How to Hide an Erection

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: February 27, 2024 Fact Checked

There's nothing quite as awkward as getting an unexpected erection in public, and yet it happens to many people at some point (usually more than once). Fortunately, it's easy to hide an unwanted erection so the people around you are none the wiser, and you've got multiple methods to choose from. To help you out, we've compiled the best tips and tricks for hiding an erection so you're prepared for any potentially awkward situation.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Covering Erections with Clothes or Objects

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid41082-v4-728px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

1
Wear tighter underwear. Instead of loose fitting boxers that make an erection visible and obvious, consider wearing tighter underwear like briefs or boxer briefs that can hold down your erection and make it less obvious.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- Avoid wearing soft silk underwear because it can rub against your penis and cause you to have an erection.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/01\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/01\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid41082-v4-728px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

2
Cover your crotch area with a large object. You can cover up your erection with a book, blanket, laptop, backpack, or anything else that can go on your lap. This will cover up your erection so that no one knows you have one.^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source

HealthyChildren.org
Health information from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Go to source}
- It's easier to cover your erection when you're sitting down.
Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ac\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ac\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid41082-v4-728px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

A long shirt that hangs over your crotch region can help you hide your erection. Buy baggier clothes that hang over your waistband and crotch area so that it can cover up your unwanted erection.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid41082-v4-728px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Tie a hoodie or sweater around your waist to hide your erection. When you tie the hoodie or sweater, drape the material over your crotch area. This will conceal your erection to anyone that's looking at you.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Pinning Erections to Your Body

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid41082-v4-728px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Put your hand in your pocket and use your hand to press your erection against your leg. Continue to hold your erection through your pocket so that it isn't visible on the outside of your pants.^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/aid41082-v4-728px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Put your hand in your pocket, lift up your erection, and put it in between your waistband and your waist. This will hide your erection when you're standing or walking. You'll need a belt or an elastic waistband to do this.^{[4]
X
Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid41082-v4-728px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

When you're sitting, it's easier to hide your erection. Cross your legs and pin down your erection with your thighs. This may be uncomfortable at first, but your erection should eventually disappear.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Getting Rid of an Erection

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/aid41082-v4-728px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Flex the muscles in your thighs for 30 seconds or more. This will draw the blood into your thighs and get rid of your erection. If it doesn't work immediately, keep flexing and use it alongside another method to get rid of it.^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-9.jpg\/aid41082-v4-728px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

2
Put something cold on your erection. The cold water from a shower will reduce your erection. If you aren't at home and can't take a shower, try pressing something cold against your crotch, like a cold can of soda.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Cooling is used in hospitals to remove an unwanted erection that lasts longer than 4 hours.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-10.jpg\/aid41082-v4-728px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

3
Urinate. Sometimes a full bladder will cause you to have an erection. This is especially common in the morning when you first wake up. Urinating may help you get rid of your erection. If you're having trouble peeing, a warm shower or bath can sometimes help you urinate.^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- A full bladder presses against the sacral nerve, which is why you get an erection.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/aid41082-v4-728px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Exercise. Light exercise like a jog or bike ride may draw blood away from your erection and cause it to subside. If you're too embarrassed to go outside because of your erection, you can do jumping jacks or squats in your house.^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source

HelpGuide
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.

Go to source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-12.jpg\/aid41082-v4-728px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Over time, your erection will just naturally go away. If you have the choice, excuse yourself to a secluded place until it finally goes down. If you're in a public place, you can excuse yourself to the bathroom until it goes away.^{[10]
X
Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-13.jpg\/aid41082-v4-728px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Concentrate on something non-sexual. Concentrating on a math equation or a sport will take your mind off sexual thoughts and can help you get rid of your erection. Focus as hard as you can on an assignment or a game that you have coming up to take your mind off of sexual thoughts. You can also think of something that you find disgusting or gross, like someone throwing up, to stop your sexual thoughts.^{[11]
X
Trustworthy Source

PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-14.jpg\/aid41082-v4-728px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Pinching yourself may take your concentration off your erection and into the pain that you feel. Pick a spot on your arm and pinch it until your erection begins to go down.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/be\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/be\/Hide-an-Erection-Step-15.jpg\/aid41082-v4-728px-Hide-an-Erection-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

8
Masturbate. If you're at home, masturbating will get rid of your erection. Excuse yourself to a private place and make sure you have a towel or napkin to clean up after you're done. Rub your penis until you achieve an orgasm. After masturbating, your erection should subside.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Do not masturbate in public.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

I have underwear which rubs against my penis, so I get an erection randomly. I'm 13, and I'm scared to ask my mom to buy me new underwear because she will ask why. What do I do?

Vareen

Community Answer

Tell her that your underwear isn't comfortable, or just that you want new ones because you don't have enough underwear.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 117 Helpful 937
Question

What do I do if my mom sees me masturbating?

Community Answer

She'll likely be just as embarrassed as you are, but she's probably very aware that you do so. In the future, consider doing it in the restroom with the door locked and curtains closed.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 99 Helpful 493
Question

When I am touching or kissing my girlfriend, semen starts coming out of my penis. It is an awkward situation for me, is it natural?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

Yes, it is perfectly natural. She is your girlfriend, you both like each other. Besides you mentally liking her personality, your body also naturally responds to her physical presence. Kissing is a natural way to arouse your body. Remember that it also arouses her body, she might be having the same thoughts and feelings, so you can talk about it. When erect and aroused, the penis produces fluids as a lubricant to make sure sexual intercourse goes smoothly. A woman's body does the same. This is the same liquid that carries the sperm out of the penis during ejaculation and it is nothing to be ashamed of.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 98 Helpful 626

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

If your erection lasts longer than 4 hours, seek medical help. Talk to your parents about it because it could indicate a very serious medical condition.

Thanks
Helpful 20 Not Helpful 4