How stop an erection?

Stopping an erection involves understanding the physiological mechanisms that maintain penile rigidity. According to the 2025 EAU Guidelines, erections are maintained through continued blood flow into the penis with restricted outflow.¹ Several approaches can help terminate an unwanted erection, ranging from non-invasive techniques to medical interventions, depending on the situation’s urgency and recurrence pattern.

For occasional unwanted erections, physical techniques may be effective. These include gentle physical activity, position changes, or applying cold compresses to the genital area. These methods work by redirecting blood flow away from the genital region. While not explicitly detailed in the guidelines, these approaches align with the physiological principles of erectile function described in the EAU Guidelines’ sections on erectile physiology.²

For men who experience prolonged erections (priapism) or need reliable methods to terminate erections, medical devices can be helpful. Vacuum erection devices (VEDs) combined with constriction rings are discussed in the guidelines as tools for managing erectile function.³ While primarily used to create erections, these devices can also help manage unwanted erections when used appropriately under medical guidance. The guidelines note that VEDs create an erection by drawing blood into the penis, and the constriction ring maintains the erection by preventing blood outflow. Removing the constriction ring allows blood to flow out of the penis, helping to terminate an erection.⁴

In clinical settings, intracavernous injections of sympathomimetic agents such as phenylephrine are the standard treatment for ischemic priapism (a medical emergency involving a persistent, painful erection).⁵ While this approach is primarily used in emergency situations, the guidelines acknowledge that similar medications might be prescribed for men with recurrent unwanted erections under specific medical circumstances. These medications work by constricting blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the penis, and thereby terminating the erection.⁶

For men with erectile dysfunction who also experience concerns about controlling their erections, the guidelines discuss several treatment options. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) are the first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction, but they require sexual stimulation to work and their effects diminish naturally after sexual activity concludes.⁷ For men who need more control over their erectile function, penile implants may be considered. Modern penile prostheses allow men to achieve an erection when desired and return to a flaccid state when no longer needed, providing complete control over erectile function.⁸

The guidelines emphasize that persistent or recurrent unwanted erections may indicate underlying medical conditions requiring evaluation. Priapism, a persistent erection lasting more than four hours, is considered a urological emergency requiring immediate medical attention. The guidelines recommend that men experiencing this condition seek emergency care, as delayed treatment can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction.⁹

For men with recurring concerns about controlling erections, consultation with a urologist is recommended to discuss individualized treatment approaches based on their specific situation and medical history.

It’s important to note that psychological factors can also influence erectile function. The guidelines acknowledge the role of psychological interventions in managing various aspects of sexual health, including erectile concerns. For some men, psychological techniques such as mindfulness or cognitive behavioral approaches may help with managing unwanted erections in certain social situations.¹⁰