While the topics of erections, erectile dysfunction and penile problems are highly advertised with medications on television in the USA, and the mentions of penises, male members, dicks and balls occurs multiple time in a half-hour sitcom show- it is truly amazing that at the same time, so many men are completely unaware of the options they have when they are diagnosed with erectile dysfunction.
All who are born male come with a penis, and some others obtain a penis during transgender reconstruction. Some are large, and some are lengthy. Some are girthy and some are thick with two c’s. Some are short and veiny. Some are multi-toned and hairy. Some are long and curved. Penises are as different as fingerprints. Various parts of the penis are the glans penis, the shaft, and then the testicles. Unavoidable, really, unless medical conditions or surgical alterations have changed the body. Interesting things can always happen, but for the most part- a penis, is a penis, is a penis.
The average erect penis is 5.5” long, with varying circumference.
Men can achieve three types of erections. The psychogenic, reflexogenic, and nocturnal. Reflexogenic erections occur when a physical stimulus happens, from rubbing, accidental touching, masturbation, or foreplay. Psychogenic erections occur with fantasy imagination and daydreams. These are common with those who look at nude magazines, watch porn, or suggestive television shows and situations. Nocturnal erections happen during the night while the person is in REM sleep. The average nightly erection count is three to five for most averagely healthy males.
Fun Facts: For a man to get a full, usable erection, he needs at least 130ml, or twenty-five teaspoons, of blood to make it happen! & on the average, men get between eleven and thirteen erections in a day. (NIH, WebMD)
Erectile Dysfunction.
Another topic that is hard for males to deal with, is to say the least, erectile dysfunction. ED (which is short for ‘erectile dysfunction’) is one of the more common issues that human males face with their reproductive systems. This can also be referred to as impotence and is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. There are three types of erectile dysfunction: primary, secondary, and situational. Primary erectile dysfunction occurs when a man has never been able to obtain an erection during sexual activity; in other words, his struggle with ED has been a lifelong experience. Secondary erectile dysfunction is more common and occurs when a male has had the ability to obtain an erection and engage in sexual activity in the past but no longer can. Situational erectile dysfunction occurs when a male experiences this problem only during certain moments of sexual activity. While this can be an embarrassing issue to have, it can be treated, and intimacy with your partner is still possible with or WITHOUT an erection. (NIH, WebMD, ForHims)
Priapism.
Another unfortunate circumstance that can happen to a male is called priapism. This is an erection that will not go away and lasts longer than four hours. While this can be seen as a silly situation, it can become quite serious, and require doctor’s intervention. If this happens to you, be sure to check in with your medical professional as soon as possible. Many television commercials advise the patient to head into the emergency room if their erection has lasted longer than the four-hour window. (NIH, WebMD, ForHims)
There are many situations in life that can hinder a male’s ability to have and maintain an erection. Stress, cancer and treatment, medications, medical issues, surgeries, and physical handicaps are just some of the most common reasons. There are a multitude of options for treatment when issues arise, including medications like phosphodiesterase inhibitors like the little blue pill, meditational therapies, penis pumps, and in extreme cases, surgically implanted devices to help strengthen the shaft, thusly erection. Any amount of achievable erection is a good thing, as many new products are coming out to assist with “semi-erect” penises achieve orgasm while flaccid. (NIH, WebMD, ForHims)
How can you avoid erectile dysfunction? Here are some suggestions!
- Don’t smoke.
- Eat a well-balanced diet.
- Exercise daily.
- Alcohol can inhibit ability, drink with caution around intimate times.
- Discuss medications and side effects with your doctor.
Whatever type of penis you have & however it looks and works, there are many ways to achieve intimacy and find pleasure with or without release. Being open to trying new things and methods for discovering your new likes and dislikes, your potential and options will be endless. Never give up on finding your path back to restoring your intimacy!
Citations:
ForHims
Center for Disease Control
World Health Organization
Testicular Cancer Foundation
Note: This article is for informational purposes only with information compiled from numerous major health sources listed in the citations. Please consult your medical team for your situation or concerns.