Why Morning Erections Matter: An Early Warning Sign for Men’s Health
Posted on April 09, 2025 by root
By Dr. Justin Houman, MD | Board-Certified Urologist | Men’s Sexual Health Expert in Los Angeles
The Morning Wood Check-In: What Your Body Might Be Telling You
If you’re waking up without a morning erection — and it’s happening more than just occasionally — it could be more than just a fluke.
As a board-certified urologist and fellowship-trained men’s sexual and reproductive health specialist, I’ve had this exact conversation with thousands of men. Morning erections, also called nocturnal penile tumescence, are more than a sign of virility — they’re a real-time update on your vascular, hormonal, neurological, and even mental health.
Quick Facts: What Should Be Happening While You Sleep
Healthy men typically experience 3–5 erections per night, especially during REM sleep.
Morning erections indicate good blood flow, nerve function, and testosterone levels.
Their absence can point to issues like:
- Low testosterone
- Cardiovascular disease risk
- Undiagnosed diabetes or nerve damage
- Sleep apnea
- Depression, anxiety, or high stress
The loss of morning erections is among the most common ED early signs — and may point to larger cardiovascular risks, even before other symptoms arise.
Case in Point: A Silent Signal From the Body
John, a 42-year-old executive and father of two, recently told me:
“Doc… I don’t wake up with morning wood anymore. I used to. Now, it’s just gone.”
As a former clinical instructor at UCLA and current Assistant Professor of Urology at Cedars-Sinai, I’ve learned that this simple observation can unlock a deep diagnostic window. In John’s case, we ran a full hormonal and metabolic panel. The results?
- Low testosterone
- Elevated cholesterol
- Undiagnosed sleep apnea
After tailored treatment—testosterone optimization, sleep therapy, and lifestyle adjustments—his morning erections returned. More importantly, his energy, confidence, and vitality came back too.
Loss of morning erections, fatigue, and mood changes are common testosterone deficiency symptoms that should not be ignored.
ED and the Heart: A Connection Most Men Miss
Loss of morning erections can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease — even before symptoms like chest pain or fatigue arise.
In fact, erectile dysfunction often precedes a cardiac event by 3–5 years.
Your penis may be the first place vascular problems appear.
As a men’s health urologist specializing in penile implant surgery, testosterone therapy, and biohacking protocols, I can’t emphasize this enough: Morning erections are a vital sign. Ignore them at your own risk.
Why You Shouldn’t Be Embarrassed to Ask
I understand how uncomfortable it can feel to bring this up. But here’s what I tell my patients:
“If your car stopped starting every morning, you’d take it to the shop. Your body deserves the same attention.”
Whether it’s age, stress, medications, or something deeper — your loss of morning erections is not something to dismiss. It’s something to explore, diagnose, and treat.
When to Seek Help
- You’re under 50 and rarely experience morning erections.
- You’re over 50, and they’ve completely disappeared.
- You also feel unusually tired, moody, or mentally foggy.
- You have known risk factors like high cholesterol, diabetes, or sleep issues.
- Symptoms like the loss of morning erections, low libido, and mood changes are often early indicators of testosterone deficiency symptoms — and shouldn’t be overlooked.
I offer comprehensive, discreet evaluations and treatment solutions from advanced hormone optimization to low-intensity shockwave therapy, and even stem cell-based penile rejuvenation in my Beverly Hills practice.
Trusted Expertise in Men’s Sexual Health
Dr. Justin Houman is a board-certified urologist, fellowship-trained in male reproductive medicine and surgery, and one of Los Angeles’ leading experts in men’s sexual wellness, fertility optimization, and erectile dysfunction treatments. He is an Assistant Professor of Urology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, a contributor to national health publications, and frequently quoted in outlets like GQ, Men’s Health, and the Wall Street Journal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it normal to lose morning erections as I age?
A: A slight decrease is expected with age, but complete loss may indicate a hormonal or vascular issue and should be evaluated.
Q: Can I still have erectile dysfunction even if I have normal testosterone?
A: Yes. ED can stem from circulation problems, nerve damage, or psychological causes—even with healthy testosterone levels.
Q: Will testosterone therapy bring back my morning erections?
A: In many cases, yes—but it’s essential to have a tailored approach using injectables, topical, pellet, or oral therapies, guided by an expert.
Q: Can sleep disorders really affect my erections?
A: Yes. There’s a strong link between sleep apnea and ED, especially when morning erections begin to disappear. Poor oxygenation during sleep can disrupt hormone production and blood flow.
Final Thoughts
Morning erections are more than a sign of a good night’s sleep—they’re your body’s built-in health check.
If they’ve disappeared, don’t panic—but don’t ignore them either.
Let’s figure out what your body is trying to tell you—and get you back to feeling your best.
Schedule a consultation at my Los Angeles office or via telehealth. Same-day and next-day appointments available.