Arousal is when someone is sexually excited. Lots of people call it being horny or turned on. Sometimes, people’s bodies feel aroused even when they don’t feel horny. Or they feel horny but their bodies aren’t aroused.
When your body is aroused you might feel warm or tingling in your privates. Some people’s penis or strapless can be hard, and some people’s vaginas or front holes can be wet. But, being horny can mean a lot more!
Why do people get aroused?
People feel aroused for lots of reasons. Different people might find different things turn them on. Some things that can make someone feel horny are:
- Talking to people who think are attractive
- Porn or erotic websites
- Reading sexy stories
- Doing sexual things with your partners
- Thinking about sex or sexy things
- Masturbating
- Touching a sensitive area
Why do I feel turned on in non-sexual situations?
Lots of people feel aroused in non-sexual situations! People can feel unexpectedly aroused for lots of reasons. Having sexy dreams, certain medications, stress, and hormones can make you horny.
Sometimes people start feeling aroused when they don’t want to. To make those feelings go away you can try taking deep breaths and thinking about something you don’t like, like homework.
Feeling turned on doesn’t always mean someone wants to have sex! Their body can feel aroused even if their mind doesn’t feel very horny. Other times, someone’s mind can feel really turned on but their body isn’t. If that happens you can try slowing down and thinking about sexy things. It’s also okay if you don’t feel like having sex some days!
What happens when you’re aroused?
Usually, blood flows to your genitals when you’re feeling horny. Some people’s nipple’s might also get firm. Most people’s also pupils get wider when they feel horny. Other signs of arousal can depend on someone’s body and genitals
People with vaginas or front holes might have:
- Wetness in their privates
- Swelling in their privates
- A higher cervix
- Their privates growing in length or width
People with a penis or strapless might have:
- An erection or swelling of their privates
- Clear fluid called pre-cum coming from the top of their privates
- Swelling of their testicles
- Foreskin that pulls back over the head of their privates
When someone feels aroused they might also have all sorts of emotions. They might feel excited, happy, embarrassed, or upset. It’s common to feel different emotions!
What if I can’t stop feeling arousal?
Some people feel worried if they feel aroused a lot of the time. Sometimes, people’s hormones can make them feel horny really often. This is especially common in teenagers who are just learning about their bodies!
Some people might also have higher sex drives. That means they get horny more often than other people. If you’re worried about how much you’re aroused, you can talk to a doctor. Doctors recommend bringing it up if you feel so horny you can’t concentrate on other things.