Can Men Control Their Erections?

It’s a topic many are curious about: can men exert control over their erections?

An erection occurs when a penis becomes engorged due to sexual stimulation or arousal. This can typically be attributed to three main triggers: mental stimulation, such as exposure to erotic content; physical stimulation from activities like walking or direct contact; and nocturnal erections, which occur during sleep when the brain’s inhibitory functions are lessened, leading to involuntary erections.

However, instances may arise where a man may not have control over his erection, often referred to as ‘Dating Syndrome’. This usually occurs when a man is on a date and experiences an unexpected erection. While these erections may sometimes subside of their own accord, extreme arousal can accompany physical responses like the contraction of the cremaster muscle, elevation of the testicles, shortening of the spermatic cord, and increased heart rate.

If arousal is sustained for an extended period without release, an excess of seminal fluid can accumulate in the seminal vesicles, vas deferens, and urethra. This can lead to uncomfortable swelling and pain in the testicles and perineum.

When a man is highly aroused and experiences an erection without release, excess secretions can build up and cause discomfort in the genital region.

This phenomenon is common in young men who are still learning to control their physiological arousal responses. The level of pain and discomfort can vary on an individual basis.

It’s important to note, however, that during sexual intercourse or continuous sexual stimulation, erections in males typically last several minutes up to around an hour. However, if an erection persists beyond four hours, a condition known as priapism could signal a potential issue. This sustained erectile state could be related to pathologies causing fibrosis and erectile dysfunction.

As such, if priapism is suspected, you must seek immediate medical consultation.

Men grew “longer” by 3 centimeters

The correlation between penis length and overall health has been a topic of interest for many researchers. A recent Stanford study found that over 30 years, the average penis length in men has increased by 3 centimeters.

Michael Eisenberg, a professor in the Department of Urology at Stanford University School of Medicine, joined forces with scientists from San Raffaele Scientific Research Hospital and San Raffaele University of Life and Health in Italy, along with scholars from the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University in the United States. They collected data on the penis measurements of 55,761 men aged 17 and above from 1942 to 2021.

The study discovered that in 29 years, the average penis length in men increased from 12.1 cm to 15.2 cm when erect. This indicates a significant change in male penis length over time.

However, the question arises, does an increase in penis length correlate to enhanced development and greater sexual capability? The answer is not straightforward.

Professor Eisenberg points out that penis length is integral to the reproductive system and interacts with endocrine and reproductive hormones. An array of components in our diet and environment can impact hormone secretion, potentially leading to an earlier onset of maturity and causing changes in penis size.

However, if these changes are prompted by negative influences such as obesity, hormone disruptors, or environmental factors, the results can be detrimental to one’s reproductive health.

Additionally, having a longer penis does not directly equate with increased sexual prowess. The key consideration is whether the individual can engage in normal sexual activities and successfully reproduce, as these are the primary functions of the penis. Thus, a penis of any size can be considered normal if these functions can be performed efficiently.

How “hard” is considered qualified?

Men’s erections can range from soft to solidly erect, all due to the unique structure within the penis known as the corpora cavernosa. These are sponge-like bodies in the penis shaft, enclosed in a white membrane and connected via ‘penile fascia.’ With sexual stimulation, blood flow into these bodies increases, causing the penis to swell, firm up, and achieve an erection. These bodies relax once the blood flow decreases and the erection subsides.

How can one gauge their erection’s firmness within the normal range? The following 4-point scale is often used:

Level one: comparable to ‘tofu,’ where the penis is minimally enlarged but not erect.
Level two: likened to a ‘peeled banana,’ where the penis is erect but lacks sufficient hardness for penetration.
Level three: termed as ‘banana with skin,’ where the penis is hard enough for penetration but is not fully rigid.
Level four: similar to a ‘ripe cucumber,’ where the penis is fully rigid and erect.

Suggested strategies to improve erection hardness

According to a global survey, only 23% of men in Asia reported satisfaction with their erection hardness, and only 15% of women reported satisfaction with their partner’s. The key issue identified is the lack of sufficient hardness.

Kegel exercises

Long-term persistence in Kegel exercises can improve male erection hardness and prolong ejaculation time.

Specific method: Lie on your back on the bed with your legs flexed; place your fingers on the perineum (between the testicles and anus), contract the muscles, and feel the muscle groups contract inward and the fingers move slightly. Hold for 5-10 seconds as long as possible, then relax fully and prepare for the next time.

Squat

It can promote blood circulation in the lower limbs and promote testosterone secretion.

Specific method: The practitioner puts his hands behind his back, squats to the bottom, and then stands up quickly.

It’s crucial to understand that an erection, or lack thereof, is influenced by many factors. If a medical condition is the cause, early and appropriate medical treatment via legitimate channels is essential to ensure good health and a fulfilling sexual life.