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Ciana M.
5 days ago

The Mechanics of Manhood: The Science Behind Boners

By: Ciana M. and Angelina W.




Topics such as periods or boners may appear to be awkward and embarrassing on the surface, but openly discussing these topics is important for us to understand our bodies and normalize bodily functions.

Sexual health is an important topic for everyone. Being able to approach these topics with maturity is essential for making good bodily decisions. Topics such as periods or boners may appear to be awkward and embarrassing on the surface, but openly discussing these topics is important for us to understand our bodies and normalize bodily functions. Just like our previous blog post, we will approach boners, scientifically known as penile erections, in a factual yet simple manner. 


Penile erections occur when there is an increase in blood flow to the penis that is caused either by sexual stimulation or excitement. In some cases, it can even happen at random

Penile erections occur when there is an increase in blood flow to the penis that is caused either by sexual stimulation or excitement. In some cases, it can even happen at random. There are three main types of erections: reflexogenic erections, psychogenic erections, and nocturnal erections. 


Reflexogenic erections are stimulated by the physical touch of the penis, such as that necessary for sexual intercourse or copulation. Psychogenic erections do not require physical touch and can happen when the male psyche is fixed upon sexual thoughts. Nocturnal erections happen during the nighttime when one is asleep.


When there is excitement, a signal is sent to the brain, which in turn communicates to the corpora cavernosa–the largest blood vessel in the penis. This blood vessel allows blood to fill the male reproductive organ; the excess of blood causes the phallus to harden and create an erection. When the penis is erected, it can increase in size. The average size of an erect penis is around 13-14 cm. An erection usually goes away with time but can also go away with ejaculation (when semen, or fluid containing sperm, is released from the body). The common phrase “blue balls” happens when one has an erection yet there is no ejaculation followed by this erection. This often causes pain in the testicles as there is no release and the blood is condensed in one area for too long.


Erectile dysfunction–the inability to acquire a “boner” or “get hard”– may be attributed to multiple reasons. These reasons include: nerves, vascular issues, or consumed substances that relax the body. There is also a possibility for a prolonged erection or priapism. Priapism is a condition in which the penis remains erect for a long period of time, even in the absence of stimulation. Several blood diseases may cause priapism, including sickle cell disease, leukemia, multiple myeloma, etc. 




Myths About Boners:

  1. Erection only happens when someone is sexually aroused

    1. People often associate erections with sexual activity because erections are a part of sexual arousal. However, it is wrong to assume that erections are only caused by sexual activity; completely random factors can trigger them. Erections often happen involuntarily and can be caused by other factors such as emotional responses, physical stimulations, and interactions between hormones and blood. 

  2. Men are always able to control their erections.

    1. Erections may not always be a conscious choice. It is important to understand that they can sometimes be beyond one’s control, as they are a natural part of the body’s function. The autonomic nervous system controls erections, the same system regulating our heartbeats and digestion. This means that erections may be regulated without you being fully aware.

  3. Erectile dysfunction only happens because of an unfit psychological state.

    1. This myth assumes that abnormal erections are entirely caused by the mental and emotional problems that men have. While it is true that some psychological factors may contribute to erectile dysfunction, it is wrong to assume that other problems do not lead to erectile dysfunction. For instance, the most common issues causing erectile dysfunction are physical issues such as diabetes. Diabetics may experience erectile dysfunction as high blood sugar levels may impair the blood vessels and nerves, causing one to be unable to have erections. Moreover, lifestyles contribute greatly to the problems of erectile dysfunction. Habits such as smoking and drinking could cause damage to the nervous systems and blood vessels. 


We want to normalize all bodily functions that have been created. Just as periods are a normal part of female life that is beautiful in its own way, penile erections are what God designed to make it possible for reproduction. Instead of viewing such topics as taboo or in the often normalized juvenile way, it should be viewed in the way God intended: that it is closely linked to God’s plan of procreation and is therefore beautiful.


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Works Cited


Andersson, K-E. “Mechanisms of penile erection and basis for pharmacological treatment of erectile dysfunction.” Pharmacological reviews vol. 63,4 (2011): 811-59. doi:10.1124/pr.111.004515. //pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21880989/. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024. 


“Getting an Erection.” Cleveland Clinic, 1 May 2024, 


“Priapism.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 


“8 Common Erectile Dysfunction Myths.” Mayo Clinic Health System, 5 July 2023, 

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