Jacob
Today, we will explore some intriguing and perhaps lesser-known facts about male erections.
1. Even Male Fetuses Experience Erections
Surprisingly, male fetuses can exhibit erections even while in the womb. Renowned researcher Dr. Martinson noted erectile activity among male fetuses as early as 16 weeks into gestation.
2. Smaller Penises Exhibit Greater Relative Growth Upon Erection
Research indicates that shorter penises tend to undergo a larger percentage increase in size—approximately 86%—upon erection compared to longer ones, which typically enlarge by around 47%.
A study published in the Journal of Sex Research in 1988 revealed a substantial difference in length between short and long penises in the flaccid state—about 3.1 centimeters, which narrows to just about 1.7 centimeters when erect.
3. Erections Aren’t a Prerequisite for Orgasms
It might come as a surprise, but an erection is not always necessary for an orgasm. Yes, it is possible to experience an orgasm without an active erection.
4. Men Experience Multiple Nocturnal Erections
On any given night, a man will typically experience 3 to 5 erections, with each one lasting between 25 to 35 minutes.
The phenomenon of morning erections is well-known and usually vividly experienced by most men. However, these morning erections will likely be the tail-end of nighttime erections.
The correlation between erections and the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage of sleep is quite strong, though the exact cause of these nocturnal erections remains a topic of ongoing research. Nonetheless, experiencing nocturnal erections generally indicates that your erectile functions are in good shape and everything functions as it should.
5. The Typical Length of a Male Erection is Approximately 14 cm
A comprehensive study conducted in 2013 involving 1,661 men revealed that the average length of an erect penis stands at 14.15 cm, with a range between 4 to 26 cm. It was also found that the average circumference of an erect penis was 12.23 cm, varying from 3 to 19 cm.
Interestingly, the typical length of a man’s penis in its flaccid state is about 9 centimeters. However, it’s important to note that this data is derived from self-measurements, which leaves the possibility of some exaggeration. Importantly, the size of a penis cannot be altered—either increased or decreased—through medication or exercise.
6. Record-Breaking Erection Stands at 34.29 cm
It is common for men to desire a larger penis. Jonah Falcon, born in 1970, holds the current record for the largest known penis, with an impressive length of over 34 cm when erect and 24 cm in a flaccid state.
7. Is There a Connection Between Foot Size and Penis Length?
A study conducted by researchers at University College London involving 104 men—ranging from teens to older adults—investigated the alleged correlation between shoe size and penis length. The study found that the average length of a flaccid penis was 13 centimeters, while the average UK shoe size was 9 (Chinese size 43). Interestingly, this research found no substantial correlation between shoe size and penis length, debunking a myth.
8. The Penis, While Lacking Bone, Can Sustain a “Fracture”
Indeed, the penis, despite not having actual bone structure, can be “broken.” This condition, medically referred to as “penile fracture” or specifically a “fracture of the corpus cavernosum,” is a notable emergency in urology and men’s health. It typically results from considerable force applied to the erect penis.
To understand the concept of a penile “fracture,” we must first consider the basic anatomy of the penis: it consists of two corpora cavernosa (erectile tissues) and a single corpus spongiosum that encompasses the urethra. Embedded within these corpora are numerous interconnected vascular spaces (think of a network of twisted blood vessels), and a tough, fibrous tissue known as the tunica albuginea envelopes these corpora.
During an erection, the corpora cavernosa engorge and expand due to blood intake, stretching the outer tunica albuginea to its maximum tension – akin to a long, water-filled balloon.
Should the erect penis encounter potent external force, the tunica albuginea, similar to the fragile skin of the balloon, may not be able to withstand the pressure and rupture with a distinct “snap.” Consequently, the engorged blood may leak into surrounding tissues, causing the penis to bend, swell, and possibly exhibit a purplish hue due to bruising. Unsurprisingly, this condition incurs severe pain.
Prompt medical attention, however, can lead to a full recovery, typically within a timeframe of 6 to 8 weeks.
9. How to Self-Assess Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Without Hospital Visitation?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), scientifically, is the persistent challenge in achieving and maintaining an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse.
This issue incorporates three essential elements: time, consistency, and context. Each of these dimensions needs to be considered simultaneously.
Time: If difficulties in maintaining an erection occur only sporadically (how sporadic? Not daily, nor for more than 3 consecutive months), there is typically no major cause for concern. Infrequent dissatisfaction with sexual performance, difficulty responding to sexual stimulation, struggling to sustain an erection, or observing fewer morning erections need not warrant undue worry.
Consistency: ED does not entail a time constraint on the duration of sexual intercourse, meaning a subjective perception of brevity does not equate to ED. The primary issue lies in the ability to achieve and sustain an erection – such as struggles to gain an erection, softening immediately after erection, difficulty in maintaining an erection during intercourse or attaining an erection that remains too soft to allow penetration.
Context: Declining morning erections and a lack of perceived hardness while solitary do not equate to ED. Similarly, if you deem your sexual performance unsatisfactory, but your partner is satisfied, the categorization of such experience as ED is inaccurate.
The IIEF-5, officially known as the International Index of Erectile Function, is a globally recognized scale for assessing sexual health. A score of 22 or less typically indicates varying degrees of erectile dysfunction, whereas a score below 7 is associated with severe ED.
10. ED≠premature ejaculation
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Premature Ejaculation (PE) are different sexual disorders that are often misunderstood and mistakenly equated due to their impacts on a man’s sexual performance. They indeed share a common element – they affect a man’s sexual function negatively – yet their underlying mechanisms, symptoms, and treatment strategies often differ significantly.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) pertains to a persistent difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse. This inability can be intermittent or constant, varying from man to man.
ED can stem from many factors, including physical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or neurological disorders, psychological issues like anxiety and depression, certain medications, and lifestyle factors like excessive alcohol consumption or drug use. Addressing ED usually involves treating the underlying cause with medication like PDE5 inhibitors (e.g., Viagra, Cialis).
On the other hand, Premature Ejaculation (PE) is characterized by a lack of control over ejaculation, resulting in ejaculation happening sooner than the individual or his partner would like, often shortly after sexual penetration or even before. This can lead to stress, dissatisfaction, and discomfort during sexual intercourse for either or both partners.
PE’s origins may involve complex interactions of psychological and biological factors, such as early sexual experiences, sexual abuse, poor body image, depression, worry about PE, or biological causes like abnormal hormone levels or inflammation of the prostate or urethra. Treatment can involve psychological therapy, behavioral techniques (like the start-stop or squeeze methods), medication (e.g., certain antidepressant analgesics), or a combination.
Hence, while both disorders affect male sexual performance, ED and PE differ. They are distinguished by their specific symptoms, underlying causes, and treatment strategies. They can occur separately or together, depending on the individual’s overall health and specific circumstances. It’s crucial to properly identify which issue is present to take the necessary steps for appropriate management and intervention.
