Male Erection: ‘Normal’ Duration and Not Getting Hard Causes

Duration of sexual intercourse is often the subject of discussion and good ridicule among couples. However, this question is usually individual, which cannot be said about erectile dysfunction, when a man is not able to achieve the desired hardness of the genital organ.

What is ‘Normal’ Duration of an Erection?

According to studies, the average time to achieve an erection is from 3 to 8 seconds, and the duration of intercourse varies depending on individual characteristics.

According to The Daily Mail, with reference to scientists at the University of Queensland who investigated the duration of sexual intercourse, the figures are not impressive. On average, the duration of sex is 5 minutes. It has been revealed that sexual intercourse can last from 33 seconds to 44 minutes, but on average it is 5 minutes. Typically, a duration of less than 1-2 minutes is considered a sexual disorder (premature ejaculation), a condition which requires treatment with special drugs.

Also interesting are the facts regarding the maximum duration of an erection in men. In the age group of 20 to 25 years, this time period can reach 55 minutes, but begins to decrease with age.

7 Interesting Facts about Erections You Probably Did Not Know

Why Can Erectile Function Worsen?

Here is a list of the most common causes of erection problems:

1. Excitement. Exciting situations are very common causes of erectile dysfunction, especially if a man plans to have sex for the first time with a  wonderful new sexual partner.

2. Stress. In normal “doses,” this physiological phenomenon is even beneficial for the body. However, frequent strong and prolonged chronic stress at work or in personal life, is so exhausting for the body, that a man begins to experience difficulties in sexual life.

3. Cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood circulation (and also negatively affects the lungs and heart). Although many couples like to smoke after sex, the more the body receives harmful substances from cigarette smoking, the greater the risk of impotence.

4. Drinking. Excessive alcohol consumption will slowly but surely lower testosterone levels and kill erections.

5. Lack of sleep. Sometimes, due to fatigue and lack of sleep, a man cannot get an erection at all.

6. Disease. There are many organic causes of erectile dysfunction. These include Parkinson's disease, heart ailments, prostatitis, diabetes, etc.

7. Difficulties with self-esteem. Due to poor self-esteem, a man begins to get nervous and as a result he does not succeed in bed.

8. Medicines. Numerous drugs can affect an erection. These include some antidepressants, beta blockers, and diuretics.

9. General health and poor physical activity. Overweight, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle have been associated with erectile dysfunction.

10. Vitamin deficiency. Scientists have found that vitamin D deficiency (calciferol) is associated with erectile dysfunction. This is especially true for residents of the northern regions of Canada, the USA and Europe (in particular, Norway, Estonia and Finland). To protect yourself, you can buy special supplements with vitamin D.

As you can see from the list of potential causes, if you lead a healthy lifestyle, you will be at minimal risk of developing erectile dysfunction.

Dr. Philip Schein MD

MD Philip Schein is an oncologist and Hematology Specialist primary located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He is over 55 years of experience in the medical field and more than 20 years of practice. He is skilled at the treatment & diagnosis of a large array of ailments & diseases in adults. Board certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine Certification in Internal Medicine / American Board of Hematology Certification in Hematology / American Board of Medical Oncology Certification in Medical Oncology

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