You might or might not be surprised by these erection-related facts, but they are unquestionably fascinating. If you have a penis, you might be wondering whether the erections (or lack thereof) you are having are common. Here are a few erection-related facts that you might find interesting. (1)
Men can experience between 3 – 5 erections a night
During a man’s rapid eye movement (REM) sleep they typically experience 3 – 5 erections per night. It is not entirely clear why this occurs. However, a lot of doctors claim it is entirely normal.
Early erections (in the womb early) are possible
Although it has not been well investigated, it is thought that alterations in blood flow and contractions of the pelvic muscles may be responsible for foetal erections.
Foetal erections can happen anywhere between one to three times per hour on average during the third trimester of pregnancy, according to a 2020 review. (2)
The typical erection is between 5.1 - 5.5 inches long
The average male erection is thought to be over 6 inches long, but according to a significant assessment, it is more likely to be between 5.1 and 5.5 inches long. (3)
Exercises and drugs cannot alter the size or length of your penis.
Penises can break
You can indeed break your penis. However, it is not like a shattered bone; rather, the blood arteries in the penis burst, resulting in excruciating swelling. One-third of penile fracture cases, according to the National Health Service of the United Kingdom, are related to sexual intercourse where the partner is on top.
Young people can get erectile dysfunction
Even though the risk of ED (Erectile Dysfunction) rises with age, it is a widespread issue that affects many young people.
Approximately 11% of sexually active males between the ages of 18 and 31 experienced mild ED, whereas only 3% said they had moderate-to-severe ED, according to a 2021 study. (4)
ED may be a sign of a significant health issue
Sexual dysfunction may occasionally be a symptom of deeper problems. In fact, any condition that affects the smooth muscle tissue, nerves, arteries, or hormone levels in the penis might cause ED.
In particular, illnesses including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels might contribute to ED.
For this reason, it is crucial to consult your doctor if you have regular ED to make sure it is not brought on by any underlying medical conditions.
You can still orgasm without an erection
Males who are unable to get erections can still experience orgasms.
Even without an erection, many men with ED can experience orgasm or ejaculation during sexual stimulation or intercourse.
Lifestyle decisions may increase your risk of developing ED
You are more likely to develop ED if you experience stress, anxiety, smoke, or consume substantial amounts of alcohol.
A body mass index over 25, the use of specific drugs, and cycling for more than three hours per week are additional risk factors for ED.
Although most men occasionally have trouble achieving or maintaining an erection from time to time, if it happens regularly, makes you anxious, or affects your sexual relationships.
ED stress might exacerbate the situation
Stress and anxiety can be brought on by having trouble getting or keeping an erection; these emotions can worsen ED.
Erectile dysfunction that develops suddenly is likely brought on by stress, depression, anxiety, or relationship issues and is classified as psychogenic ED.
Addressing stress brought on by ED or other difficulties may benefit from speaking with a doctor or sex therapist.
If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction, contact one of our medical experts to find the best course of treatment for you. Click here to view a range of our erectile dysfunction treatments.
References
- HealthLine - Surprising Facts
- National Library of Medicine - Sonographic measure techniques of fetal penile length
- Taylor and Francis Online - Average-Size Erect Penis: Fiction, Fact, and the Need for Counseling
- National Library of Medicine - Erectile Dysfunction in a Sample of Sexually Active Young Adult Men