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Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships
Joshua Nair
A sex expert has revealed the reasons behind having 'morning wood'.
It could ultimately be a positive for your health though, so don't worry lads, there's nothing to worry about there.
Kate Moyle is a sex and relationship expert from sex toy manufacturer LELO, and she has spoken on some of the common myths and false beliefs related to not just 'morning wood', but other sex-related subjects.
Kate explained to the Sun that a man waking up with an erect penis doesn't equate to the fact that he's turned on.
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In fact, it is quite normal for a bloke to start his day with morning wood, with it being a positive health sign.
The expert explained why this is: "Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) doesn't mean that a man has woken up turned on, or just had an erotic dream (though it could sometimes be the case).
"It's actually a sign of healthy circulation and nervous system activity.”
Apparently, men can experience anywhere between three to five erections in their sleep, with the last one being the most noticeable after you wake up.
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Kate went on to warn blokes to keep an eye on their early morning downstairs movements as if they suddenly come to halt, you should pay a visit to your GP.
"If these morning erections suddenly stop then it can be an indicator of an underlying health condition,” she added. “And it's worth discussing with your doctor."
Kate also debunked the myth that if you or your partner have a sexually transmitted infection you’ll know - because not all STIs are visible or have symptoms.
She told The Sun: "Anyone who is having unprotected sex - not just intercourse but other forms of sex like oral sex - can catch an STI.
"Some STIs are symptomless and so it's a good idea to test regularly, which can easily be done by visiting a sexual health clinic, or using a home testing kit."
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Kate says it’s best to make sure you protect yourself by wearing condoms, particularly if you’re having sex with a new partner.
You should also get regular STI tests to make sure you haven’t picked anything up.
In 2021, the UK earned itself the undesirable title of 'gonorrhea capital of Europe'.
Data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control released back in October 2021 showed that the STI was far more prevalent in the UK than in any other country in the EU or EEA (European Economic Area).
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In 2018, the UK had 93.2 cases of gonorrhoea per 100,000 people, way ahead of Ireland in second place with 49.8 per 100,000.
Next up was Denmark with 38 cases per 100,000; followed by Norway with 31.3 per 100,000; then Iceland with 29.8.