Emma
The position and angle of an erect penis can vary among individuals. While a forward, upward, and centered orientation is typical, some men may notice that their erect penis points more downward than upward. This deviation in the erect position is influenced by various factors such as the penile-pubic angle, hardness, penis size, penile ligament tightness, scrotal skin adhesion, the natural curvature of the penis, and age. This article will explore these factors and discuss potential treatments for erection-related issues.
Erect position
Generally, an erect penis is positioned forward, upward, and toward the center. However, some men may notice that their erect penis points more downward than upward.
The angle at which the erect penis aligns with the pubic bone is referred to as the penile-pubic angle or the erectile angle. This angle is measured when a man is standing upright. A 0-degree angle means the penis points straight up, touching the abdomen. A 90-degree angle indicates a straight-ahead projection, while a 180-degree angle points the penis straight down.
Around 90% of men have an erection angle between 30° and 120° when standing, considered the “normal” range for painless and comfortable intercourse. It is common for two-thirds of men to have erections angled above the horizontal line when standing, contrary to the expectation of upright erections. A study conducted on men aged 20 to 60 found the following distribution of erection angles:
- 5% had an erection angle of less than 30°, indicating a “fully erect” position.
- 31% had an erection angle between 30°-60°, categorized as “mostly erect.”
- 30% had an erection angle between 60°-85°, described as “above horizontal.”
- 10% had an erection angle between 85°-95°, characterized as “horizontal.”
- 20% had an erection angle between 95°-120°, referred to as “below horizontal.”
- 5% displayed an erection angle greater than 120°, pointing “down.”
Erection angles deviating more than 20 degrees forward (acute erection) or unable to rise more than 140 degrees (slumped penis) can potentially cause dyspareunia or painful intercourse.
Erectile factor
Multiple factors contribute to the angle of an erection, including hardness, penis size, tightness of penile ligaments, scrotum skin adhesion, natural penile curvature, and age.
1. Hardness
Hardness plays a role in determining the erect angle. Men with weak erections may notice their erections are not as upright as desired. Those who cannot surpass stage 2 (engorged phase) may not experience any upward projection, while those who cannot progress beyond stage 3 (rising phase) may have erections that approach the horizontal line but fall short. Individuals who achieve stage 4 (full but not stiff) may find their erections not rising above the horizontal line. These issues can often be addressed by treating the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction.
2. Penis size
Penis size also influences the erect angle. During puberty, the penis is smaller and lighter, so gravity minimizes erections. However, as men reach adulthood and the penis grows larger, gravitational force exerts more influence, causing the erection to point downward. By adulthood, it is rare for the penis to be fully erect. Men with larger penises, both in length and thickness, often have less upright erections due to the increased weight. Longer penises are also associated with looser penile ligaments, which allow the base of the penis to tilt forward and the shaft to angle downward rather than upward.
3. Penile ligaments
Penile ligaments, specifically the basilar and zonular ligaments at the base of the penis, play a crucial role in supporting the erection and preventing it from pulling away from the body. These ligaments’ tightness and attachment to the pubic bone determine the erect angle. Ligament tightness varies among individuals and tends to decrease with age, as years of repeated erections and sexual activity can stretch the ligaments. This can result in less erect erections as men get older. In some cases, overly tight skin attached to the scrotum under the penis can pull the erection downward. Surgical correction may be necessary for severe cases where the scrotal skin is attached to the shaft of the penis.
4. Muscles at the base of the penis
Muscles at the base of the penis, such as the IC and BS muscles, contribute to stabilizing and maintaining an erect erection. The IC muscles, in particular, can flex and pull the erection into a more upright position. However, this tension can only be sustained for a few seconds. Depending on the contraction of the IC muscles, men may vary in the erectness of their erections.
Studies comparing self-reported erection angles to visual measurements have shown that self-reported angles tend to be higher than observed angles. This could be because men consciously contract their IC muscles during self-reports, pulling downward-pointing erections to a more horizontal position.
5. The natural curvature of the penis
Another factor affecting the angle of an erection is the natural curvature of the penis. An upward dorsal curve causes the penis to angle upward, contributing to a more erect appearance, while a downward ventral curve results in a lower positioning of the erection. Approximately 45% of men have a natural curvature in their erections, which can influence the erect angle. For men with straight erections, a significant percentage falls within the range of 0-85°. A higher percentage of men with upward curves exhibit erect angles in this range, while a lower percentage of men with downward curves fall within it. Conversely, more men with downward curves have horizontal or lower erect angles. Therefore, natural penile curvature significantly affects the angle of an erection.
6. Age growth
The pubic-penis angle tends to increase as men age. This is primarily because the fully grown penis is larger and heavier, and the ligaments become less tight after years of repeated erections. Sexual activity can further stretch the penile ligaments, causing them to relax, leading to less rigid and erected erections. Additionally, erectile dysfunction, commonly occurring with age, can reduce erection hardness and increase the erection angle. Consequently, an increase in the erection angle (less erect position) is a natural consequence of aging and generally does not require treatment.
Erection Problems Treatment
In most cases, the erect position of the penis does not significantly impact sexual function. However, certain conditions can hinder sexual intercourse. These conditions include acute erection angle and penile droop, which involve extreme angles of erection or the inability to achieve an erect position, respectively.
1. Acute Erection Angle
In this condition, the penis is angled under 20 degrees, almost fully erect against the man’s body, and cannot be pulled forward from this narrow angle. This can cause difficulties during sexual activity as the penis cannot be easily maneuvered, resulting in pain in various sexual positions. Tight penile ligaments are a common cause of this issue.
Counseling and sex therapy are often recommended as initial treatments to help couples identify comfortable positions for sexual intercourse. However, if these interventions do not alleviate sexual pain or dissatisfaction, surgery may be considered to release some of the tightness in the ligaments. This can allow the erect penis to be pulled forward during intercourse.
2. Penile Drooping
Penile drooping refers to the condition where a man is able to achieve an erection. Still, the zonules (ligaments responsible for maintaining an erect position) cannot pull the penis into the desired erect position. Minor dips in the angle, up to 120 degrees, usually do not require treatment, as sexual intercourse is typically still possible. However, seeking treatment is advisable for men with a decent angle exceeding 140 degrees.
The reasons for penile drooping can vary, including downward curvature of the penis, birth defects in the zonules, or acquired through injuries to the penis. Ventral (downward) curvature is one of the common causes of penile droop. Treating the curvature and addressing any zonular defects can help correct the angle of the penis.
In cases where penile ligaments are not properly connected or connected, a stiff erection that points almost straight down can be surgically corrected by ensuring appropriate connection. For individuals with excessively loose zonules, surgically shortening them can bring the erect penis to a more desired position. Additionally, there have been reports of men with injured or torn suspensory ligaments, which can result from a forceful downward movement of the erect penis. Another factor contributing to a downward erection is the skin of the scrotum rising beneath the penis, pulling it down (known as the penis scrotum).
Conclusion
Erection angles play a significant role in sexual function and satisfaction. Acute erection angles can lead to difficulties during sexual activity and may require counseling, sex therapy, or even surgery for relief. Penile drooping, caused by curvature or zonular defects, can also affect sexual intercourse and may require surgical intervention. Seeking proper medical advice is essential for diagnosing and treating issues related to erection angles.
