Why and how an erection occurs

Well-being in the family, on which a person's performance, success and well-being directly depend, has always been a topical issue. Over the past decades, sociological surveys have been regularly conducted to study it, with the help of which experts try to find out the reasons for dissatisfaction with married life. If in the last century the main cause of stress was called unstable material well-being and insufficient income, now problems in the intimate sphere have come to the fore.

This is easy to explain: previously, such questions were simply not included in the questionnaires, and there was no talk of sex. Much has changed these days, and couples are realizing that sex plays a major role in their relationship. This topic is widely discussed, a lot of research is devoted to it, it is enough to get into the Internet to find a lot of recommendations and "tested" ways to cope with any problem and become a virtuoso in bed.

You rarely meet a man who understands that if he claims to be a pro in lovemaking and wants to be known as an unsurpassed macho, he needs, first of all, to understand the most elementary things. To eliminate problems, to prevent their occurrence, you need to know why they appear, and to improve the process, you need to understand its normal course. Let's talk about how the penis works, what the physiology and mechanism of erection are.

The structure of the penis

Most of the penis consists of two cylindrical longitudinal bodies, consisting of spongy tissue. These bodies are called cavernous, or cavernous. Below them is a spongy body surrounding the urethra. The cavernous bodies are permeated with venous vessels, which are practically not filled with blood before an erection

An erection is a process of hardening of the penis, increasing its size and sensitivity, which is necessary for sexual intercourse. Under the influence of a variety of external and internal factors, erectile dysfunction develops - penis lethargy or a complete lack of tension. Sexual disorders significantly reduce the quality of life, preventing a man from building normal relationships with the opposite sex.

Two ischiocavernosus muscles are attached to the base of the penis and are responsible for maintaining the erect state of the organ

Mechanism of erection

Like any physiological process, an erection is triggered and controlled by the brain. Under the influence of stimuli coming from the sense organs, a special center is excited, from where a signal is sent to the testes, prostate and adrenal glands, activating the production of the sex hormone testosterone. This active compound plays a leading role in the implementation of sexual functions. Once in the bloodstream, testosterone serves as a catalyst necessary for the passage of chemical reactions that cause an erection.

There are several stages of the process:

• When sexually aroused, signals from the brain center are transmitted to the penis. The production of nitric oxide is launched, which accumulates in the vessels adjacent to the penis.
• When nitric oxide interacts with testosterone molecules, the enzyme guanylate cyclase is produced, which turns into cyclic guanylate cyclase, or cGMP.
• cGMP is absorbed into the cavernous bodies of the penis, helps to relax the smooth muscle fibers of their walls and fill the penis with blood.

After ejaculation, a chain of reverse reactions starts: an enzyme called phosphodiesterase (PDE) is produced, which causes the breakdown of cGMP and, accordingly, the disappearance of an erection.

What kind of erection is there

Types of erection differ depending on the cause of its occurrence. The following varieties are distinguished:

• Psychogenic - is determined by the activity of the brain centers that are excited under the influence of sensory stimuli (visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile, taste). Imagination plays an important role.
• Spontaneous or involuntary - occurs regardless of consciousness, in any environment, among representatives of all age groups. Studies have shown that involuntary erections are observed not only in young boys, but also in the fetus in the last months of pregnancy and the baby immediately after birth. It can occur during the day, in a crowded place, which, especially at a young age, gives a man some inconvenience. It often happens at night, during the REM phase, and is in no way connected with the content of dreams. An indicator of the health of the genitourinary and nervous system, mental balance is the situation when an erection in a dream occurs in a man during the night three to five times.

Morning erection - truth and myths

Morning erection in men occurs upon awakening and is an indicator of the health of the genitourinary system, the normal state of the body as a whole.There are many explanations for this phenomenon, which is essentially no different from the involuntary night. Penis tension in the morning due to:

• High levels of testosterone, peaking between five and eight in the morning.
• During the night, the bladder fills with urine and sends signals about it to the spinal center. This stimulates the nearby erection center.
• Complete relaxation of the body, which increases blood flow to the reproductive organs.

The principle of action of Viagra, which stimulates the potency, is based on the inhibition of the production of phosphodiesterase. A deficiency of this compound prevents the erection from disappearing, so that a man is able to have sex for a long time.

It is a mistake to assume that if there is no erection in the morning, this is a sign of impotence. This situation is most often due to nervous tension, fatigue, poor health. The reason for concern and referral to a specialist is its absence for a long time.

Useful information

Often, doctors are interested in how normal the discharge during erection is. This condition is not a sign of illness. The development of a special secret containing a small amount of spermatozoa is necessary for the free passage of sperm through the urethral canal.

Another question that interests many of the stronger sex is how much does the penis increase during an erection? It is generally accepted that the lion's share of male power and the ability to make an indelible impression on a partner depend on this. An erect penis becomes about one and a half to two times larger, but this does not affect sexual abilities in any way.