Penis & Testicle Concerns / Question
Published: November 16, 1999

Dear TeenHealthFX,

Is there a reason why I wake up with an erection in the morning? Is this normal?

Signed: Morning Erection

Dear Morning Erection,

 

Some males wake up with an erection and some don't. Either way, both are completely normal. Studies have shown that men have several erections and arousal periods while in the dreaming phase of sleep called Rapid Eye Movement (REM). Women also experience an arousal response, but it is not marked as easily as an erection is. Also, males are known to have wet dreams (ejaculate) in their sleep and females are known to experience orgasms.

Why this happens in males and females is unknown. Many doctors believe that this may be the body's way of checking itself. For more information on your sexual health, ask your doctor.

Signed: TeenHealthFX

While 93% of teenage women report that their first intercourse was voluntary, one-quarter of these young women report that it was unwanted. ⁷