Interesting Facts About Erection: From Nocturnal "Risers" to Penis Size

Erection is one of the most fundamental and simultaneously enigmatic functions of the male body. We will delve into the world of erections and reveal a dozen astonishing facts that you might not have known.

Many men may not even realize that their bodies work at full throttle even during the night. During rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, testosterone levels sharply rise, while the level of norepinephrine, which can interfere with erections, decreases. Under the influence of these two factors, the penis involuntarily increases in size. This phenomenon occurs on average 3-5 times a night and lasts for up to an hour and a half.

Morning erections, while seeming like a routine occurrence, are linked to the nocturnal "stiffies." When a man wakes up, his testosterone levels also rise sharply, contributing to morning erections. This process is also associated with nitric oxide concentration in the blood, which plays a significant role in regulating erections.

The first erection happens much earlier than one might think. Scientists have been able to observe through ultrasound imaging that the first signs of an erection occur in babies in the womb, around the 16th week of fetal development. This is a remarkable fact that underscores the mystery of male physiology.

Research has shown that oral sex can intensify an erection more effectively than manual stimulation. As a result, erections last longer, providing greater pleasure to both men and their partners.

The size of the flaccid penis is not an accurate predictor of its size when erect. Studies reveal that smaller penises can increase in size by up to 86% during arousal, whereas larger penises only enlarge by about 47%. So, there's no need to worry about the size when it's not erect.

Erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of serious health conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and cardiovascular problems. The risk of developing this dysfunction is also associated with body mass index (BMI), with men having a BMI over 30 having a 50% risk of developing erectile dysfunction.

Smoking not only damages overall health but also affects the size of the penis. Chronic smokers may experience a reduction in penis length by about 1 centimeter when erect. Smoking narrows arteries and veins, which impairs blood circulation to the pelvic organs.

Potency-enhancing drugs can lead to physical dependence. Over time, increasing doses might be required, which can result in numerous side effects. As a result, experts advise against the overuse of such medications.

Researchers from the Netherlands conducted magnetic resonance imaging during sexual intercourse and discovered that in the missionary position, the penis can take on a boomerang-like shape. This intriguing fact adds to the mystery of intimate moments.

While erections and orgasms usually go hand in hand, there are instances when orgasm can occur even without a full erection.