Changes in Erection Angle and Duration: Urology Insights

Q: Changes in Erection Angle and Duration: Urology Insights

Concerned Individual： Hello, hardness does not necessarily mean anything definitive regarding sexual activity, and it does not have an absolute impact. <br>Hardness is related to the level of arousal; the greater the stimulation, the harder the erection and the higher the angle o

Please ask your question again?

Thank you for the doctor's response.
However, I still have some questions.
In the past, my penis would achieve a very high angle during an erection, but now it only exceeds 90 degrees slightly or even falls below 90 degrees.
What could be causing this? I've heard that the angle of erection is proportional to hardness, so does this indicate that I have insufficient rigidity? I personally feel that it's okay.
Additionally, after I achieve an erection, if I am not stimulated, my penis quickly becomes flaccid.
Normally, it should gradually subside and then become flaccid, so why does it drop so quickly? I've noticed that it seems to go flaccid within a minute and returns to a size similar to when it is not erect.
Could you please help me with this? Thank you.

Fanrao de ren, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/07/06

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Concerned Individual: Hello, hardness does not necessarily mean anything definitive regarding sexual activity, and it does not have an absolute impact.
Hardness is related to the level of arousal; the greater the stimulation, the harder the erection and the higher the angle of the erection.
However, some also say that it may lead to quicker ejaculation (premature ejaculation???).
Clinically, the assessment of erectile dysfunction can be done using more objective measuring instruments that accurately measure the pressure in the penile corpora cavernosa during an erection.
This is the most accurate method.
The detumescence after an erection varies each time; sometimes it occurs quickly, while other times it takes longer, depending on the speed of venous blood flow.
This aspect also does not have an absolute impact on sexual function.
After detumescence, the penis returns to its baseline size, which is the normal size when not erect, and this is not unusual.
Typically, for younger individuals, as long as there is sufficient stimulation, they can achieve an erection again quickly.
Nowadays, the internet is flooded with information, both true and false, leading many people to compare their situations and conclude that certain claims are normal while others indicate a problem.
In reality, the human body is very complex, and many situations cannot be defined by absolute concepts.
For example, erectile pressure is not a single number but a range, similar to blood glucose levels, which have a normal range of 70-126.
It is not just one number; it is an interval.
However, if your blood glucose exceeds 126, does that automatically mean you have diabetes? No, many other conditions must be ruled out before a diabetes diagnosis can be confirmed.
I use this example to illustrate that in medicine, as long as your function is normal, even if the data exceeds normal values, it does not necessarily indicate a disease.
Regarding sexual function, medical literature states that what constitutes a normal erection is the ability to successfully complete sexual intercourse.
In other words, a person may be able to engage in normal sexual activity with Person A but not with Person B.
In this case, the sexual function is good for Person A but not for Person B.
Medicine does not operate on absolutes.
This is a response from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of Urology at Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2007/07/06

More Info

Understanding changes in erection angle and duration can be quite complex and may involve various physiological, psychological, and health-related factors. The concerns you’ve raised about the angle of erection, its duration, and the speed at which it subsides are valid and warrant a closer look.

Firstly, the angle of erection can be influenced by several factors, including anatomical variations, hormonal levels, and psychological states. A typical erection angle is often described as being around 90 degrees or more, but this can vary significantly from person to person. If you’ve noticed a change in your erection angle, it could be due to a variety of reasons:
1. Anatomical Changes: Over time, changes in the connective tissue, such as the tunica albuginea, can affect the rigidity and angle of the erection. Conditions like Peyronie's disease, which involves the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis, can lead to curvature and changes in the angle of erection.

2. Hormonal Factors: Testosterone plays a crucial role in sexual function, including erection quality. A decrease in testosterone levels, which can occur with age or due to certain medical conditions, may lead to changes in erection quality and angle.

3. Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety, and other psychological issues can impact sexual performance. If you are feeling anxious about your sexual health, this could contribute to changes in how you perceive your erections.

Regarding the relationship between erection angle and hardness, it is generally true that a firmer erection tends to maintain a more upright angle. However, this is not a strict rule, and variations can occur. If you feel that your erections are not as firm as they used to be, it might be worth discussing this with a healthcare provider, as it could indicate underlying issues such as erectile dysfunction (ED).

As for the duration of your erections, it is normal for erections to subside after a period of time, especially if there is a lack of continued sexual stimulation. The rapid loss of erection can be influenced by several factors:
1. Physiological Response: The body has a natural mechanism to regulate blood flow to the penis. Once the stimulation ceases, the blood vessels constrict, and blood flow decreases, leading to the loss of erection. This process can happen quickly, especially if the stimulation was not sustained.

2. Psychological Factors: If you are preoccupied with thoughts about your performance or are experiencing anxiety, this can lead to a quicker loss of erection. The mind plays a significant role in sexual arousal and performance.

3. Health Factors: Conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, or hormonal imbalances can affect erectile function and duration. If you have any underlying health conditions, they could be contributing to these changes.

In summary, changes in erection angle and duration can be influenced by a variety of factors, including anatomical, hormonal, psychological, and health-related issues. If you are concerned about these changes, it is advisable to consult with a urologist or healthcare provider who can conduct a thorough evaluation and provide personalized advice. They may recommend lifestyle changes, psychological support, or medical treatments depending on the underlying causes identified. Regular check-ups and open discussions about sexual health can help address any concerns and improve overall sexual function.

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