Concerned about erectile dysfunction?
Hello doctor, I often read online that if I wake up in the morning without an erection, it could indicate erectile dysfunction.
However, recently I've been experiencing sleep issues, frequently waking up in the middle of the night and having trouble falling back asleep, which leads to not having morning erections.
Could this be a sign of erectile dysfunction? (Sometimes I feel like I have nocturnal erections when I wake up at night, and masturbation seems to be normal.) What could be going on? I'm really worried about having erectile dysfunction at a young age.
Also, when I masturbate, sometimes I ejaculate in 1-2 minutes, while other times it takes over 10 minutes.
Is there a problem with that? I'm afraid that during actual intercourse, I will ejaculate too quickly, as I feel that might happen.
What should I do? Additionally, sometimes my penis appears to shrink significantly, but when erect, it's about 13 centimeters.
Is this normal? What is the average size for an erect penis?
Nìmíng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/03/20
Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: 1) Waking up in the morning without an erection may indicate erectile dysfunction.
If this persists over time, it could be a concern.
2) However, recently I have been waking up frequently at night due to sleep issues, which leads to difficulty falling back asleep, resulting in what seems like a lack of morning erections.
Could this be a sign of erectile dysfunction? (Sometimes I vaguely notice nocturnal erections when I wake up at night, and masturbation seems to be normal.) What could be happening? I'm really worried about having erectile dysfunction at a young age.
It's important to pay attention to nutrition, exercise, and sleep, but it's hard to say definitively if there is erectile dysfunction.
3) Also, sometimes when I masturbate, I ejaculate in 1-2 minutes, while other times it takes over 10 minutes.
Is there a problem with this? --> No problem.
4) I'm very afraid that during actual intercourse, I will ejaculate quickly.
I feel that I will ejaculate quickly every time during intercourse.
What should I do? --> For now, don't worry about this issue; most people are normal.
Just don't masturbate excessively.
5) By the way, sometimes my penis shrinks to a very small size, and when erect, it is about 13 centimeters.
Is this normal? --> Yes, it's normal.
How many centimeters do most men have when erect? --> It varies.
Reply Date: 2019/03/20
More Info
Understanding the complexities of morning erections and their relationship to sleep issues can be quite concerning, especially for young men. Morning erections, or "nocturnal penile tumescence," are a normal physiological response that occurs during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. They are typically a sign of healthy erectile function and are expected to occur regularly in men, regardless of their sexual activity or arousal levels.
From your description, it seems that your sleep quality has been compromised due to frequent awakenings during the night, which can indeed affect the occurrence of morning erections. Sleep disturbances can lead to various issues, including fatigue, mood changes, and even sexual dysfunction. If you are waking up multiple times during the night and struggling to fall back asleep, this could be contributing to the absence of morning erections. However, it is essential to note that the lack of morning erections alone is not a definitive indicator of erectile dysfunction or impotence (commonly referred to as "阳痿" in Chinese).
You mentioned experiencing occasional nocturnal erections, which suggests that your body is still capable of achieving erections during sleep. This is a positive sign and indicates that your erectile function may not be as compromised as you fear. The variability in your ejaculation timing during masturbation—sometimes taking only a minute or two, and other times lasting much longer—can be attributed to several factors, including psychological arousal, anxiety, and physical stimulation. It is not uncommon for men to experience fluctuations in their ejaculatory control, especially when they are anxious about performance.
Regarding your concern about the size of your penis when flaccid and erect, it is important to understand that penis size can vary significantly among individuals. The average erect penis size is typically reported to be between 5 to 6 inches (approximately 12.7 to 15.24 cm) in length, but this can vary widely. What matters more is the functionality and health of your sexual organs rather than the specific measurements.
If you are worried about premature ejaculation, there are several strategies you can consider. Techniques such as the "stop-start" method or the "squeeze" technique can help you gain better control over your ejaculation. Additionally, practicing relaxation techniques and addressing any underlying anxiety or stress can also be beneficial. If these issues persist and significantly affect your quality of life or relationships, it may be worthwhile to consult a healthcare professional or a urologist who specializes in sexual health. They can provide tailored advice and potential treatment options, which may include behavioral techniques, counseling, or medication.
In summary, while sleep disturbances can impact your sexual health, the presence of nocturnal erections and variability in ejaculation timing suggest that you may not be experiencing erectile dysfunction. Focus on improving your sleep hygiene, managing stress, and seeking professional guidance if needed. Remember, open communication with partners and healthcare providers can also alleviate concerns and lead to better outcomes.
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