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Scientists have revealed how to increase the duration of an erection
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Scientists have long known about the biochemical factors that cause penile erection, but until now the factors that maintain it remained a mystery to them.
A team of scientists from Johns Hopkins University managed to discover that erotic fantasies and stimulation of erogenous zones cause an erection, and it is provided by nitric oxide I, which is released from the nerve endings of the penis. This substance increases the blood flow to the genital organ and leads to tissue swelling. However, the duration of this erection lasts only a few seconds. Scientists made this discovery ten years ago.
Then experts had a question about how erectile function is maintained and how its duration can be increased.
When a man has sexual fantasies or sees a pretty girl, the brain sends signals to the glands to produce testosterone, and when it enters the blood, it activates chemical processes that control biological mechanisms, which, to put it simply, are called a valve.
By opening this valve, the male organ is filled with blood and thus an erection occurs. The quality of the erection depends on the work of this valve - it is what ensures what is obtained at the end of all biological processes - either a saber or soft cotton wool.
"We already knew that nitric oxide I, produced in nerve endings, causes an erection by relaxing the muscles that allow blood to fill the penis," said study co-author Dr Arthur Brunett.
Mice and rats became participants in the scientists' experiment. The specialist managed to establish that the solution to this mystery lies in the action of nitric oxide I, which is secreted by blood vessels.
"Our research has shown that the physiological mechanisms of erection can be compared to the operation of a car. The driver cannot simply turn on the ignition and drive away. To move, you need to press the gas pedal and hold it down," comments Dr. Brunett.
When a man feels the first wave of arousal, the nerve endings of the genital organ set the blood vessels in active motion, which, in turn, begin to release nitric oxide I. This compound continues to maintain an erection.
"When blood flows to the reproductive organ, the supply of nitric oxide I that is in the walls of the blood vessels comes into action and even more of it is released," summarizes Dr. Brunett.
This process is based on increased blood flow, under the pressure of which the endothelial cells of the vessel walls release more nitric oxide I.
It should be noted that sexual weakness can be a harbinger of heart problems.
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