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Physiology of Erection

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Men's Sexual Health and Fertility

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Abstract

The human penis consists of three erectile chambers that become engorged with blood due to sexual arousal. Penile erection is a complex process involving integration of neuronal, vascular, hormonal, and psychological processes to produce penile tumescence. Arterial inflow is critical in penile erection; the principal vasodilatory mediator of penile tumescence appears to be nitric oxide (NO). The autonomic nervous system plays a critical role in modulating the arterial processes (constriction and relaxation) that transition the penis between the flaccid and erect states; these autonomic processes are at least partially subject to regulation at the cortical level. Equally important in penile erection is the veno-occlusive mechanism that restricts outflow by compression of penile emissary veins, permitting maintenance of penile rigidity.

Neuronal, vascular, hormonal, and/or psychological disruptions may lead to erectile dysfunction (ED, inability to attain or maintain penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse). ED is common in infertile men and may be a cause or consequence of male factor infertility. A basic knowledge of erectile physiology is essential to the male factor fertility specialist. Attention to penile erection is mandated as the ability to engage in intercourse is a critical facet of human reproduction and an important quality of life measure for men and their partners.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA

    Genevieve Von Thesling Sweet

  2. Department of Urology, University of California at Davis, Suite 3500, 4860 Y Street, Sacramento, CA, USA

    Alan W. Shindel

Authors
  1. Genevieve Von Thesling Sweet
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  2. Alan W. Shindel
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Correspondence to Alan W. Shindel .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA

    John P. Mulhall

  2. Department of Urology, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, California, USA

    Wayland Hsiao

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Von Thesling Sweet, G., Shindel, A.W. (2014). Physiology of Erection. In: Mulhall, J., Hsiao, W. (eds) Men's Sexual Health and Fertility. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0425-9_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0425-9_1

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