Do you have a question about sexual health? Submit your own question to our Sexpert!
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and it is always best to talk with your primary care provider if you are concerned about your health. To make an appointment with your primary care provider at UHS, call (585) 275-2662.
Submission: I get erections in morning and night too. I get random erections as well, but after couple of seconds of erection my penis starts getting unerect slowly. Is that ED (erectile dysfunction) or just a physical or mental problem?
Having erections randomly, especially in the morning, is quite common. You may hear people refer to waking up with an erection as “morning wood”, with the technical name of “nocturnal penile tumescence.” Waking up with an erection can actually show healthy blood and nerve supply to the penis. It is more common in teens and young adults, but it isn’t something to be worried about at any age.
Getting random erections at other times of the day is also not an immediate cause for concern, and can be a sign of healthy sexual functioning. Random erections can be caused by fluctuation in hormones throughout the day, such as testosterone. While it is completely normal to have random erections, it is understandable that this may be frustrating. You can try to manage the erections a few different ways:
- Think about something else.
- Avoid stimulating the erection with your clothing
- Disguise your erection by shifting positions or covering it with a book, jacket, bag, etc.
If you are noticing a sudden change in the frequency of erections, you should talk to a medical provider, as this could be a sign of Erectile Dysfunction or another medical condition. If having random erections is normal for you and they are not bothering you or making you uncomfortable, then this is not a cause for concern.
Sources: Medical News Today & Healthline