Morning erections, also known as nocturnal penile tumescence, are a normal physiological phenomenon that can serve as a marker of overall health. According to Dr Jeff Foster, medical director of men's health at Voy, the frequency of morning erections varies by age and can indicate testosterone levels and cardiovascular health.
Frequency by Age Group
Dr Foster shared specific benchmarks for how often men should expect morning erections. Teenage boys and men in their 20s should experience them most days or every single day. In their 30s, the frequency drops to more than 50% of mornings. For men in their 40s and 50s, the expected range is between two and three times per week. Those in their 60s might wake up with an erection once or twice weekly.
These figures were discussed on the Man Alive podcast, where former rugby player Joe Marler, 35, noted that morning erections have become less common as he ages. 'I get the occasional one, but nowhere near as many as I used to,' he said.
When to See a Doctor
Dr Foster emphasised a key warning sign: 'The time we would say you need to go see a doctor is if you can't remember the last time you had morning erections. That's a really good indicator that either hormones have dropped or your cardiovascular risk has gone up, because something is stopping that erection naturally occurring.'
He recommends that men start monitoring their testosterone levels from age 30, as they are a good indicator of current and future health. Other signs of low testosterone include difficulty making progress in exercise, weight gain, loss of muscle mass, and mental health issues such as decreased mood, increased anxiety, and higher risk of depression.
Why Morning Erections Happen
Sarah Mulindwa, sexual health expert at Lovehoney, explains that morning wood is not primarily caused by sexual arousal. 'Research largely suggests that morning wood happens because during REM sleep, your body essentially enters into a recovery state where your parasympathetic nervous system takes over,' she said. This system controls automatic functions like breathing, heart rate, and sexual function, and does not actively prevent erections. Additionally, testosterone levels are naturally higher upon waking, which can trigger erections.
Mulindwa notes that experiencing morning erections generally indicates a healthy body. However, if erections are painful or last longer than an hour, medical advice should be sought. A complete lack of morning erections may warrant a GP visit, as it could relate to circulatory issues, medication side effects, low testosterone, or erectile dysfunction.
