Erections are common and are part of the daily life of men or Assigned Males at Birth (AMAB).
Male erection is a psychological process where a penis becomes firm, enlarged, and filled with blood.
Erection occurs when men are sexually aroused, which causes an increase in the flow of blood, causing the penis to be filled with blood thus causing an erection.
They are essential for reproduction and indicate a healthy functioning of the male reproductive system.
With a brief introduction about male erection, let us proceed and understand more about male erection in detail.
Types of male erection
There are three types of male erections.
- Reflexogenic erections- These erections usually occur due to the arousal triggered when you or someone else touches your genitals. Masturbation or sexual foreplay usually causes reflexogenic erections.
- Psychogenic erections- These erections occur due to thinking about sexual fantasies and memories. Psychogenic erection occurs without any physical touch.
- Nocturnal erections- These erections usually occur during deep sleep and without any physical or psychological stimulation. These erections are also known as Nocturnal Penile Tumescence or morning wood.
To understand why you get erect easily, read I Get Erect Very Easily: Your Comprehensive Guide to Frequent Erections
How does male erection occur
Male erection is a natural process caused by a complex interaction of hormones, nerves, and blood vessels.
When men or AMAB get sexually stimulated due to any physical touch or erotic thoughts, it releases hormones and neurotransmitters.
This leads to the relaxation of smooth muscles, which then causes an increase in the flow of blood to the penile chambers known as the Corpora Cavernosa.
This blood flow causes the erectile tissues to expand, which causes the penis to engorge with blood, leading to a male erection.
However, due to medical and health conditions, the process of erection may get affected, leading to sexual dysfunction like Erectile Dysfunction.
ED may cause difficulties in achieving an erection.
And if you are unable to achieve or even maintain an erection, it might be due to ED. Visit your doctor if you are experiencing difficulties with your erection.
They may help diagnose the cause and prescribe effective medications such as Viagra and Cialis to manage ED.
Factors that may affect male erection
Several health, medical, and psychological factors may affect the male erection.
These factors might control the working of an erection by causing difficulties in achieving and maintaining an erection.
They might affect men’s nervous, vascular, and endocrine systems and cause Erectile Dysfunction.
ED can also affect sexual intimacy and relationship.
According to WebMD, the following factors may affect achieving and maintaining an erection.
- Obesity- It is a major health issue and can lead to several other health conditions. Obesity might cause strain on the heart and may cause irregularity in blood pressure, and may lead to ED.
- Smoking- Smoking is bad for our health. It can lower the levels of Testosterone, which may cause Erectile Dysfunction and affect your erection.
- Drinking- Just like smoking, alcoholism may also affect your health. Excessive drinking may cause erection problems by affecting your brain and liver and might even affect the testicle, which is responsible for the production of Testosterone.
It is essential to visit a doctor if you are unable to achieve an erection. They may prescribe medicines such as Sildenafil and Tadalafil for treating your erection problem.
How to maintain a firm erection
If you are experiencing difficulties in maintaining and achieving an erection, it is advised and beneficial to consult a doctor immediately.
Doctors may help to manage erection problems by prescribing the following treatment options for managing ED.
Medicines
Source: Kwangmoozaa_from_Getty_ImagesMedicines such as PDE-5 inhibitors might help to manage erection problems by inhibiting the effects of the PDE-5 enzyme and increasing the blood flow to the penis.
PDE-5 inhibitors include Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Avanafil, and Vardenafil. These meds are approved by FDA for treating ED.
Lifestyle changes
If you are facing erection problems due to health factors such as Obesity and smoking, a lifestyle change might help to manage erection problems and will help you to achieve and maintain an erection.
Regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and alcohol may help to manage erection problems or ED.
According to a study, physical activities such as aerobic exercises might help to manage ED.
Thinking about foods to incorporate into your diet for a firm erection? It is recommended to read the article- Fueling Your Performance: Foods for Strong Erection.
Apart from these treatment options, therapy might as well help to manage psychological factors-induced ED.
Therapy sessions may help to manage Depression, stress, and sexual performance-induced anxiety.
These sexual counseling sessions might even help to increase sexual intimacy by reducing relationship issues caused due to ED.
It is essential to talk to a medical expert to diagnose the cause of the erection problem for effective treatment.
Key Notes
Male erection is a complex natural process necessary for reproduction.
It occurs due to interactions between nerves, blood vessels, and hormones.
They cause an increase in blood flow which leads to erection in men or AMAB.
Male erections are of three types- Reflexogenic, Psychogenic, and Nocturnal erections.
A healthy erection might get affected due to factors such as Diabetes, smoking, and Depression.
However, it might be managed with the help of ED medicines, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Consult a doctor for safe and effective management of ED.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different stages of erections?
There are three stages of erection. Soft (or flaccid) state where the penis is in a normal state and no erection has occurred. Swollen (or tumescent) state where the penis is enlarged and swollen due to blood flow. Erect (or rigid) state where the penis becomes firm and filled with blood.
Are there any exercises or techniques that can improve erections?
Yes, exercises such as Kegel exercises, pilates, and aerobic exercises may help improve erectile function and manage ED.
Is it common for men to experience occasional difficulties with erections?
Yes, it is completely normal for men AMAB to experience occasional difficulties in achieving and maintaining an erection due to fatigue and stress. However, if you are experiencing it frequently, it is essential to visit a doctor for a consultation to diagnose the underlying condition affecting erections.
Can certain medications impact erectile function?
Yes, medicines such as antidepressants may impact erectile function and lead to Erectile Dysfunction. Consult a doctor if you are taking these meds and experiencing problems related to your erection.
How to maintain a male erection affected due to Anxiety?
Deep breathing, exercising, eating nutritious food, and therapy sessions might help to maintain a male erection affected due to Anxiety.
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