Erections are a natural and vital aspect of male sexual health.
They play a vital role in sexual activity and overall well-being. Many men or Assigned Males at Birth (AMAB) have questions regarding an erection.
In this article, we will answer some basic yet essential questions you might have about male erection.
We will also dive deeper into what causes an erection, how it works, its types, and problems related to erection.
What is an erection
A male erection is a physiological phenomenon in which the penis becomes firm, swollen, and enlarged in response to sexual arousal or stimulation.
It is a natural and necessary process for sexual activity. It involves increased blood flow to the erectile tissues of the penis, resulting in its enlargement and stiffness.
What does an erection look like
A male erection appears as an enlarged and firm penis.
The shaft of the penis becomes rigid and erect, while the head of the penis, known as the glans, may become more pronounced.
The angle, shape, and direction of an erection vary considerably between humans.
What does an erection feel like
The sensations of an erection, including its feel, shape, angle, and direction, can vary between individuals. However, most erections are pleasurable and sensitive.
An erection is a warm, tingling sensation caused by increased blood flow. It makes the penis feel enlarged and firm.
Prolonged erections due to medications can be painful and uncomfortable.
However, factors like stress and Hypertension can affect the ability to feel these sensations or maintain an erection.
If experiencing difficulties, it’s essential to seek medical advice. Doctors may prescribe medications like Viagra to manage Erectile Dysfunction.
To know more about how a boner feels, read What Does a Boner Feel Like.
What are the three types of erection
When it comes to erections, there are three primary types: reflexogenic, psychogenic, and nocturnal.
Reflexogenic erection
This type of erection occurs in response to physical stimulation of the penis.
It can be triggered by touch, friction, or other forms of direct stimulation.
Reflexogenic erections are commonly experienced during sexual activity, such as foreplay or intercourse.
The autonomic nervous system controls them and involves the release of Nitric Oxide.
This release causes the relaxation of smooth muscles and increased blood flow to the penis.
Psychogenic erection
Mental or emotional factors, such as sexual thoughts, fantasies, or visual stimuli, trigger psychogenic erections.
They are a result of psychological arousal rather than direct physical stimulation. Psychogenic erections involve the activation of the brain’s sexual response centers.
These centers send signals to the nerves and blood vessels in the penis, resulting in increased blood flow and an erection.
Nocturnal erection
Also known as “morning wood,” nocturnal erections occur during sleep, typically during the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage of the sleep cycle.
They are involuntary and can happen multiple times throughout the night.
Nocturnal erections are believed to be a normal part of healthy male sexual function. They are thought to be associated with healthy blood flow and hormonal activity.
While their exact purpose is not fully understood, they may contribute to maintaining penile health.
Read our article to know if Is It Unhealthy to Not Get Morning Wood?
Random erections
Random erections refer to the occurrence of erections without any sexual arousal or stimulation.
These erections can happen at any time, including during non-sexual activities or in inappropriate situations.
Random erections are a normal physiological response. And are commonly experienced during adolescence and young adulthood.
They are typically attributed to hormonal fluctuations and the body’s natural mechanisms for maintaining penile health.
To learn more about random erections, read I Get Erect Very Easily: Your Comprehensive Guide to Frequent Erections
How to manage unwanted erections
Suppose you are experiencing unwanted erections or are concerned about the frequency of your erections. In that case, there are some things you can do to manage them:
- Mental distraction
- Calmly waiting
- Exercising
- Relaxation techniques
- Changing position
- Showering in cold water
If you want to learn more about how these techniques help manage an erection, head to our article How to Stop Getting Erect so Easily?
What causes erection
A combination of psychological and physical factors primarily causes erections.
Let’s look at the physiology of a male erection:
When a person becomes sexually aroused or stimulated, the brain transmits signals to the nerves in the penis, triggering the release of chemicals such as Nitric Oxide.
Nitric Oxide works by relaxing the smooth muscles and expanding the blood vessels, allowing them to fill with blood.
As the blood enters the erectile tissues, the outflow of blood is restricted. This trapped blood causes the penis to swell and become larger and firmer.
Get a deeper knowledge of the cause of erection and read our article, What Causes Erection And What Are The Factors That May Affect Them?
Stages of erection
There are different ways to describe the stages of an erection, but here are some common ones:
Latent phase: This is the period before sexual stimulation, where the penis is flaccid or soft.
