learn more
How an erection happens
What is an erection?
A man gets an erection when the penis enlarges and stiffens.
It is a complex process that happens as a result of changes within the muscles, nerves and blood vessels of the penis.
The regulation of blood flow into and out of the penis is what makes an erection possible.
- Specialised tissues in the shaft of the penis trap blood. This increases the pressure within the penis and causes it to lengthen and then become firm.
- Following orgasm or the withdrawal of sexual stimulation, the process is reversed. Blood flows out of the penis and back into your circulation so the penis becomes soft.
Each corpus cavernosum runs from the base of the glans along the length of the penis.
Cross-section of the penis showing the position of the corpora cavernosa.Corpora cavernosa: two cylindrical tissues run the length of either side of the penis. Like sponges, they are capable of filling with blood. When the penis is soft, the muscle fibres in the corpora are contracted.
Tunica: a tough outer sheath that surrounds the corpora and limits the amount they can expand. As the tunica becomes tight, blood flowing into the penis raises the pressure within it, making it hard.
Corpus spongeosum: a third cylinder of tissue between the two corpora. This contains the urethra, through which urine and semen pass out of the body. It thickens towards the tip of the penis to form the helmet-shaped glans, which is covered by foreskin in uncircumcised men.
How an erection happens
- Touch, sights, sounds, erotic memories, fantasies etc, cause sexual excitement.
- These stimuli increase signal output from a part of the brain called the para-ventricular nucleus.
- These signals then pass through special autonomic nerves in the spinal cord, the pelvic nerves and the cavernous nerves that run along the prostate gland to reach the corpora cavernosa and the arteries that supply them with blood.
- In response to these signals, the muscle fibres in the corpora relax, allowing blood to fill the spaces between them.
- Muscle fibres in the arteries that supply the penis also relax, and there is an eight-fold increase in blood flow to the penis. The increased blood flow expands the corpora, then stretches the surrounding sheath (the tunica).
- As the tunica stretches, it blocks off the veins that take blood away from the corpora cavernosa. This traps blood within the penis, the pressure becomes very high and the penis becomes erect.
- During an erection pressure in the penis is at least twice the pressure of blood in the main circulation. This is possible because the muscles of the pelvic floor contract around the base of the corpora cavernosa.
- At orgasm, the signalling from the brain changes dramatically. There is a sudden increase in noradrenaline production from nerves in the genitalia. This seems to both trigger orgasm and contract the muscle fibres in the corpora cavernosa and their supplying arteries.
- The pressure within the corpora drops, which also relaxes the tunica and so allows blood to flow out of the penis.
The inability to get or sustain an erection can happen as a result of one or more of these processes breaking down. Fortunately, there are treatments available for erectile dysfunction.
Penis pills increase the amount of blood that is flowing to the erectile tissues. They also increase the power of the blood flow.
Over time, increasing blood flow and power of blood flow to the erectile tissues will cause this tissue to expand.
To see the results of our comparisons showing which male enhancement product is safer and more effective than any other competitive product on the market, check our top product reviews.
latest blog post
THE STEPS TO SHARED ORGASM
1) Self stimulation to orgasm in presence of partner. This should occur with a gradual increase in intimacy. First the partner turns his back while the patient stimulates herself. Then he can hold her while she stimulates herself...
Testimonials
“I'm 61 years old and have been married to a wonderful lady for 40 years! My wife and I came across your website and decided to just try out the sexual enhancement product. The product worked exactly as the website explained. I am now able to get hard erections, my libido is higher and I have longer lasting sexual stamina. Great Stuff!”
“Your recommended product has given my marriage “new life.” It really brought back the spice and that newlywed feeling after 12 years of marriage. I actually believe my performance in bed (my ability to last) is much better than when I first married my wife. Keep it up!”
“I've been having problems keeping a hard on for 3 years now. It's really difficult for me to approach girls knowing that I may not be able satisfy them. I'm so happy I found your site and bought your advised product. It helped me to stay hard and I've regained my self esteem. I feel like a real man again. Thanks again!”