Almost every living being including humans are sexually reproducing animals. Though the reproductive process is different in all of them. Here, we will talk about boners in humans. In human beings, the external genitalia of the male reproductive system consists of the penis and scrotum. Now, what is penis? This might be a question if you have no idea about male body. The penis is the copulatory organ in males. This cylindrical and muscular organ consists of three bundles of erectile tissue – two dorsal corpora cavernosa and one ventral corpus spongiosum.
What is a boner?
A boner or erection of the penis is caused due to blow flowing in the spongy tissues of the penis. It is a natural process that occurs in human males. Boner is essential for sexual intercourse and reproduction in men. Remember, other factors like the nerves, hormones, and blood vessels play a vital role in erection of the penis.
(i) Nerves
During the erection process, the nerves send signals to the brain and genital areas to trigger arousal in men.
(ii) Testosterone hormone
The male sex hormone ‘testosterone’ is very important for libido and sensitivity.
(iii) Blood vessels
They collect blood to make the penis rigid.
All these factors contribute to getting a rigid boner so you can keep erection for a longer time. The increased blood flow temporarily fills the spongy tissue – corpora cavernosa, while the blood outflow is restricted, causing the penis to enlarge. This is the biology behind the boner.
How does it feel to get a boner?
A boner (erection) is the stiffness of the penis that occurs when the blood flows in it.
The feeling of a boner varies from one individual to the other. However, men commonly experience a sensation of elevated sensitivity and fullness in the penis. Several men feel tension or pressure in their penis. The penis becomes enlarged (erect) during arousal. It helps in sexual activity and intercourse.
The feeling, angle, shape,, and direction of an erection may vary in individuals; however, most erections have a sensitive and pleasure feel about them.
Erection or boner is a tightening, warm, and tingling sensation in the penis due to increased blood flow. During a boner, firmness and erection of the penis can be felt.
Prolonged erection due to certain medicines can be painful and uncomfortable. However, due to certain factors and health problems such as tension, stress, and anxiety, the person may not be able to feel the sensations in the penis due to the loss of erection. It is advised and vital to seek medical attention if a person is unable to get, feel or maintain an erection.
Physical sensations
These are the common physical sensations before getting erection.
(i) Pressure
The first feeling in a boner is pressure because the tissues of the penis get filled with blood. The feeling of heaviness is quite prominent.
(ii) Warmth
As the blood flow increases, there is a feeling of warmth. This is a typical response for sexual arousal.
(iii) Sensitivity
During boner, even a slight touch can feel intense because of the highly reactive nerve endings. This is why penises become hypersensitive. If it stays erect for a long time without release, it can cause discomfort.
(iv) Psychological sensation
A boner is not just about physical sensation. It is associated with the brain too. Feelings like excitement and sexual arousal can make this experience more pleasurable and intense. This is the reason why boners are common during sleep or even without any conscious thought about sex.
Factors affecting the occurrence of boner or erection
There are various physical and psychological factors that may affect the process of boner, resulting in difficulty for an individual to get it. They may lead to Erectile Dysfunction (ED), a sexual dysfunction. So you should keep a sharp eye on these factors to avoid any unwanted or embarrassing situation.
The following factors may affect the occurrence of boner in males:
Physical factors
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Parkinson’s disease
- High levels of cholesterol
- High blood sugar
- Low testosterone levels
Psychological factors
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship problems
Age is also another factor that affects the occurrence of boner. Younger men get stronger and frequent erections.
Ways for men to maintain boners or erection
A man may find it difficult to get or maintain penile erection due to ED. Consult a doctor if you are unable to achieve or maintain an erection. Medical practitioners can recommend effective ED treatment options. There are various ways to achieve and maintain an erection, such as medicines, lifestyle changes, and therapies
Medicines
Oral medicines that show PDE-5 inhibition working mechanisms form the first-line treatments for treating ED. They include Sildenafil, Vardenafil, and Tadalafil. They are the most potent and FDA-approved medications for managing ED problems in men.
Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle may also help to manage boners effectively. Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol consumption to get a healthy lifestyle and rigid boner. Alcohol or addiction affects erection so try to avoid it, Exercising regularly and following a stress free life are healthy lifestyle decisions. A balanced diet may also help to maintain an erection.
Therapy
Depression, anxiety and any mental health issues can impact your sexual life. So, therapy sessions reduce depression, stress, and anxiety, thereby aiding erections. These sessions may also strengthen relationships and sexual intimacy between partners. Remember, therapy is not a sign of sickness or weakness. It means that you love your life and partner without any compromise or conditions.
Understanding the journey between sexual health and boner
The journey between sexual health and boner can last from a few minutes to half an hour depending on the activity and arousal levels.
(i) Initial understanding
One feels a warmth, pressure and tingling sensation that blood is flowing through penile tissues.
(ii) Enlargement
Then the penis starts swelling and becomes firm.
(iii) Increased sensitivity
A very soft touch may feel intense at this moment. The body responds spontaneously without even thinking about it.
(iv) Tension
The muscles contract followed by a feeling of heaviness in the penis.
(v) Peak sensation
In the peak moments, there is fullness and warmth of the penis and psychological arousal.
Conclusion: A boner, also known as an erection is a natural process in men caused due to sexual stimulation. It is essential for penetrative sexual activity. A boner feels sensitive and pleasurable. It also feels warm due to increased blood flow to the penis. Health conditions such as anxiety, depression, diabetes, and others may cause a man to lose the sensations of what a boner exactly feels like. During a boner, the penis gets enlarged as it temporarily gets filled with blood. This causes stiffness, making the penis stand up away from the body. When they happen at the right time, a boner produces a sense of fullness and pleasure. When a boner suddenly comes up, it may feel slightly awkward and uncomfortable. However, the ability to get a boner is a sign of good health. Sometimes, medical history can affect erection frequency but with your doctor’s proper guidance and treatment, you can have sexual pleasure again. Stop feeling embarrassed or try to hide yourself. Just face the world with full confidence. ED is not something incurable, you just need proper guidance and treatment.