Morning erections, often called morning wood, can sometimes be inconvenient, but they are a key indicator of health. On the Man Alive podcast, former rugby player Joe Marler, 35, noted that waking up with an erection becomes less common 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. However, a significant drop could signal health issues.
How Many Morning Erections Per Week 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 a week is normal. Those in their 60s might expect once or twice weekly.
On the podcast, Dr Jeff shared a rule of thumb: 'If you can't remember the last time you had morning erections, it's time to see a doctor. That indicates either hormones have dropped or cardiovascular risk has increased.'
Monitoring Testosterone Levels
Dr Jeff recommends that men over 30 monitor their testosterone levels, as they reflect overall health. Other signs of low testosterone include difficulty making progress during exercise, weight gain, muscle loss, and mental health issues such as decreased mood, increased anxiety, and depression risk.
Why Do Morning Erections Occur?
Sarah Mulindwa, sexual health expert at Lovehoney, explains that morning wood is not primarily due to sexual arousal. During REM sleep, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over, controlling automatic functions like breathing and sexual function. This system does not prevent erections, and men often wake during REM sleep. Testosterone levels are also highest in the morning, contributing to erections.
Morning erections indicate a healthy body. However, if an erection causes pain or lasts over an hour, or if none occur, it may be time to consult a GP. Possible causes include circulatory issues, medication side effects, low testosterone, or erectile dysfunction.
