Are You a "Stiff Man"?

We often describe men as "stiff men." For men, being "stiff" is indeed very important. Rigidity is a fundamental element for men in sexual activity. Only when the penis achieves sufficient rigidity can normal intercourse be completed. Studies have found that penile rigidity is positively correlated with the success rate and satisfaction of sexual intercourse.



**Rigidity Often Matters More Than Thickness or Length**



From ancient times to the present, men have always placed great emphasis on rigidity. In ancient Egypt, people believed that the penis of a crocodile could help solve men's rigidity problems. As a result, countless "male crocodiles" were sacrificed to treat impotence... Until forty or fifty years ago, people still used inhumane and unreliable methods such as electric shocks to the testicles to deal with insufficiently rigid penises. Today, the reason why some aphrodisiacs have become popular is that they solve the problem of rigidity.



The "Global Better Sex Survey" (GBSS) conducted in countries and regions such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Italy, and Spain found that respondents generally believe that the key to maintaining a good sex life and relationship is the ability to maintain a sufficiently rigid erection. Surveys specifically targeting Asian countries and regions have also yielded similar results. It can be seen that for the vast majority of couples, the ability to achieve and maintain an erection is very important for sexual satisfaction.



However, in global surveys, less than two-thirds of respondents claim to always maintain an erection and rigidity during intercourse. In Asian studies, only 23% of men are satisfied with their own rigidity, and only 15% of women are satisfied with their partner's rigidity.



**Are You Really a "Stiff Man"? Find Out with a Test**



In some studies, the degree of penile erection is divided into four levels: the penis enlarges but does not become erect; the penis becomes erect but does not achieve sufficient rigidity for penetration; the penis achieves sufficient rigidity for penetration but is not fully erect; the penis is fully erect and rigid.



In normal intercourse, only a penis with sufficient rigidity can simultaneously counteract the axial resistance that causes the penis to bend and the circumferential pressure exerted by the vaginal walls. Otherwise, the former will cause the penis to bend, and the latter will flatten the penis. Therefore, when measuring penile rigidity, both axial and radial rigidity indicators need to be considered.



Axial rigidity mainly depends on three factors: intracavernosal pressure, penile geometry (the penile contour ratio, often represented by the ratio of the diameter to the length of the flaccid penis), and the mechanical properties of penile tissue. Therefore, a penis with good axial rigidity should have high intracavernosal pressure, a thick penis, and good tissue elasticity. Radial rigidity is related to the tension characteristics of the corpora cavernosa and has little to do with penile geometry or tissue mechanical properties.



**Instrumental Measurement**



The axial bending test is commonly used to measure axial rigidity. During the test, a kilogram force gauge with a protective cap is used to apply pressure to the glans penis, ensuring that the direction of the pressure is consistent with the longitudinal axis of the penis without any angular deviation. When the intracavernosal pressure is 5 to 10 mmHg, the force that causes the penis to bend is recorded as the axial rigidity. It is usually expressed in grams or kilograms (if "newtons" are used as the unit, then "kilogram number × 9.8 newtons per kilogram" is used for conversion).



When the measurement value is greater than 70%, it indicates that the penis is in a normal erection state. When the measurement value is between 40% and 70% (including 40% and 70%), it indicates that the penis is in an ineffective erection state. At this time, the penis has expanded to some extent, but it has not reached the rigidity required to complete sexual intercourse successfully. When the measurement value is less than 40%, the penis is in a non-rigid erection state.



**Questionnaire Measurement**



A more convenient and easy way to understand your own rigidity is to use the "International Index of Erectile Function" (IIEF). A complete IIEF includes several parts such as erectile function, penetration satisfaction, orgasm, libido, and overall satisfaction. Questions include whether you can maintain an erection during sexual activity, whether the rigidity of the erection is sufficient for intercourse, and whether you are satisfied with sexual activities, etc. Years of clinical research have verified the reliability and effectiveness of the IIEF questionnaire. Some simplified versions of this questionnaire have also emerged, such as IIEF-EF and IIEF-5. Men who have doubts about their intimate partners might as well use the attached table in the comments section to measure.



Of course, some studies have shown (but cannot be fully confirmed yet) that a frequency of less than once a week in sexual activity may increase the risk of erectile dysfunction. Therefore, maintaining regular and frequent sexual intercourse helps maintain penile rigidity—just as exercise helps maintain physical function. So, for single men, appropriate masturbation can also be helpful.