Let’s firm up our erection knowledge.
Because here’s the deal. We’re all familiar with the basic concept, but the physiological process behind erections is more complex than you may realize. At the heart of it is blood, which enters the penis through its arteries, and stays trapped inside via the veins. But why does it get flowing in the first place? Is it always sex-related?
Turns out: no. A penis can get hard when its owner isn’t even fully conscious (as with nocturnal erections). It can get erect during random times (working out, on a flight), and it can go away during inopportune times, like when you’re actually having sex. Alas, not all boners are created equal.
Why do erections happen?
As counterintuitive as it may sound, an erection gets going when nerve signals in your brain tell the penis muscles to relax. That allows blood to flow in and enlarge the penis, while its veins close off to keep blood inside. The erection ends when the penis muscles contract and the vein valves open, allowing blood to flow back out. But that initial nerve signal isn’t always triggered by sexual arousal: there are other causes, leading to less-expected erections, shall we say.
With that in mind, here’s your guide to 9 different types of erections.
1. The Nocturnal Erection
Fun fact: a healthy penis owner can get erect three to five times a night while they’re sleeping. Each erection lasts 30 to 60 minutes, and they happen because your nervous system is working properly.
During REM sleep, your parasympathetic nervous system, the one in charge of “rest and digest” (as opposed to fight or flight) turns on, and releases neurotransmitters that kick off erections. In fact, they’re a great measure of overall health. Wearing a smart penis ring overnight – like this one from FirmTech – can give you insights into your erectile function and ways to improve it. Low testosterone, blood flow issues, as well as anxiety and depression all mess with your parasympathetic nervous system, so if erections during your waking hours feel “off,” try wearing it during sex sessions. It’s a good tool to figure out what’s going on with your favorite tool.
2. The Workout Erection
Ahh, the gym: iron pumping, blood flowing. Workouts also prompt your body to secrete testosterone, a hormone that increases blood flow to the penis. So while you may not be turned on by anything (or anyone) in particular, suffice it to say your brain and body are getting the inputs for go-time.
3. The Unpredictable Erection
This is the erection that comes and goes during sex – and yeah, you probably don’t love it.
These types of erections usually have nothing to do with your partner, your attraction to them, etc. etc. Unpredictable erections often happen with age, when hormone levels and blood flow change, and they definitely occur when you’re smoking, drinking, or not exercising (because blood flow). Finally, stress and anxiety can stop an erection in its tracks, because those neurotransmitters are going, “wait, stop! We’ve got stuff to worry about!” Listen to me talk through this one with urologist Dr. Edward Karpman here.
4. The “I’m About to Have Sex” Erection
You’re turned on! You’re aroused! Cue boner! Right this way to your classic erection.
5. The “But I’m Pooping?” Erection
It happens…and it’s normal. Blood can flow to the penis, pelvic floor and rectum while pushing a bowel movement. Also, the parasympathetic nervous system strikes again: it’s in charge of sexual arousal and excretion. Finally, the prostate gland is close to the rectum, and pushing a bowel movement applies pressure on it. Does pressure on the prostate gland feel good? Sure does.
6. The Random Erection
There you are, minding your own business, when bam: erection. Remember these from puberty?
They’re not necessarily a sign that you’re aroused. Usually, it’s just your testosterone levels, spiking and leveling off. If it happens and you need it to go away fast, here’s a tried and true trick: think about something super boring or inherently non-sexual in nature. Your brain will get the message.
7. The Relentless Erection
The technical term for an erection that won’t go away is “priapism.” And it can be painful! When blood doesn’t drain out of your penis, it’s time to see a doctor. There could be an underlying medical condition at play.
8. The Airplane Erection
Let’s just say the research on this one is…scant, but airplane erections are a thing, and there is a theory: changes in air pressure.
As the pressure changes in the cabin, so does your blood pressure (as the thinking goes). This change could relax your arteries, making it easier for blood to flow into the penis, but again. Until we’ve got studies, jury’s out.
9. The “I Have To Pee” Erection
This one probably happens because of your pelvic floor muscles. When you have to pee, you naturally contract your pelvic floor to hold back urination, and squeezing it is…ding ding ding! A Kegel exercise, which lots of people use to strengthen their orgasms. (PS, any gender can practice these).
Since your pelvic floor is involved in orgasm, stimulating it like this can tip off your neurotransmitters, getting your penis ready for action. Try sitting down and peeing that way, until your erection settles down.
And there you have it: the hard facts of erection. Share this guide with anyone who’s ever experienced an erectile mystery – a stiff case, if you will.
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