Morning erections, often called morning wood, can sometimes be inconvenient, especially when you need to use the bathroom. However, they serve as an important indicator of testosterone levels and overall health. On the Man Alive podcast, former rugby player Joe Marler, 35, discussed how waking up with an erection becomes less frequent with age. Dr. Jeff Foster, medical director of men's health at Voy, explained that as men age, testosterone levels naturally decline, affecting the frequency of morning erections. A dramatic drop could signal health concerns.
How Often Should You Get Morning Erections by Age?
Dr. Jeff told Metro that teenage boys and men in their 20s should experience morning erections most days or daily. In their 30s, the frequency drops to more than 50% of days. For men in their 40s and 50s, two to three times per week is normal. Those in their 60s might expect once or twice weekly. Dr. Jeff emphasized a key rule: if you can't remember the last time you had a morning erection, it's time to see a doctor. This could indicate low hormone levels or increased cardiovascular risk.
Monitoring Testosterone Levels
From age 30, men should monitor testosterone levels as they reflect overall health. Besides morning erections, low testosterone signs include difficulty making progress in exercise, weight gain, muscle loss, and mental health issues like decreased mood, increased anxiety, and depression.
Why Do Men Get Morning Erections?
Lovehoney's sexual health expert Sarah Mulindwa explains that morning erections are not primarily due to sexual arousal. During REM sleep, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over, controlling automatic functions like breathing and heart rate, and does not prevent erections. Testosterone levels also peak in the morning, contributing to erections. As men age, testosterone drops, reducing frequency.
When to See a Doctor
Morning erections indicate a healthy body. However, if erections cause pain or last over an hour, consult a doctor. If you have no morning erections, it might be due to circulatory issues, medication, low testosterone, or erectile dysfunction. It's best to seek medical advice to rule out underlying problems.