Tumescence phase: This begins an erection, where the penis fills with blood and becomes slightly larger and firmer.
Erection phase: This is when the penis becomes fully erect and hard and is ready for sexual activity.
Rigidity phase: This is the peak of the erection, where the penis is fully engorged with blood and is at its maximum size and hardness.
Detumescence phase: This is the period after sexual activity, where the penis gradually returns to its flaccid state.
It is important to note that the stages of an erection can vary between individuals and can be influenced by various factors.
These factors include physical and psychological factors such as age, stress, health conditions, and medications.
To understand the stages of erection, read Understanding the Stages of Getting Erect: A Comprehensive Guide.
Erection related problem
Source: kris_hanA man or AMAB could have erection problems. These include weak erection or no erection at all.
The inability to get or maintain an erection is called Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction can be due to psychological and physical factors.
Psychological factors include stress, Anxiety, Depression, and guilt.
Physical factors include vascular diseases like Hypertension and Diabetes, Obesity, some medications, and alcoholism.
However, treatment for ED is available in the form of pills, surgery, devices, lifestyle changes, and therapies.
To learn more about the factors that affect your erection, read What Causes a Man Not to Erect?
Additionally, an individual can also experience a painful erection, also known as Priapism.
It is a condition in which an erection lasts for an extended period and is accompanied by pain.
It is an uncommon but serious medical condition that requires immediate attention.
To learn about how to treat a painful erection, read Treatment for Painful Erections.
Treatment for erection problems
Treatment for erection-related issues like Erectile Dysfunction can be treated with the help of erection pills, surgery, devices, and lifestyle changes.
Oral medications are the first-line treatment. Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are commonly prescribed to help you with ED.
These medications enhance Nitric Oxide’s effects, promoting blood flow to the penis.
However, improving your erections naturally involves adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Prioritize stress management, as high-stress levels can adversely affect erectile function.
Explore stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Apart from these, Kegel exercises are also beneficial for managing ED.
Furthermore, it is essential to avoid smoking and moderate alcohol consumption, as they can hinder blood flow and contribute to erection problems.
Read more about A to Z of Erectile Dysfunction treatment.
Key takeaways
Erections are a natural and vital aspect of male sexual health.
They occur when the penis becomes firm, swollen, and enlarged due to increased blood flow during sexual arousal or stimulation.
There are three types of erections: reflexogenic (physical stimulation), psychogenic (mental or emotional factors), and nocturnal (during sleep).
Understanding a male erection is important for sexual well-being and addressing any related problems, such as Erectile Dysfunction.
However, ED is treatable with the help of erection pills like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra.
But it is essential to consult a doctor for ED treatment as they will diagnose you and prescribe you treatment based on their evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to improve erection?
To improve erections, adopt a healthy lifestyle, manage stress, engage in stress-reducing activities. Consider Kegel exercises along with quiting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.
Additionally, oral medications like Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra may be prescribed if you cannot get or maintain an erection regularly.
What is the normal erection for a man?
A normal erection for a man is characterized by the penis becoming firm, enlarged, and erect in response to sexual stimulation. The shaft of the penis becomes rigid, while the head may become more pronounced.
However, the average size of an erect penis varies between individuals. Still, studies show that an erect penis’s average length is between 5.1 and 5.5 inches (12.95-13.97 cm).
How to boost erection?
To boost erections, maintain a healthy lifestyle by managing stress, engaging in regular physical activity, consuming a balanced diet, getting enough sleep.
Avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and considering relaxation techniques can also be effective. Communicating openly with a healthcare professional can also help identify any underlying issues and explore potential treatment options.
How to keep an erection longer?
To keep an erection longer, try incorporating techniques such as the start-stop method, squeezing the base of the penis, or using a thicker condom to reduce sensitivity.
Additionally, maintaining overall physical health, managing stress, and engaging in regular sexual activity can contribute to longer-lasting erections.
What erection pill works best?
There are several prescription erection pills available, such as Cialis, Viagra, and Levitra, each with its own efficacy and potential side effects. It is best to consult a healthcare professional to determine which medication is most suitable for individual circumstances.
Cheap Medicine Shop only refers to credible, authoritative sources for our content. If you’re curious about how we ensure the integrity of our content, we encourage you to read our Content Information Policy.
