There goes that fantasy

This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on October 21, 2003). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.

…erections in space are difficult to achieve because in zero gravity, blood tends to collect in the head and feet.

Constance Adams during PopTech! (via Jason Kottke)

6 thoughts on “There goes that fantasy”

  1. I have a bit of a problem with this. First off, I’ve never been in space or in zero gravity so I do not speak from expierience. But then again this statement was made by a woman. And I’m sorry but having a woman talking about the ability to get an erection is as silly as a man explaining the feeling during menstruation. I have great respect for Dr’s of both sexes but there comes appoint where no matter how much you studied or read you simply will never “get it” because your the wrong sex.

    If you’re in zero gravity why would your blood pool anywhere? Does your heart not continue to pump it around?
    When a man gets excited the body itself pumps blood into the penis and as any man will tell you…
    Sometimes the body does this with or without your permission.
    I’m not aware that gravity plays any part in this automatic response?

    In space they are working hard, not exercising properly, eating an odd diet, living in cramped quarters and breathing artificial air?
    It’s a stressful job, they’re away from home, and I doubt they ever get a good nights rest.

    None of which helps any man “get excited”

    But hey! That’s just my opinion.

  2. Well, you have to remember that zero gravity is not Man’s natural environment. I actually what this lady says would be true ina zero gravity environment. If you look at the body as an oblong vessel filled with fluid, which it is, the majority of that fluid will settle in the head and feet. I would tell you why, but that means I need to break out my Stephen Hawking books and try to put everything into words, but anyways.

    It’s Not like I ever plan on having sex in space anyways! I also don’t doubt ANY man’s ability to become aroused when they really want to be aroused…under any circumstances…

  3. I was going to add before my itchy trigger finger gave way…

    Tim Who Said: “If you’re in zero gravity why would your blood pool anywhere? Does your heart not continue to pump it around? When a man gets excited the body itself pumps blood into the penis and as any man will tell you…
    Sometimes the body does this with or without your permission. I’m not aware that gravity plays any part in this automatic response?”

    I thought up a really good visual example. Think of the human body in space as an oblong water balloon. Now have you ever played with one of those in a pool? I have (no dirty thoughts! I know what you’re thinking!) and the water within the balloon tends to pull at the opposite ends of the balloon. For humans in space, this is part of the reason why astronauts come home 2-3 inches taller than they were when they left.

    I don’t doubt a man’s ability to get an erection when he really wants to, even if it’s in space. But even without the stress and distractions to be found in space, physiologically, I believe it would be harder to get and maintain an erection…

    But then, men don’t seem to have much problems get hard in a pool either, now do they?

  4. So Cap’n Kirk was only the Mack Daddy of Outer Space becuase he had artificial gravity?

    Well somebody had to ask the obvious geek question.

  5. astronauts return to earth 2-3cms taller because there is no gravity to condense the spinal cord and spongey tissue between it i agree with the first dude’s comment!

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