"What Triggers Arousal in Men?"

Why Men Experience Erections and Factors That Affect Them

For men to engage in normal sexual intercourse, the penis must become erect in response to sexual stimulation. This is a natural physiological phenomenon. Apart from sexual stimulation, various factors can also lead to male erections. Even without sexual stimulation, men may experience morning erections, which are equally normal. Understanding the reasons behind male erections helps us better address related issues. So, what causes men to become erect? Let's delve into it.

What Causes Men to Become Erect?

The primary stimuli that trigger male erections stem from three main sources: visual, tactile, and psychological sexual stimulation. For men, it's normal to experience spontaneous penile erections after puberty. In such cases, adequate sex education is crucial to fostering healthy sexual attitudes and knowledge. Recurrent sexual stimulation can lead to sympathetic nerve fatigue, potentially resulting in impotence or premature ejaculation.

Factors That Affect Male Erections

1. Age: Normally, age is a decisive factor in morning erections. After sexual maturity, the frequency and duration of morning erections gradually increase with age until around 30, when they may gradually减弱or diminish. However, some elderly individuals may still enjoy satisfying sexual lives despite the absence of morning erections.

2. Sleep: The adequacy and quality of sleep significantly impact testosterone secretion, thereby influencing morning erections.

3. Emotion: Extreme sorrow, grief, or depression can markedly reduce morning erections.

Foods That May Enhance Male Erections

1. Scallions: In some cultures, scallions are considered symbols of love and sexual desire. Rich in nutrients, scallions dilate blood vessels, promote circulation, and benefit cardiovascular health. Studies show that their vitamins facilitate normal hormone secretion and stimulate sexual desire, contributing to male virility. Men should consume scallions or chives three times a week, either cooked, in salads, or as a seasoning.

2. Chinese Chives (Garlic Chives): Known as the "Aphrodisiac Herb" in ancient medical texts and modernly referred to as the "Vegetable Viagra," Chinese chives warm the middle and lower energy meridians, nourish the kidneys, and enhance yang. High in nutrients like protein, fats, carbohydrates, carotenoids, vitamins C, calcium, phosphorus, and iron, they effectively treat erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Easy to prepare (e.g., stir-fried with shrimp or eggs), they should be consumed moderately due to their indigestibility.

3. Onions: Historically used as an appetite stimulant and a "sex hormone" in different cultures, onions have multiple health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, diuretic, anti-diarrheal, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and cholesterol-lowering effects. As the only known plant source of prostaglandins, they protect the prostate. Referred to as the "Queen of Vegetables," onions are also considered an excellent aphrodisiac, as evidenced by their regular inclusion in Russian cuisine.

4. Spinach: Men should emulate Popeye and consume more spinach, which contains magnesium, essential for converting carbohydrates in muscles into usable energy, enhancing muscular strength. Moreover, spinach's folate and iron boost red blood cell production, increase blood oxygen-carrying capacity, accelerate circulation, and ultimately enhance sexual performance.