This is how many times a week men should get morning erections, according to age
This is how many times a week – For many men, the morning routine can be interrupted by an unexpected hard-on. Whether it’s a minor inconvenience or a surprising start to the day, the presence of a morning erection is often a natural occurrence. However, its frequency may shift as men age, and understanding these changes could offer insights into their overall health.
Age and Erection Frequency
Dr. Jeff Foster, host of the Man Alive podcast, discussed how the number of morning erections a man experiences tends to decrease with age. This trend was highlighted by former rugby player Joe Marler, 35, who noted that waking up with a hard-on is less common as he grows older. According to Dr. Foster, this decline is largely due to the natural drop in testosterone levels as men get older, which can influence sexual function.
“The time we would say you need to go see a doctor is if you can’t remember the last time you had morning erections,” Dr. Foster explained. “That’s a really good indicator that either hormones have dropped or your cardiovascular risk has gone up, because something is stopping that erection naturally occurring.”
Testosterone, a key hormone for male sexual health, plays a significant role in maintaining erections. While men in their teenage years and early 20s might experience morning wood almost daily, the frequency tapers off as they age. For instance, Dr. Foster stated that men in their 30s should expect to have morning erections more than half the time, whereas those in their 40s and 50s should aim for two to three occurrences per week.
The Science Behind Morning Erections
Dr. Foster also shared that morning erections are closely linked to the body’s natural physiological processes. “Men with low testosterone have decreased mood, increased anxiety, and an increased risk of depression,” he added. This highlights the broader implications of testosterone levels beyond just sexual function.
According to Sarah Mulindwa, a sexual health expert at Lovehoney, morning erections are not solely tied to sexual arousal. Instead, they are often a result of the body’s state during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. During this phase, the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls automatic bodily functions like digestion and rest, becomes active. This system doesn’t actively stop the body from getting an erection, making it more likely to occur as people wake up.
“There are a few different reasons as to why they happen, according to researchers, and sexual arousal is actually not one of the most common explanations,” Sarah explained. “Research largely suggests that morning wood happens because during REM sleep, your body essentially enters into a recovery state where your ‘parasympathetic nervous system’ takes over.”
The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for regulating functions such as breathing, heart rate, and sexual activity. Its activation during REM sleep means that the body is more prone to achieving an erection. Additionally, testosterone levels tend to be higher upon waking, which can further contribute to the likelihood of a morning erection. This natural fluctuation helps explain why older men may experience fewer of them.
When to Be Concerned
While morning wood is typically a sign of good health, there are exceptions. Sarah noted that if an erection is accompanied by pain or lasts for more than an hour, it could signal an underlying issue. Similarly, a complete absence of morning erections might warrant a visit to a general practitioner. “It might not necessarily be indicative of an issue,” she said, “but since not having erections can relate to circulatory problems, medication, lower testosterone, or erectile dysfunction, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Men in their 20s and teens may have the most frequent morning erections, but as age progresses, the number decreases. Dr. Foster emphasized that monitoring these patterns from the age of 30 is a proactive step in assessing overall health. “Testosterone levels are a good indicator of both current and future health,” he added.
Other signs that testosterone levels may be declining include difficulty maintaining muscle mass, weight gain, and a slower metabolism. These symptoms can serve as early warnings of hormonal imbalances. It’s also worth noting that lower testosterone can affect mood, leading to increased feelings of anxiety and depression. Recognizing these signs can help men take timely action to address potential health concerns.
Ultimately, morning erections are a natural part of the body’s biological rhythms, but their frequency can provide valuable insights. If you find yourself struggling with a noticeable drop in morning wood, it’s important to consider the factors affecting it. By staying informed and monitoring these changes, men can take better care of their sexual and overall health.
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As explored in the Man Alive podcast, the connection between age and erection frequency is more than just a curious fact—it’s a reflection of how the body changes over time. By understanding these patterns, men can better interpret what their bodies are communicating and take appropriate steps to maintain their well-being.
