it does not last long enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse, often indicating Erectile Dysfunction (ED). This means a person has difficulty maintaining an erection firm enough for penetration or lasting long enough for sex.
If an erection is lost before or shortly after penetration regularly, it may signal ED, which can arise from poor blood flow, nerve damage, hormonal changes, or mental health issues. Short erections occasionally are normal, but frequent issues may require treatment.
On the other hand, an erection that lasts too long, specifically longer than 4 hours, is known as Priapism. Priapism is a rare but serious condition unrelated to sexual arousal and demands urgent medical attention to prevent permanent damage.
It may result from certain medications, blood disorders like sickle cell disease, pelvic injuries, or drug use. Priapism can cause long-term tissue damage or permanent ED if untreated.
So, an erection is too short if it affects your ability to have sex, and too long if it lasts over 4 hours without going away.
When should you worry about your erection timing?
Signs you should talk to a doctor include:
- Erections that are too short for sexual activity, even after trying different things.
- Erections that last more than 4 hours.
- Painful erections.
- Erections that happen less often than before.
How can you improve erection duration?
If you have short erections, there are safe and proven ways to help. The appropriate choice depends on your health, needs, and lifestyle.
Lifestyle changes
You can help make erections last longer naturally by trying these steps:
- Eat healthy foods.
- Exercise often.
- Get enough sleep.
- Limit alcohol and avoid smoking.
These changes can help your overall health and support better erections.
FDA-approved medications
Some medicines can help you get and keep an erection. These include:
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Vardenafil (Levitra)
- Avanafil (Stendra)
These medicines are trusted and proven to be effective for many people. They work by helping blood flow to the penis. Each medicine works a bit differently.
Tadalafil (Cialis) lasts the longest, making it helpful for people who want more flexibility. Sildenafil (Viagra) and Vardenafil (Levitra) work well for shorter periods. Avanafil (Stendra) acts the fastest.
Each medicine has its own benefits. The best one for you depends on your needs and health.
Devices and other solutions
Sometimes, lifestyle changes and medicines don’t work alone. There are products and other treatment options that can help improve erection quality and duration. Your doctor might suggest other options like:
- Vacuum devices that help some people get an erection.
- Counseling or therapy can help if stress or worry is a cause.
- Hormone treatment may help if you have Low Testosterone.
Always talk to a doctor before starting any treatment. Every person’s situation is different. The right solution depends on your health, age, and needs. The doctor can help you find the safest and most effective option.
Conclusion
So, how long does an erection last? On average, it can range from a few minutes to about 30 minutes during sexual activity, depending on many factors.
Erections happen when blood fills the penis and usually go away after ejaculation or the end of stimulation. Age, health conditions, medications, and emotions can affect how long they last.
While occasional short erections are normal, very brief or very long erections, like those lasting over four hours, may need medical attention. If your erection duration worries you, don’t ignore it.
Lifestyle changes, FDA-approved medications like Sildenafil or Tadalafil, and other solutions like vacuum pumps or therapy may help. Each option works differently, so always talk to a doctor before starting treatment. With the proper care, support, and guidance, you can manage changes in erection timing and feel more confident in your sexual health.

Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an erection last with Eroxon gel?
Eroxon gel helps you get an erection within 10 minutes. The effect usually lasts long enough for one sexual activity. After that, your erection will naturally fade. If you wish to have sexual activity again, you will need to use another tube of Eroxon gel.
How long does an erection last with Tadalafil?
When you take Tadalafil, the effect of the medicine can last up to 36 hours. This means you can get an erection more easily during this time when you feel excited. The erection itself does not last for 36 hours. Use it as your doctor tells you.
How long does an erection last after ejaculation?
After ejaculation, your erection usually lasts a few minutes before going away. Your body needs time to rest before the next one. This resting time is called the refractory period. It may be shorter if you’re younger and longer as you age.
How long does an erection last when using a pump?
An erection from a pump usually lasts for about 30 minutes. You can keep the erection by using a constriction ring at the base of your penis. This ring helps hold the blood in place. Remember to take the ring off after 30 minutes to keep your penis healthy.
How do I know if I’m fully erect?
You know you are fully erect when your penis feels firm and stands up straight. It becomes hard enough for sexual activity or penetration. You may also notice it stays firm even when you stop touching or thinking about sexual activity for a short time.
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