It's a universal male experience, yet one shrouded in mystery for those who will never physically undergo it: what does it actually feel like to get an erection? While the biological mechanics are well-documented – increased blood flow leading to swelling and hardening – the subjective sensation remains elusive.
With this in mind, we decided to go straight to the source. In early January 2026, we asked a range of men to articulate that very feeling, to share what happens in their own words, and to describe the emotional and physical impact.
A Spectrum of Sensations and Emotions
The responses, gathered by journalist Courtney Pochin, revealed a fascinating and varied tapestry of experiences. Far from being a uniform event, the perception of an erection evolves with age, circumstance, and individual psychology.
Sylvester, 28, described a journey from annoyance to appreciation. "When I was younger, an erection was almost disturbing," he admitted. "But as time has passed, I have now managed to understand that it is a moment of pride and joy when my body gives me a signal." He now consciously celebrates the event and its accompanying bodily sensations.
For Brian, 50, the experience is tinged with relief. At his stage of life, an erection serves as a welcome affirmation of vitality, a sign that he "can still feel young."
In contrast, Vincent, 37, associated the feeling with power and superiority. "It's a total ego boost," he said, viewing it as a "physical confirmation that everything's working." He noted the intense focus it demands, stating, "My brain basically switches tabs when it happens."
The Practicalities and Peculiar Comparisons
Not all accounts were philosophical. Joey, 29, took a decidedly pragmatic view, highlighting the occasional physical inconveniences. "It can be uncomfortable to walk, especially if it goes down the wrong trouser leg," he shared. "Peeing is difficult with one, too; it tends to shoot off in odd directions."
Other men reached for creative analogies. Charles, 37 likened the "tingling sensation" and "mix of blood rush and throbbing" to the exhilaration he felt when first starting his business.
The quest for description extended to social media, where the conversation gained further colourful dimensions. On TikTok, a user named Stephen struggled to find the right words before settling on a comparison to "flexing a muscle." He described it as "going from not flexing to slowly flexing, when it's getting tense."
This sparked a thread of inventive metaphors in the comments. One person compared it to holding a balloon while filling it with water, noting you "start feeling the weight." Another, @bmontepeque11, elaborated on this, describing a "hydraulic weight... not heavy like lifting a rock, it's heavy like lifting a bucket of water."
Yet others drew parallels to swelling from an injury (without the pain) or, perhaps most intriguingly, to the involuntary flexing of your tongue, as suggested by a TikToker called Cashew.
More Than Just Physiology
The collective answers reveal that an erection is far more than a simple vascular event. It is intertwined with identity, confidence, ageing, and even mundane daily logistics. For some, it's a deeply emotional barometer; for others, a routine biological function with occasional awkward consequences.
While science explains the 'how', the 'how it feels' remains a uniquely personal and often ineffable part of the male experience, a private sensation that now, thanks to these candid disclosures, is a little less mysterious.
