All about erection
All about erection
All about erectionDid you know that while the word "penile erection" is usually associated with "sexual" meanings, erection regularly occurs without sexual excitement and on daily basis? The average male has four to eight spontaneous erections every night while he sleeps. They usually occur whendreaming.
Mechanism of erection
We know that muscles let you move your body voluntarily with precise control. The penis, on the other hand, is completely different. There are no muscular contractions involved in making the penis erect. To become erect, the penis instead uses pressure. Probably the easiest way to understand how the penis becomes erect is to think about a balloon. If a balloon has no air in it, it's limp. As you inflate a limp balloon with just a little air, it becomes elongated and rigid. The penis uses a similar mechanism, but instead of using pressurized air to become rigid, the penis uses pressurized blood. The penis contains two cigar-shaped structures, calledcorpora cavernosa(singular:corpus cavernosum), that it uses to become erect.
Corpora cavernosa
Corpora cavernosa are just balloon-like tubes. Arteriesbringbloodinto these two tubes, and veins carry blood away from them. The penis can be either limp or erect, depending on the flow of blood:
In a non-erect state, the arteries that bring blood into the corpora cavernosa are somewhat constricted, while the veins that drain the blood from the penis are open. There is no way for pressure to build inside the penis. In this state, the penis is limp.
When a man becomes aroused, the arteries leading into the penis open up so that pressurized blood can enter the penis quickly. The veins leaving the penis constrict. Pressurized blood is trapped in the corpora cavernosa, and this blood causes the penis to elongate and stiffen. The penis is erect.
If the arteries leading to the penis do not open up properly, it is difficult or impossible for a man to become erect. This problem is the leading cause oferectile dysfunction(ED).
Involvement of brain in causing erection
When you are sexually stimulated by sight, thought, or touch, the brain sends signals that relax the smooth muscles around the arteries that supply blood to the corpora cavernosa. The veins draining the bodies cannot keep up, resulting in swelling. As the swelling reaches the limit of the penile skin, the penis becomes firm. The pressure of the spongy corpora cavernosa against the skin partially closes the veins, helping to maintain the erection. Erection continues until the signals from the brain stop, but erections are not consistent; waking and waning are normal, even during intercourse.
There are many reasons for not getting an erection such as fatigue, stress, not being in the mood for sexual activity, alcohol and/or drug use, partner issues, insufficient sexual stimulation, and so on. As well, lack of erections from time to time does not mean that sexual activity must stop. However, if the problems persists for long or occurs again and again, you may need therapy.