One common concern among men is wondering how hard their erection should be. The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as erections can vary in firmness from person to person.
The American Urological Association defines ED as “the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.” That’s absurdly vague. If you define “an erection” as what you see in porn, and “satisfactory sexual performance” as porn sex—instant erections that last forever—then most men over 40 have ED. For practical purposes, it means that a man not under the influence of alcohol or any of the many other erection-impairing drugs cannot raise an erection during extended masturbation.
Factors such as age, overall health, and arousal level can all play a role in determining the hardness of an erection. In general, a healthy erection should be firm enough for penetration but not so hard that it causes discomfort or pain.
And with few exceptions, every man has several spontaneous erections each night while sleeping. So even in the absence of sexual activity, most men have a measure of built-in protection against erectile dysfunction, just by having erections at night. Treatment for substance abuse may also help you avoid erection problems caused by issues with alcohol or drugs. Mental health treatment may help you avoid erection problems caused by stress or psychological issues. If you’re having difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for further discussion.
In the simplest terms, an erection is the male’s physiological response to being sexually aroused. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) is a survey that helps men determine if they may be suffering from erectile dysfunction. Although this is a good starting point, you should still see a doctor if you suspect an erectile disorder.
Signs of a Healthy Erection
It doesn’t matter if you’re having a hot sex dream or a zombie apocalypse nightmare — your penis gets hard during that period of the sleep cycle. Half of men over 40 have some form of sexual dysfunction, so you certainly aren’t the only one. With a few simple lifestyle swaps, however, you can improve the strength of your erection in no time.
In recent years, several studies have shown that circumcised men are less likely to be infected with HIV. The WHO and UNAIDS now recommend male circumcision as an HIV prevention measure. “There is compelling evidence that male circumcision reduces the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV infection in men by approximately 60%,” the WHO states. A wet dream is when you ejaculate (release semen from your penis) in your sleep and wake up wet. A study in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry of men aged between 20 and 50, found that persistent alcohol use induced sexual dysfunction. A person with ED will often see improvement after making lifestyle changes.
Job stress, relationship problems, or depression can also contribute to ED. If you’re over 40, a hydrocele can also make your scrotum sag. It happens when fluid builds up around one or both testicles.
A healthy erection should be able to maintain its firmness throughout sexual activity without any sudden loss of rigidity. The penis should feel hard to the touch and be fully engorged with blood.
If you are able to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse, then it is likely that your erection is within the normal range of hardness.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
For example, Viagra, the most popular of these supplements, generally starts to work 30 to 60 minutes after you take it, but Cialis works in 16 to 45 minutes after consumption. When it comes to size, the majority of them fall into the average range — and the size has no bearing on what it can do or the pleasure you can give and get from it. People with penises and people with vaginas report dissatisfaction with the appearance of their own genitals. Older 2014 research pegged the average length of a flaccid penis at 3.61 inches.
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure, as well as psychological factors like stress or anxiety.
If you are experiencing difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and explore treatment options.
In conclusion, the hardness of your erection can vary depending on a number of factors. As long as you are able to achieve and maintain an erection that is firm enough for sexual activity and does not cause pain or discomfort, then your erection is likely within the normal range of hardness. If you have concerns about the firmness of your erection, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider for guidance and support.
