An essential aspect of male sexual health is erections. In this article, we will talk about erections, their types, problems, and how they work.
What is an Erection?
This is a physiological phenomenon in which a man’s penis becomes enlarged, swollen, and firm. This is a natural process necessary for sexual activity. An erection occurs when an increased blood flow to the penis tissues. However, men may experience several sexual dysfunctions (such as Erectile Dysfunction). Physicians usually prescribe some medicines to treat this condition including Sildenafil (Viagra). Additionally, some factors including stress and hypertension (high blood pressure) may also affect the ability to maintain erections.
What are the types of Erections?
There are three types of erections such as reflexogenic, psychogenic, and nocturnal.
Nocturnal Erection
These erections usually occur during sleep. Nocturnal erection is also known as “morning wood”. This type of erection is involuntary and may occur several times during the night. However, nocturnal erections are believed to be a normal part of healthy sexual function.
Psychogenic Erection
Sexual thoughts, fantasies, or visual stimuli are certain mental or emotional factors that can trigger a psychogenic erection. Commonly, these erections are the result of psychological arousal, which involves the activation of the brain’s sexual response centers.
Reflexogenic Erection
This type of erection usually occurs due to physical stimulation of the penis. By touching, friction, or other forms of stimulation it can be triggered. A man experiences Reflexogenic erections during sexual activity.
Random Erection
However, random erections occur usually without any sexual arousal or stimulation. This can happen at any time even during non-sexual activities. These erections are normal physiological responses and are more common during adolescence and young adulthood.
How to Manage Undesired Erections?
If you are concerned about the frequency of unwanted erections, there are some tips that can help you to manage them. Check below some examples:
- Mental distraction
- Exercising
- Relaxation techniques
- Changing position
- Showering in cold water
- Calmly waiting
What Causes Erection?
When males become sexually stimulated or aroused, the brain transmits the signal to the nerves in the penis. Thereby, triggering the release of certain chemicals including Nitric Oxide. This chemical works by relaxing the muscles in the penis and increasing the blood flow to the vessels, allowing them to fill with blood. While the blood is in the penis tissues the outflow is restricted. This effect causes the penis to become larger and firmer.
Erection Problems
The most common sexual dysfunction problem in males is Erectile Dysfunction (ED). The inability to get and sustain an erection is called ED. However, several factors can provoke this condition. For example Psychological factors (such as depression, guilt, stress, anxiety, and others), physical factors (such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, alcoholism, and others), medicines, and others. ED treatment is available in different forms including surgery, pills, lifestyle changes, therapies, and others.
In addition, other sexual dysfunctions that may occur in a man are priapism (when an erection lasts more than 5 hours), premature ejaculation, and others.
In case, you experience any of the sexual dysfunctions listed above, consult a doctor at once. Your physician may give you an appropriate treatment that will treat your condition quickly and safely. Doctors usually prescribe Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate), Cialis (Tadalafil), Levitra (Vardenafil), and others.
