If you can’t find something nearby to focus on, occupy your mind with thoughts about upcoming deadlines, funny memories, or something just plain weird.
If you can’t get away, flex any muscle for about 30 seconds. This will redirect blood to your muscle and distract you at the same time. [3] X Research source Any light exercise or activity that requires movement will help shrink an unwanted erection.
Depending on the situation, excuse yourself and say that something urgent has come up so you can get away. If you can’t pee, try splashing cold water on your face, doing some jumping jacks, or focusing on unarousing thoughts.
Try this breathing exercise: Inhale for 4 counts, hold your breath for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts, then hold your breath again for 4 counts. Repeat. [7] X Research source Meditation and breathing calm your nerves so you won’t fixate on your erection. They also lower your blood pressure, making it harder to maintain.
Take a breath when you can’t hold it in anymore, and try repeating this move if the erection doesn’t start subsiding after the first try. Allow your mind to focus on your breath and the sensation of holding it instead of on your erection.
If you’re out, look for a cold object you can discreetly hold to your erection. For example, try holding a cold drink in your lap if you’re sitting down. If you hate cold showers, try the opposite and take a warm bath. The warm waters relaxes your entire body, including a tense erection. [10] X Research source The sensation of cold water on your bare skin also occupies your mind and keeps you from thinking about arousing thoughts, too.
Priapism can be a side effect of medications for erectile dysfunction or other medications, blood disorders, drug use, or injury. A doctor will have to administer medication or physically drain blood from the penis if the erection won’t go down naturally.
If you’re seated, try crossing your legs or bringing your knees up to your chest to hide your erection until it passes. If you’re standing, try to face people head on rather than from the side (it makes any bulges in your pants look less obvious).
Alternatively, keep both hands in your pockets to create more space in the front of your pants so your erection isn’t visibly pressing against them.
Use this trick if your pants don’t have pockets or there’s no way to reposition yourself discreetly.
Make sure you’re wearing an opaque, long, not-too-tight shirt in case your erection protrudes far above your waistband.
If you’re worried about unexpected erections, avoid tight pants (like stretchy jeans), since the rub can stimulate an erection and then make it more visible. Steer clear of super loose pants too, like sweats or gym shorts, since these give your erection too much freedom to “pitch a tent,” so to speak.
Ask a doctor or healthcare provider to explain erections and puberty to your child if you’re uncomfortable having the conversation yourself. Every guy is different and there’s no “normal” number of erections to experience per day. As puberty progresses and a young man’s hormones stabilize, the frequency of unexpected erections will decrease.
Focus on the non-sexual purpose of a penis (peeing) with young children and let them know that erections are just a natural thing that happens sometimes. A boy of any age can get an erection and it’s normal for a child to want to explore their body as they get older and approach or begin puberty.
Help him choose fitted but not very tight pants and underwear to help make unwanted erections less obvious. Remind him to focus on the lyrics to a song or poem to take his mind off the erection and help it pass faster. Adolescents of all genders struggle to deal with puberty and will appreciate your support or advice!
Remember, puberty is not a one-time conversation. Your son will likely need continued support or advice as he experiences new changes and feelings. Don’t wait for him to come to you with questions. He may feel too embarrassed to talk about puberty, especially if they don’t know it’s OK to ask questions. Boys usually start puberty between ages 10 and 15, and sometimes as early as 8 or 9 years old.
