Being a part of human sexuality, erections are natural and enjoyable. Nevertheless, they are often mysterious and miscommunicated. The majority of people are conversant with the basic concept of an erection, although there are many surprising facts and phenomena concerning the body operation. This paper discusses five surprising facts that most individuals are not familiar with.
1. Erections Can Happen at Any Time, Even in the Womb
One common misconception about erections is that they only occur as a result of sexual arousal. While sexual stimulation is the most common trigger for an erection, they can actually occur at any time and for a variety of reasons. In fact, male fetuses have been known to experience erections in the womb, with doctors often seeing them during ultrasounds. This is due to the fact that the penis is a muscle and experiences involuntary muscle contractions, especially during fetal development.
2. Erections Can Happen During Sleep Without Sexual Dreams
Another interesting feature of erectile function is that, even while men are not having sexual dreams, they can develop erections in their sleep. This form of spontaneous nocturnal erections, also referred to as nocturnal penile tumescence, constitutes the natural course of male physiology and occurs a number of times over the course of each night, often during REM sleep.
Although the full details of the mechanisms involved in NPT are not yet known, it is reportedly a very important contributor to penile tissue repair and maintenance. Many of them think that erections at night keep the erectile tissues oxygenated and the blood flow at normal levels. Like the “morning wood,” this NPT is normal and means the male genital apparatus is in order.
3. Erections Can Be Caused by Non-Sexual Stimuli
Erections are typically associated with sexual thoughts, feelings, or activities. However, it is a lesser-known fact that erections can also be triggered by non-sexual stimuli. This phenomenon, known as reflexogenic erections, occurs when the nerves in the spine are directly stimulated, bypassing the need for sexual arousal.
Reflexogenic erections can be caused by a variety of non-sexual factors. For instance, physical activities such as riding a bicycle or horse can induce erections due to the pressure exerted on the nerves in the perineum. Additionally, full bladders can also trigger erections, as the detrusor muscle in the bladder shares neural pathways with the erectile tissue. Cold weather and temperature changes have also been known to cause erections, as the cold constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
The occurrence of reflexogenic erections has significant implications for the medical community. Understanding the mechanisms behind these non-sexual erections can provide valuable insights into the underlying physiology of erectile function. For instance, research into reflexogenic erections has led to the development of vacuum erection devices, which can help men with erectile dysfunction achieve and maintain erections. Moreover, studying reflexogenic erections can shed light on the broader relationship between the nervous system and sexual response, contributing to the development of more effective treatments for sexual dysfunctions.
4. Erections Can Last for Hours and Be Painful
Most of us understand, or at least have heard of, the well-accepted plan of “morning wood,” in which men simply wake up and find themselves tucking an erection. Commonly, these will go away shortly thereafter and on their own. What many people do not know, however, is that sometimes erections can last several hours, and when they do, it could be a sign of a very serious medical condition, known as priapism.
Priapism is the painful erection of the penis that can last more than four hours and is probably unrelated to sexual desire and stimulation. This painful condition is not only painful but also one that threatens penile tissue health. If the blood becomes trapped in the penis and fails to return back out, permanent injury can occur to the erectile tissue; thus, long-term complications of ED or penile scarring may result. As a result, priapism has been considered a medical emergency. Anyone who experiences an erection lasting hours that was not initiated by sexual stimulation should seek immediate medical attention to prevent permanent damage.
5. Erections Can Occur Even After Death
Another surprising fact about erections is that they can occur even after death. Postmortem erections, also known as ‘angel lust’ or ‘death erections,’ have been documented in both men and animals. These erections are typically observed during the early stages of decomposition, when the body is still warm, and the muscular and nervous systems are still functional to some extent.
Postmortem erections are thought to be caused by the cooling and subsequent contraction of the muscles in the penis, which can lead to the trapping of blood in the erectile tissue. Additionally, due to the loss of oxygen and nutrients, the muscles in the penis may become hypercontracted, further contributing to the development of an erection. It is important to note that postmortem erections are not indicative of sexual arousal or activity prior to death, as they are purely a physiological response to the decomposition process.
The occurrence of postmortem erections has several implications for forensic science and death investigation. Forensic examiners can use the presence and duration of postmortem erections to estimate the time of death, as these erections typically dissipate within 12 hours of death. Moreover, postmortem erections can provide valuable insights into the cause of death, particularly in cases where sexual assault is suspected. For instance, the presence of postmortem erections can help differentiate between consensual sexual activity and rape, as the former is unlikely to result in postmortem erections due to the release of endorphins during orgasm.
Finally, erections are intriguing and complex parts of human sexuality. Although they are commonly associated with sexual arousal, many surprising facts about them are not known to people. Starting from inside the womb to even after death, erections can occur at any moment for a number of reasons. Understanding and appreciating the complexity of erections and debunking myths and misconceptions concerning this natural biological process are essential.
