What is a Boner?

A ‘boner’ is a medical term used to describe an erection of the penis. An erection occurs when blood flow is increased to the penis, leading to it becoming engorged with blood and becoming hard. Boners typically happen involuntarily, during sexual arousal or when something emotionally stimulating occurs.

Why Does a Boner Occur?

When a man is sexually aroused, his penis will fill with blood more quickly than during a normal state. This occurs due to a reaction within the body that triggers a release of chemicals that relaxes the walls of the genitals and allows them to swell with increased blood flow. This can be caused by a variety of stimuli, such as physical contact, stimulating material, eye contact, and even thinking about sex.

How Can You Manage a Boner?

Once a boner has occurred, it can be difficult to ‘hide’ or manage. Depending on the situation, you may be able to shift positions to try and disguise the erection or make it less visible. In some cases, a man may be able to ‘will away’ an erection with conscious effort, although this may not always be possible. In cases where the erection persists, it is recommended to find a private place and wait for it to go away naturally, as the increased blood flow will have to subside at some point.

Boner’s can happen involuntarily, especially when in an arousing situation and finding proper methods of managing them is important to being prepared. It is important to note that an erection is a normal physical reaction, and having one does not make you abnormal or less of a person. Treating them with embarrassment and shame may only lead to future problems; talking to a healthcare professional if you are having persistent issues is recommended.