Erections and Nudism

For men, one of the main concerns about starting or embracing nudism is erections. But just like the rest of the body, it isn’t to be feared

Having grown up in a naturist household, gone on naturist holidays and summercamps, and lived a good part of my life surrounded by naked people, I have seen (and had) a few erections in public.

Some people associate nudism with sexuality, others say that sexuality has no place at all in social nudity. Some will insist that erections never happen.

But the truth is – sometimes erections happen. Indeed, often they happen for little to no reason at all.

Not only do erections happen – it’s largely fine when they do, as long as you are courteous to others when they happen. Erections happen throughout the day when you’re clothed – so they’re going to happen throughout the day when you’re not. And just like many other bodily functions, such as coughing, sneezing or various others that we do whilst clothed, we make the effort, if not to completely hide them, to be aware that they their existence involves a certain amount of social etiquette that needs navigating.

I’m firmly of the opinion that I don’t think it’s always possible or even preferable to hide it when it does happen. The naturist movement is about embracing the natural rhythm of the body and renouncing bodily shame. Why would we try to shame boys and men for processes that happen naturally?

However, you can still recognise the existence of a bodily functions and processes both without shame and without making others uncomfortable. Trusting that others will accept your body in its entirity, without lurching into behaviour that is creepy or unpleasant, is indeed entirely possible and preferable.

I’ve experienced men that can be creepy, leary and lack awareness of boundaries. This happens far more towards women than towards men, and it creates an unpleasant and hostile environment for women and some men towards what should be an equal, liberating movement.

I don’t think we should all drop to the floor at the first sign of movement downstairs. But a bit of outward awareness that it can be interpreted in a variety of ways, and being clear to dispel the potential concerns of others, is simple common decency.

Just as with all aspects of the human body and its place in society – nude or not – there are important social norms and boundaries we should abide to, to make others feel comfortable in our presence.

What it boils down to is this: it’s not about the erection – it’s about the intent.