No, typically morning wood, or nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT), is not painful. Most men experience three to five non-painful erections during sleep. These erections are not sexually stimulated and are a normal physiological occurrence.
However, pain during an erection can be a sign of a medical condition. Painful erections that persist for a prolonged period, such as several hours, are a symptom of priapism, a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. This condition occurs when blood is unable to drain from the penis, leading to a painful, persistent erection. Other conditions, such as Peyronie's disease, can also cause painful erections. If you experience pain with your morning erection or any erection lasting longer than an hour, seek medical advice.
Key Points:
- Normal Morning Erections: Most morning erections are painless and resolve within 30 minutes of waking.
- Painful Erections: Pain during an erection is not normal and warrants medical attention.
- Priapism: A prolonged, painful erection is a symptom of priapism, requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage.
- Other Causes of Painful Erections: Conditions like Peyronie's disease can also cause pain during erections.
When to See a Doctor:
- If your erection lasts more than one hour.
- If your erection is painful.
The information provided here is based on several sources which describe priapism as a painful condition and highlight that typical morning erections are not painful. However, individual experiences may vary.
