Having an erect penis when you wake is an indicator of healthy blood and nerve supply to the penis. The presence of NPT also likely indicates that you’re physically capable of getting and maintaining an erection while awake. Most morning erections will subside within 30 minutes of waking up. If your erections last more than hour after you wake up or if they become painful, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. Having erections several times a day is natural. However, some situations may require medical treatment. If a man has a long-lasting erection that goes on for more than 4 hours, he should speak to a doctor immediately, as he may have a condition called priapism. Priapism may damage the tissue in the penis. This can lead to long-term erectile dysfunction if left untreated. Painful erections may also be a sign of this condition. Treatments for priapism include taking medication and draining the blood from the penis. Having an erection without an orgasm can sometimes lead to a short-term condition called epididymal hypertension. This condition is informally known as “blue balls.” Epididymal hypertension is not a serious condition, and an orgasm is not necessary every time a man gets an erection. To get rid of an unwanted erection, a man can try waiting, distraction, meditation, repositioning, or a cold shower.