Erections most often occur during sexual arousal but can sometimes also happen randomly. Often, an erection lasts from a few minutes to half an hour, but this varies between individuals, as many factors can affect it.
The duration of an erection, as well as its quality, can vary based on physical and psychological factors, including age, stress, health conditions, and medications.
In this article, we discuss how erections work, what factors affect them, and roughly how long an erection should typically last.
An erection occurs when the blood flow to the penis increases, causing it to change shape and size.
There are three stages to an erection:
- Soft or flaccid penis: This is the penis’s “normal” state, and it occurs when there is no sexual arousal or stimulation via sight, touch, or fantasizing. During this phase, blood flow to and from the penis is equal.
- Swollen penis: Sexual stimulation causes the brain and nerves to change the blood vessels and other tissue of the penis so that more blood flows into the penis than flows out. The penis starts to swell during this phase.
- Erect penis: The penis becomes erect as visual, imaginary, or touch stimulation continues. The brain and nerves continue to send more blood to the penis and restrict blood flow from it. The penis becomes fully erect, allowing manual stimulation or vaginal, anal, or oral sex to occur.
A variety of physical or psychological issues can prevent an erection from occurring or lasting long enough for sexual activity.
How often do people get erections?
People can experience erections at any point during the day or night. These can be in response to arousal or may be random.
Given the variable nature of erections, it is difficult to quantify a ‘normal’ occurrence rate. People going through puberty may experience more frequent erections, while those of older age or people with erectile dysfunction (ED) may experience significantly less, or none at all.
It is common to have an erection upon waking. The medical term for this is nocturnal penile tumescence. This is a normal process of the reproductive system and is due to the effect of sleep cycles and increased blood flow during sleep.
There is no universal set time for the length of sexual activities or how long a penis should remain erect. Typically, an average erection may last from a few minutes to roughly half an hour. However, this can vary significantly due to the many factors that can affect erection duration.
It is also worth noting that a person does not need an erection to achieve orgasm.
People may worry that they are on either end of the spectrum and that their erection lasts either too long or not long enough.
In some cases, a person may have difficulty getting an erection, having a firm erection, or maintaining one long enough for satisfactory sex. Physical or psychological factors can contribute to ED or premature ejaculation (PE).
In other cases, a person may have a prolonged erection unrelated to sexual activity or interest, which is known as priapism. Medications, drugs, and injury can cause priapism, which can be a serious condition due to the risk of permanent tissue damage.
A variety of factors can temporarily cause erection problems. These include:
- fatigue
- alcohol or recreational drug use
- distractions
- feelings of self-consciousness
- tension
- being uncomfortable with a partner
In addition to temporary causes of erection trouble, medical issues can also cause short- or long-term ED.
For example, after receiving treatment for prostate cancer, some people
Erectile dysfunction
ED affects as many as 30 million people with a penis. ED occurs when a person is unable to get or keep an erection long enough for sexual activity.
Several factors, such as stress or relationship issues, can worsen ED. Some
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- smoking
- cardiovascular issues
- obesity
- lack of exercise
- high cholesterol levels
- recreational drug or alcohol use
Several treatments are available for ED, including medications, physical interventions, and, potentially, surgery.
Premature ejaculation
PE is a form of sexual dysfunction that may prevent people from having satisfactory sex. Various factors can cause PE. These include psychological causes, such as anxiety or inexperience, and medical causes, such as drug use or health conditions.
PE may resolve by itself, or it may require treatment options that will vary due to the underlying cause. These can include therapy, topical drugs, or using different sexual methods.
Priapism
Priapism is a prolonged erection unrelated to sexual arousal that is also often painful. Certain medications, such as ED drugs, blood thinners, antidepressants, and some blood pressure drugs, can cause priapism.
It is important for someone who has had an erection for 2 hours or more to seek immediate emergency care. Tissue damage can begin 4–6 hours after erection onset. Any damage to the sensitive penile tissue may be permanent and nonreversible.
Treatments to help reduce a prolonged erection include:
- medication to decrease blood flow
- aspiration to drain blood from the penis
- surgery to restore normal blood flow to the penis
In some cases, a person may not need to see their doctor for erection troubles. Temporary problems, such as stress or relationship issues, may cause erection difficulties but do not necessarily require a visit to the doctor.
However, a person should talk withv their doctor if they frequently have an issue with achieving an erection. Their doctor may be able to help them identify a root cause, such as medication or emotional issues. The doctor can also provide treatment to help the person get an erection.
If a person has a prolonged erection that is unrelated to sexual activity and lasts more than a few hours, they should seek immediate medical help.
Erections are usually necessary for many types of sexual activity involving a person with a penis. Erections typically start during arousal and normally go away when arousal stops or following ejaculation.
Factors such as stress, alcohol, and medication can affect a person’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection. If a person has continual trouble with getting an erection, they should talk with their doctor because they may have ED.
A person should also see their doctor if they have an erection that lasts much longer than the sexual activity. Priapism can result in permanent damage if a person does not receive treatment.