Why Do Babies Get Boners?
It may come as a surprise to new parents, but babies can experience erections. This can be both humorous and a bit concerning. Let’s take a look at why exactly babies might have boners and the natural causes behind them.
Medical Causes
There are several medical causes behind infant erections. These erections are known medically as priapism. In severe cases, doctors may determine treatment is necessary.
The Most Common Causes
In healthy babies, priapism is usually attributed to the following causes:
- Familiarity: Babies may experience “familiarity erections” in response to being around their parents and caregivers. This is a reflex and not usually a sign of any medical problem.
- Crying: Babies can have erections in response to crying for extended periods of time. This is caused by tension in the abdominal and genital muscles.
- Temperature: Temperature changes can cause babies to experience erections. This is a normal, physical reaction.
What to Do
If your baby is healthy and experiencing an erection, you do not need to worry. Simply changing their diaper or removing them from a certain environment can provide relief. However, in some cases, erections can be a symptom of a more serious underlying health problem. If there is a family history of any medical issue, if the erection persists for a long period of time, or if any blood is present, it’s best to consult your doctor.
In summary, it’s normal for babies to experience erections. In most cases, it is simply a reflex reaction or in response to changes in environment or temperature. If you’re concerned, however, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor.