Adolescence is altogether a different phase in life. It comes with its own mysteries, changes, and challenges. A specific phenomenon that challenges boys of this age is random erections.
This may be a cause of embarrassment in boys and most of them have no idea why that even happens. In this blog, we will talk about random erections while answering the most common questions that may pop into your head.
Changes in Adolescence
There are so many prominent changes that take place during adolescence in male bodies. Knowing what is coming ahead can help teenagers be better equipped to handle the change.
Physical changes can be seen in the form of growth spurts. During this rapid growth, boys witness a sudden increase in height and weight. The voice box becomes larger, which leads to the deepening of voice.Â
Boys see more hair on their bodies specifically in the armpits, pubic area, and face. There is also muscle development, which causes increased muscle mass and strength. Moreover, there is significant growth of the testes and penis.
Teenagers may also experience a few emotional and psychological changes. They may get mood swings and find themselves more irritable. It is possible for some to be more anxious or sad for no specific reason.
Adolescence is also a time shift where boys may go through a journey of self-discovery. They try to find what they truly are or want to be which may take a toll on emotional health.
Sexual changes also happen predominantly in adolescence. It is characterised by sudden erections that may happen along with other secondary sexual characteristics that evolve during this period.
What Causes Random Erections?
Random erections are also known as spontaneous erections and involuntary erections. These are generally triggered by hormonal fluctuations in the body. Testosterone, which is a primary male hormone spikes during puberty which brings about various changes in the body.
The erections can happen without any arousal or stimulation. It may happen at any time of the day or night. It is only a physiological response to increased blood flow to the penis, which makes it erect due to engorgement.
Going through such changes can be overwhelming and also hard when you do not know why it happens. Understanding physiology can help boys be more prepared and confident to take up challenges and changes coming their way.
When Do Random Erections Happen?
Random erections mostly happen during adolescence at the age of 13 to 17. At this stage, the hormonal changes are at their peak with a sudden increase in testosterone levels. It also happens in young adults due to the exact same reason.
The erections happen at odd times, like when you are in class, with a friend, or in a public place. The situation may become awkward and embarrassing, and one might even feel bad about something like this happening.
However, one thing you need to be sure of is that it is totally normal and is not just you. It happens with all boys of this age and is only a normal physiological process.
Source: Research Gate
Why do Random Erections Happen at Inconvenient Times?
The most common reason boys are embarrassed is due to sudden and inappropriate occurrences of erections. It may happen even if you wear tight clothes, and it is not exactly in your control.
You need to understand that erections are not exactly in your control and are not a sign of sexual arousal. It is simply part of transforming into an adult, and you cannot do much about the casual show-up.
How Can I Handle Random Erections?
After accepting that it is normal and you cannot stop it from happening, you need to know you can still discreetly manage the condition. Here is how –
- Try to distract yourself and focus on something non-sexual at the moment.
- If it happens in a public place, you can try to cover it up. You can try to put a book or a bag over you to hide the erection.Â
- Changing the position you are in may bring the erection down.
- The best way to handle this is to let it pass on its own. Random erections may subside within a minute so it is best to not panic and let it pass.
Bottom Line
Random erections are usually not often talked about. We tend to neglect the sexual health of adolescents and not having proper knowledge may cause a lot of confusion.
So, teenagers must understand that random erections are only healthy and are a part of natural physiological development. Rather, it is better to know more about the phenomenon and learn how to manage the oops moment.
Additionally, teenage boys should talk it out with their peers and help everyone accept the change. Creating awareness is the best way to cope with the situation.