Erections are a normal physiological function for men. The length of time a man can maintain an erection depends on various factors, including age, health conditions, and level of arousal.
What is an erection?
An erection occurs when the penis fills with blood and becomes firm. Erections allow for penetration during sexual intercourse. The scientific term for an erection is tumescence. Erections occur in response to physical and psychological stimulation. When a man becomes aroused, signals from the brain and local nerves cause the muscles in the penis to relax. This allows blood to flow into the penis, causing it to become erect.
What causes an erection?
Erections are caused by a complex interplay of psychological, neural, vascular and endocrine factors. When a man is aroused, the brain sends signals to nerves in the penis that cause the muscles around the blood vessels to relax. Blood then flows in at a higher rate than it flows out, filling the penis and creating an erection. Specific factors influencing erections include:
- Touch and stimulation of the genitals sends signals to the spinal cord and brain.
- The parasympathetic nervous system causes blood vessels to dilate, allowing more blood into the penis.
- Arteries carrying blood to the penis relax and open up to allow more blood to fill the penis.
- Veins constrict to limit the blood flowing out of the penis.
- Endorphins block pain and inhibitory signals during arousal.
- Nitric oxide tells smooth muscle cells in the penis to relax, enabling an erection.
- Testosterone and other hormones drive libido and sexual interest.
Erections go away after ejaculation or if arousal dissipates. The blood flows back out of the penis and into circulation.
What is the average erection time?
Most men experience 3 to 5 erections per night during sleep. Each erection can last up to 30 minutes. Erections during sleep often occur during REM sleep, when dreaming occurs. It’s normal to wake up with an erection, informally called a morning wood.
For sexually aroused erectile episodes, duration depends on multiple factors:
- Age – Erections may last longer in younger men.
- Level of arousal – High arousal may prolong erections.
- Novelty of sexual partner or situation – Newness can extend erectile episodes.
- Recent ejaculation – Men take longer to achieve another erection after ejaculating.
- Health conditions – Diseases such as diabetes may shorten erections.
- Medications – Drugs such as antidepressants can inhibit erections.
- Drug or alcohol use – These substances may interfere with arousal.
- Anxiety and depression – These conditions may decrease erection ability.
According to studies, the average erection lasts 5-7 minutes. However, erections can last anywhere from 1 minute to over half an hour depending on the situation.
How long can an erection last before needing medical attention?
Most erections will go away on their own without medical intervention. However, in some cases, an erection will not subside and may become painful. This condition is known as priapism. It constitutes a medical emergency.
There are two types of priapism:
- Low-flow (ischemic) priapism – This type accounts for over 90% of priapism cases. Blood is unable to leave the penis and circulation is stagnated. The penis remains erect but not rigid. Ischemic priapism is extremely painful. This is considered a medical emergency and requires treatment within 2-4 hours. Lack of blood flow can damage tissue in the penis and lead to permanent erectile dysfunction if left untreated.
- High-flow (non-ischemic) priapism – This type is less concerning and painful. An excessive blood flow into the penis overwhelms the drainage mechanism. The erection remains rigid. High-flow priapism may resolve on its own within days without causing long-term damage.
According to the American Urological Association, an erection lasting over 4 hours may indicate priapism and requires emergency evaluation. The 4-hour mark is considered the upper limit for the safe duration of an erection.
What factors influence erection duration?
Several factors may affect how long an erection can last:
Age
As men age, erections may take longer to achieve and not be as rigid or durable. Changes in erectile function are normal as part of the aging process:
- 18-19 years old – 95% are able to get firm erections suitable for intercourse
- 80+ years old – only 15-25% are able to achieve erections suitable for penetration
The elapsed time between erections increases with age. Older men may need more manual stimulation to get an erection. However, sexual desire often does not diminish significantly with age.
Health Conditions
Certain diseases are associated with erectile dysfunction or weaker erections:
- Vascular disease – Atherosclerosis can restrict blood flow into the penis.
- Diabetes – Poor blood sugar control causes nerve and blood vessel damage.
- Neurologic disease – Conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s can impair arousal signals.
- Metabolic syndrome – Having conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol increases ED risk.
- Low testosterone – Lack of this hormone negatively impacts sexual function.
- Peyronie’s disease – A curved penis makes erections difficult.
- Prostate cancer – Treatments like radiation and surgery increase impotence risk.
Medications
Many prescription drugs interfere with the processes involved in getting and maintaining erections:
- Antidepressants like SSRIs
- Blood pressure medications
- Muscle relaxers
- Appetite suppressants
- Ulcer medications like cimetidine
- Antihistamines
- Anxiolytics
- Opiates
- Hormone drugs like luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists used to treat prostate cancer
Always tell your doctor if a medication causes erectile dysfunction.
Lifestyle Factors
Unhealthy lifestyle habits can negatively impact erectile function:
- Obesity
- Lack of exercise
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Smoking cigarettes
- Using illegal drugs like heroin or cocaine
Improving diet, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, and moderating alcohol use may help treat ED and prolong erections.
Mental Health
Psychological factors play a role in many cases of ED:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Poor body image
- Low self-esteem
Seeing a therapist or counselor may help improve mental health and reverse psychological-induced ED.
How to prolong erections
Some methods men can try to prolong erections include:
- Engaging in foreplay – Taking time to build arousal can help erections last.
- Using a constriction ring – Putting one at the base of the penis traps blood inside to maintain the erection.
- Limiting alcohol before sex – Excessive drinking can make achieving an erection difficult.
- Using ED medications – Drugs like Viagra improve blood flow into the penis.
- Trying Kegel exercises – Strengthening the pelvic muscles may enhance erections.
- Communicating desires with partner – Directing stimulation in a pleasurable way can sustain an erection.
- Switching positions – Changing to less stimulating positions may delay ejaculation.
- Urinating before sex – An emptier bladder delays orgasm.
If unable to prolong erections through lifestyle changes and techniques, speak to a doctor about other treatment options.
Conclusion
Most men can sustain an erection long enough for satisfying sexual intercourse. The average erection lasts 5-7 minutes, though some may persist longer or shorter depending on age, arousal, and health status. While occasional erectile difficulties are normal, frequent or persistent inability to get and keep erections should prompt medical attention. Doctors can help diagnose underlying causes and provide appropriate therapies to help restore erectile function.