Erections are different for every man. For some, an erection may fade quickly, which can cause stress, embarrassment, or even tension in relationships. While this experience is common, it helps to understand what might be causing it.
An erection happens when sexual arousal triggers increased penile blood flow, making it firm and upright. However, several things can affect how long it lasts. Lifestyle practices like smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or using certain drugs can all play a role. So can age, stress, health conditions, and emotional well-being.
Knowing what’s normal and what’s not can help you feel more at ease. So, how long does the average man stay erect? The answer depends on many of these physical and psychological factors. In this article, we’ll explain what affects erection time, what’s considered typical, and when it might be worth checking in with a doctor.
How long can the average man stay erect?
A man’s erection should last long enough to ensure a satisfying sexual experience. On average, an erection during sex lasts about 4 to 5 minutes, but it can range from a few minutes to even hours. There is no fixed duration for how long an erection should last, as it varies depending on factors like arousal, mental state, and physical health.
Frequent loss of erection may indicate Erectile Dysfunction (ED), a common issue affecting many men worldwide, especially those over 40. Fortunately, doctors often prescribe medications like Sildenafil and Tadalafil to help restore sexual function.
Doctors often use a term called Intravaginal Ejaculation Latency Time (IELT) to study how long men last during sex, from penetration to ejaculation. IELT ranges from 55 seconds to over 44 minutes, with a median of about five minutes.
According to research published in the Asian Journal of Andrology in 2019, night erections, known as nocturnal erections, usually last at least 10 minutes.
Factors affecting erections
Erection is a complex process influenced by several physical and psychological factors. You may struggle to maintain an erection during intercourse, which makes you question, Why does my erection go away so fast? It might be because of the following factors:
Physical factors
Various physical factors can contribute to ED, often by restricting blood flow to the penis or damaging the nerves responsible for stimulating an erection.
- Chronic diseases: Conditions like cardiovascular disease, Hypertension, and Diabetes can cause ED by restricting blood flow. Lifestyle factors such as a higher than normal Body Mass Index (BMI), absence of physical activity, and an unhealthy diet can contribute to these conditions.
- Medical conditions: Men with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, seizure disorders, and Parkinson’s disease have a higher chance of ED because these conditions damage the nerves responsible for sending signals to stimulate an erection.
- Hormonal changes: Fluctuations or imbalances in hormones can affect erectile function.
- Excessive body weight: Becoming overweight or obese can add to issues that lead to ED, such as cardiovascular disease and Diabetes.
- Injury: Injuries to the pelvic region or spinal cord can impair nerve function, which is crucial for erections.
- Recreational use of alcohol and other substances: Excessive alcohol consumption can reduce Testosterone production and lead to Sexual Dysfunction, making it difficult to maintain an erection.
- Smoking: Smoking can decline blood flow to the penis, hormonal imbalances, and nerve damage, making it difficult to maintain an erection.
- Side effects of certain medicines: Some medications, including antidepressants, High Blood Pressure medications, and antipsychotics, can make it hard for men to keep an erection. These might affect brain chemicals, blood flow, hormones, or nerve signals involved in achieving an erection.
Psychological factors
Apart from physical factors, certain psychological factors also influence erections.
- Depression: This mental health condition can impact sexual desire and function.
- Relationship problems: Issues within a relationship can add to stress and Anxiety, potentially affecting erectile function.
- Stress and Anxiety: Lot of stress and Anxiety, including Performance Anxiety, can affect a person’s ability to maintain an erection.
Tips on how to maintain erections longer
If a person loses erections regularly because of underlying causes, then talking to a doctor for the proper treatment can help. Several medications are available for men suffering from ED such as Viagra (Sildenafil) or Cialis (Tadalafil).
An individual should change their lifestyle first to get rid of symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction. People dealing with ED will benefit from the following lifestyle modifications:
- Enhancing the quality of diet can significantly benefit individuals dealing with erection issues.
- Weight loss is also beneficial for individuals dealing with Erectile Dysfunction.
- To maintain proper blood flow to their genitals and enhance their erection, individuals can do kegel exercises and Pilates to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles, which helps with Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
- Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake to help manage symptoms of ED.
High Blood Pressure and Erectile Dysfunction (ED) are interconnected, so men must maintain their heart health. Heart health can be improved by being active, eating healthy, and reducing stress.
Conclusion
The question of how long can the average man stay erect does not have a fixed answer, as erection duration varies widely based on physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. On average, an erection during sexual intercourse lasts around 4 to 5 minutes, with studies showing a range from under a minute to over 40 minutes, while nocturnal erections typically last 10 to 35 minutes and occur multiple times per night.
If you’ve ever asked, “Why does my erection go away so fast?” the cause may be physical, psychological, or both. Chronic diseases, poor lifestyle habits, certain medications, stress, and relationship problems can all play a role.
Even though occasional loss of an erection is normal, ongoing problems may point to Erectile Dysfunction (ED), which is common and treatable. Talk to a doctor if this happens often. Medications like Sildenafil and Tadalafil can help, but lifestyle changes, like a better diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking, can also improve results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a guy remain standing for two hours?
No, most guys cannot stay fully erect for two hours without help. An erection usually lasts a few minutes during sex. If an erection lasts more than four hours, it can be dangerous and needs medical help right away. You should talk to a doctor if this happens.
At what age do men fail to get erections?
Men can start having trouble getting or keeping erections as early as their 40s or 50s. This happens more often as they get older. But it can also happen to younger men because of stress, health problems, or lifestyle. If you notice this, talk to a doctor.
Is erecting every day ok?
Yes, erecting every day is okay. It is a natural part of your body’s function. Having erections often means your blood flow and nerves are working well. If you feel any pain or discomfort, you should talk to a doctor. Otherwise, daily erections are healthy.
How long does it take for a man to release sperm?
It usually takes a man about 5 to 10 minutes of sexual activity to release sperm during ejaculation. This time can change for different people and depends on many things like age, health, and how excited you feel. Everyone is different.
Is ED temporary or permanent?
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) can be both temporary and permanent. Sometimes, it happens because of stress, tiredness, or certain medicines, and it goes away with time. Other times, it may be caused by health problems and need treatment. You should talk to a doctor if it lasts.
When referencing outside resources, GoodrxMedicine always provides full citations. To learn more about the measures we use to maintain the quality of our content, please review our Content Information Policy.
