Erection
Hear this word Erection
Also known as: hard on, boner, woodie, it's noon on my sundial, getting wood
Image description: Drawing of a penis in an erect state.
Skip Ahead:
What Is It?
When a person with a penis feels sexually excited, the penis might become erect, or stand up straight. This is called “having an erection.”
An Example
On some mornings, Kenton wakes up with an erection. Kenton usually ignores it because after a few minutes, the erection goes away. Kenton also gets erections when sexually aroused. Kenton uses condoms before having sex with a partner. Kenton puts the condom on when their penis is erect.
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- Sometimes people with penises might experience an unexpected or “random” erection. These are called spontaneous erections. Spontaneous erections are very common, especially during puberty, but can happen at any time.
- When a person has a spontaneous erection, they can manage it by trying to ignore the erection, holding an item in front of their body to try to cover the erection, or they might take slow breaths in and out to try to calm their body down. Eventually the spontaneous erection will go down on its own.
- If a person with a penis is having an erection, some people may choose to masturbate in a private place or have sex with a consenting partner.
- An erection does not mean that the person must have sex or engage in sexual activities, including masturbation.
- If a person experiences an erection and they are not going to have sex or do any sexual activities, they can hold a bag or a sweatshirt over their clothing to cover the erection, change how they are sitting so the erection is not visible, or take deep breaths until the erection goes down. They should not touch or press down on the erection.
Think about
Hover or tap the cards below to reveal suggestions or ideas!
What is it called when a person has an unexpected erection?
- Unexpected or "random" erections are also called spontaneous erections.
- Spontaneous erections may start when a person with a penis enters puberty, and their body starts to change from a child’s body into an adult body.
- Spontaneous or random erections may continue into adulthood but may happen less often.
What questions do you have?
To learn more, explore websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub or explore other parts of Your Sexual Health Toolkit like the Our Stories, Our Journeys Sexual Health Game!
Write down or record an audio note with any questions you have to ask someone you trust.