Erection Duration: When Should You Be Concerned? Wondering if your erection duration is the same, longer, or shorter than other men is a common curiosity. But beyond mere rivalry, this time span can indicate good sexual health.
While there is no ideal duration for an erection, the penis should remain erect for the period necessary to achieve satisfactory sexual intercourse.
On the other hand, short-lived or prolonged erections can indicate that something might be amiss.
There are various factors that can influence this aspect of male sexual health. Discover when it’s appropriate to seek medical help and the available treatments for these cases.
What is the Normal Erection Duration?
There is no standard erection time considered by medicine.
The normal duration of an erection varies according to many factors and situations, be they physical, psychological, or external.
In general, it’s important that the erection duration allows you to have a satisfying sexual relationship – and satisfaction is very subjective. For many men, this means reaching orgasm and ejaculating.
There is a study that approximates this calculation. Conducted at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, it sought to measure the duration of sexual intercourse.
This was considered from the first moment of penetration until ejaculation, in heterosexual couples.
The results showed a wide variation. There were cases of sexual relations lasting just 33 seconds and others up to 44 minutes.
It’s important to remember that this study is not a reference for the duration of penile erection. If your erection lasts more or less time than this and you have a good quality of sexual life, there is no reason for concern.
Factors Influencing Erection Duration
When a man’s sexual health is up to date, there are several reasons why an erection might be brief or prolonged. Understand more below:
Sexual Excitement
The level of sexual excitement contributes to a man’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection. Stimuli such as caresses and fantasies help to increase excitement.
Psychological Issues
When a man is stressed, anxious, or depressed, erectile function tends to be negatively affected. As a result, the erection may take longer to occur or last a shorter time.
Hormonal Levels
Hormonal imbalances, especially low testosterone, can influence an erection. It is important to periodically check hormone levels to ensure good erections.
Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular problems can impair blood flow to the penis. Without proper oxygenation, the erection can be affected.
Lifestyle and Habits
Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of physical exercise, and an unbalanced diet can compromise vascular health and impact the quality and duration of erections.
Use of Medications
Certain medications, such as antidepressants, antihypertensives, and tranquilizers, can have side effects impacting erectile function. If you are using any such medications, it’s worth discussing with your doctor.
Age
Very young men, still insecure about their sexual life, or older men undergoing natural changes in the cardiovascular and hormonal system, may experience different erection durations.
Pre-existing Diseases
Certain diseases, like diabetes, neurological diseases, and hormonal imbalances, tend to interfere with erectile function, altering the time the penis stays rigid.
Fatigue
Physical or mental fatigue can cause a man to take longer to achieve an erection and/or maintain it for a long time. Rest is essential to have energy for peak moments!
Relationship Issues
If you are facing problems in the relationship, it may be more challenging to have a lasting erection. Solving conflicts through open communication and mutual understanding can help ensure the erection duration is satisfactory and enjoyable for the couple.
When to Seek Medical Help
There are two important situations where erection duration may be indicative of problems in sexual life. Follow along:
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is the difficulty or inability to have/maintain an erection rigid enough for penetration.
The relation of erectile dysfunction to erection duration is that, in some cases, a man may achieve an erection, but it does not last long enough for him to be satisfied.
There are also cases where a man can maintain the erection for a longer period, but it is not rigid enough to perform penetration.
In other cases, the man cannot achieve an erection at all.
Priapism
Unlike erectile dysfunction, priapism is a condition characterized by prolonged and abnormal erection duration. Generally, it lasts more than three hours and is accompanied by pain.
Priapism is not related to sexual stimulation. It occurs due to the accumulation of blood in the penis, resulting from problems in blood flow.
If not treated immediately, priapism is dangerous. It can cause irreversible damage to the penile tissues, and the man may end up with permanent erectile dysfunction.
Available Solutions and Treatments
Both erectile dysfunction and priapism require treatment.
For erectile dysfunction, it is ideal to consult a urologist. The professional will determine whether the problem’s origin is organic or psychological. Follow-up with a therapist or sexologist is also recommended.
Once the condition is accurately diagnosed, treatment can begin.
Generally, the first attempt is made with medications like Sildenafil and Tadalafil. Another option is injections, applied at the base of the penis before intercourse. If there is no good response, penile prosthesis surgery may be indicated to recover the rigidity of the member.
Priapism requires urgent medical attention. Draining the excess blood should be done as quickly as possible to prevent tissue death. It is also necessary to identify the underlying cause and start appropriate treatment to prevent new episodes.
How to Improve Your Erection?
If you do not have a health problem that affects the duration of your erection but would still like it to last longer to enjoy peak moments, you can try following these tips:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle;
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol;
- Avoid stress;
- Engage in regular sexual activity;
- Treat underlying medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension, etc.);</li
- Keep your health check-ups up to date;
- Experiment during intimate moments (try new positions, explore different body areas, use erotic toys, etc.);
- Manage relationship conflicts effectively.
Remember: An erection duration that is adequate for you might not be the same for someone else. Therefore, avoid making comparisons and focus on your sexual satisfaction. If you have positive sexual experiences, there is no need for concerns.
If you want to learn more about erection duration, especially if you believe something might be wrong with the duration of yours, do not hesitate to get in touch.
Read more:
- Erectile Dysfunction After 40: Signs, Reasons, and Solutions
- Sex After 50: 11 Tips to Keep the Flame Alive
- Sexual Stimulant: What Are the Side Effects?
- Ideal Time for Sex: Duration, Factors, and Quality
- Can Tadalafil and Sildenafil be addictive?
- Curved Penis and Enlarged Prostate: What Are the Impacts on Erectile Function?
- Do Penis Pumps Work? Learn When to Use Them and What Results to Expect
- PSA Test: How to Prepare and What to Expect
- Which Antidepressants Cause and Don’t Cause Impotence?
- What to do when Sildenafil and Tadalafil don’t work?
