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Men typically enjoy having erections—ideally as often as possible—but for many, they may be too weak, infrequent, or fail to occur altogether. We’re talking about erection and erectile dysfunction. If you want to learn everything about how the male organ stiffens, what normal erections look like, their average duration, how often nighttime erections occur, and ways to improve them, read on.
What Happens During an Erection?
You see something specific, a particular scent catches your nose, an exciting memory comes to mind, or someone surprises you with a stimulating touch. All these stimuli can literally set your blood in motion. Sexual arousal can be triggered by various stimuli. The actual pleasure center resides in your brain, as sexual arousal is controlled in the cerebral cortex, where sensory stimuli are processed and personal preferences are stored. Your brain determines what genders or physical features you find attractive and your sexual preferences. To some extent, you can consciously control these processes in the cerebral cortex.
However, you have no influence over the emotional center in your brain (known as the limbic system), which governs your drive, or the hypothalamus, which affects your sexual behavior. The limbic system can spontaneously trigger arousal in boys and men (the so-called arousal reflex). The hypothalamus, in turn, regulates the chemical messengers in your body necessary for arousal and erection.
Regardless of the trigger, your brain sends a signal in response to erotic stimuli. The parasympathetic nervous system, part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for rest, reacts in your intimate area. It causes the blood vessels in your penis to widen, filling the erectile tissue with blood and preventing it from immediately flowing back. This blood pooling makes your penis hard and causes it to stand upright—you have an erection
When Do Nighttime Erections Occur?
All men experience nighttime erections throughout their lives, and they are completely normal. The unique aspect is that these erections are not triggered by sexual arousal. Instead, they are linked to sleep phases (Non-REM and REM phases) and the male sleep cycle. Nighttime erections occur exclusively during REM phases and are triggered by a drop in the levels of a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine, which is produced in the brain. As norepinephrine levels decrease, more blood flows to the penis, causing it to swell. However, the exact mechanisms behind this process are not fully understood.
We do know that nighttime erections contribute to tissue maintenance and improve the “infrastructure” of the penis. If you wake up with an erection in the morning, this last nighttime erection at the end of the REM phase is commonly referred to as “morning wood.” Previously, it was believed that morning erections ruled out an organic cause of erectile dysfunction. However, this belief has been debunked.
What to Do About Erection Problems?
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand that erectile dysfunction is not solely an issue of aging. Young men can be just as affected as retirees. Estimates suggest that up to 20% of men aged 30 to 80 in Germany experience erectile dysfunction. While various factors can disrupt male sexuality, the most common issue is erectile dysfunction. This condition is diagnosed when more than 70% of attempts fail to achieve or maintain sufficient penile stiffness for intercourse. Occasional difficulties, however, are no cause for concern.
Erectile dysfunction can result from a variety of causes, including physical conditions like diabetes mellitus, circulatory disorders, or hormonal imbalances (often during menopause). Psychological factors, such as stress, overwhelm, or relationship conflicts, can also play a role. Identifying the root cause is crucial for effective treatment. Addressing the underlying issue is the key to restoring normal erectile function and improving weak erections. While medications can help, addressing the root cause is always essential.
How Can I Improve My Erection?
If you want to improve your erection, start by addressing the underlying causes of any diagnosed erectile dysfunction. Regular physical activity is also helpful. Not only does it improve overall fitness, but it also strengthens the thigh and pelvic floor muscles, which influence potency and erection firmness.
Smoking cessation is another critical factor. Studies have shown significant improvement in erectile function among former smokers.
Additionally, excessive alcohol and drug consumption (e.g., amphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine, or methamphetamines) can lead to problems. Those who have been heavily intoxicated likely understand the difficulty of achieving a lasting erection despite their best efforts. Excessive drug use appears to have similar effects. While some amphetamine users in a Taiwanese study reported more intense orgasms or delayed ejaculation, no improvement in erectile function was observed.
Relaxation exercises and meditation can also help improve erections. For mechanical support, devices like a penile pump or a penis ring (cock ring) can be used. A penis ring helps trap blood in the erectile tissue, resulting in a longer-lasting erection.
The most invasive treatment option is the implantation of a penile prosthesis. This surgical procedure involves placing cylinders in the erectile tissue and a pump with a fluid reservoir in the scrotum. Activating the pump transfers fluid to the cylinders, creating and maintaining an erection. A release valve allows you to end the erection.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Despite the stigma surrounding the topic, it’s important to consult a doctor if persistent erectile issues occur—if erections fail to return to normal or are consistently weak. A doctor can provide a precise diagnosis, identify the underlying causes, and recommend appropriate treatment. Possible treatments include psychological therapy or medications, most commonly PDE-5 inhibitors like Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, or Spedra. Remember, these medications require a prescription in Germany.
Ultimately, it’s crucial to take persistent erectile issues seriously and address them promptly. Ignoring them could lead to unnecessary complications or worsening symptoms.
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