Random Erections: What Is Normal, Causes, And Management

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Causes of random erections and how to manage them

Medically reviewed by Ketan Patel, MD — Written by Aaron Kandola — Updated on September 16, 2025

Waking up with an erection
Fluctuations in hormones
Erectile dysfunction
Management
Summary

It is possible to experience an erection without physical or psychological stimulation. Tips such as redirecting attention and taking a cold shower may help.

An erection usually happens when an individual becomes sexually aroused. A random erection refers to one that occurs “out of nowhere,” without any sexual stimulation.

Random erections are common in adolescents and adults, especially when waking up. Fluctuations in testosterone may be responsible.

Read on to learn more about the possible causes of random erections, potential links with erectile dysfunction (ED), and how to manage random erections

Waking up with an erection

Waking up to a random erection is particularly common. This is known as nocturnal penile tumescence.

These erections usually occur during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep. If a person wakes up during that phase of sleep, they may wake up with an erection.

Fluctuations in hormones

Levels of hormones, including testosterone, fluctuate throughout the day. This can cause random erections.

Testosterone plays a key role in erectile function. A 2018 study found that testosterone therapy can help improve erectile function.

This suggests that a person may experience random erections when testosterone levels are higher, though more research is necessary.

Erectile dysfunction

It is usual for a person to be occasionally unable to produce or maintain an erection when sexually stimulated. This can be due to fatigue or alcohol consumption. In some cases, there is no clear reason.

However, if this begins to happen frequently, it can indicate ED.

Physical and psychological factors cause ED, and recognizing which are responsible can help determine the best treatment.

If someone experiences random erections and frequent inability to produce and maintain an erection when stimulated, the condition may be due to psychological factors.

Physical causes may include problems with the nerves or blood flow, and medications such as sildenafil (Viagra), can help to increase blood flow to the penis.

»Learn more:What does erectile dysfunction feel like?

Managing an unwanted erection

Random erections can be difficult to avoid because they occur unexpectedly. This can lead to embarrassment.

Tips to try and reduce an unwanted erection include:

taking a warm bath
redirecting attention to something else
going for a gentle walk
performing certain exercises such as squats

»Learn more:What does erectile dysfunction feel like?

Summary

Random erections are a common experience. They may occur when waking up in the morning, due to hormonal fluctuations during the day, or as a result of erectile dysfunction (ED).

Taking a cold shower or warm bath, going for a gentle walk, and redirecting thoughts may help.

If random erections become troublesome or occur with other symptoms, seek medical advice. A person who suspects ED should also speak with a doctor.

Fertility
Men's Health
Sexual Health / STDs

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Alvarez SD. (2020). Why men wake up with erections.https://www.newcastle.edu.au/hippocampus/story/2020/male-erections
Erectile dysfunction (impotence). (2023).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/
Gravel J, et al. (2019). Management of priapism with a trial of exercise in the emergency department.https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/995C620F0FD4511F2A26399BD8261DE6/S1481803518000039a.pdf/management-of-priapism-with-a-trial-of-exercise-in-the-emergency-department.pdf
Priapism (painful erections). (2023).https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/priapism-painful-erections/
Rizk PJ, et al. (2017). Testosterone therapy improves erectile function and libido in hypogonadal men.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5649360/
Yassin A, et al. (2025). Testosterone and men's health: An in-depth exploration of their relationship.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/uro2.115

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Medically reviewed by Ketan Patel, MD — Written by Aaron Kandola — Updated on September 16, 2025

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