Nudism And Arousal And Why You Shouldn't Worry About It

Nudism And Arousal And Why You Shouldn't Worry About It

Nudism is not sexual on its own, but its practitioners are human beings who are by nature sexual. Nudism is also family friendly, allowing people of all ages. This creates a problem. Where do we draw the line on what is and isn't allowed in nude recreation? For decades, that line has been drawn at visible signs of arousal, mainly erections.

#1 Barrier to Men Enjoying Nude Recreation

One of the largest concerns for men who are considering going to a nude beach or a nudist resort is whether or not they might get an erection. A lot of these spaces are family friendly meaning people of all ages are present. The most common answer to this is that erections are rare, but for first time nudists this can be of little comfort. The second answer to this is to carry a small towel to cover up with. I think you can see why this offers little comfort as well.

How Common Are Erections?

Most male nudists are too nervous their first few times to actually become aroused. After the first few times, nudity is more normalized and less sexual, therefore no arousal occurs. While sometimes an errant erection may make an unexpected appearance, and most groups offer men a bit of forgiveness for them. In one resort's frequently asked questions section of their website they state the following:

This problem occurs far less frequently than you might think. Nude recreation is not a sexual situation for participants. If you get an erection at a nude beach or other social nude setting, naturist's generally yield a bit of elbow room to avoid making you feel uncomfortable; you should use your judgment to avoid making them feel uncomfortable. If necessary, take a swim or roll over for a short while or temporarily cover up with your towel. In any case, just use common sense and be considerate.

Does Nudism Have to be Non-Sexual?

Some nudists complain that this blanket ban on arousal goes against the idea of nudism because it forces them to view a natural bodily function as taboo and even shameful. Even without arousal, some men become erect as a mater of reflex several times a day. It creates a weird dichotomy where they are in a place where the human body is radically freed in some aspects, but still repressed in others. The author of Naked: A Cultural History of American Nudism, Brian Hoffman thinks its odd that nudist culture attempts to erase any sign of eroticism. Even if nudism breaks the direct association of nudity and arousal, it doesn't mean that people won't still get aroused at times.

Nudism's Roots to Blame?

As nudism was being established in the United States, one of their arguments for becoming legal was that it wasn't sexual. This lead to bans on contact between men and women (even to the point of not allowing a married couple to assist each other with sunscreen) and the aforementioned ban on erections. While ideas around nudity have liberalized, some of the policies they created haven't.

Is Arousal Just a Male Problem?

Nudism And Arousal And Why You Shouldn't Worry About It

The short answer is no. Some women also report avoiding nude recreation for fear of being aroused. Women have fewer external signs of arousal, however, and some, like erect nipples, are also caused by feeling cold.

But the Families!

Nudism And Arousal And Why You Shouldn't Worry About It

Most nude beaches and resorts allow families. Nudists respect that families do not want to be exposed sexual behavior, and are on their best behavior when families are around. This is one situation where an erection ban is still warranted. Nudist resorts are very diligent about keeping voyeurs off their property, especially if they are a family-friendly resort. Any sexual behavior here will get you kicked out and banned.

The Bottom Line

Arousal has always been a touchy subject among nudists and naturists. While views on arousal are becoming more nuanced, there is no clear cut answer to the age old question of erections at nudist resorts and beaches. I don't mean to scare anyone away from nudism. Erections are very uncommon. I can only remember seeing two in my 29 years as a nudist, and even through puberty I never experienced an unwanted erection while nude. Hit the beach, get some sun, and don't worry about your body's reactions. If it happens, don't make a big deal out if it. Roll onto your stomach, go for a swim, cover up with a towel or blanket. It will pass and you can get back to enjoying the freedom of being nude.

#nudism #naturism #bodypositive #clothingoptional

5 12

Most Helpful Guy

  • Excellent "coverage" of nude recreation, particularly about arousal in nude settings. There are some nude resorts, especially in Europe, that are for adults and cater to hedonistic values. Sexual arousal and activities are expected. But by far the most facilities are very family oriented and do not allow any such activity.

Most Helpful Girl

  • I'm a nudist and my boyfriend is also one

    • Do you agree with my take on this issue?

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What Girls & Guys Said

8 25
  • I get that clothes can be pain and uniformity but do they allow fat women to be nude at their resorts I have as question. I might make that vacation see how far it would go.

    • I have never heard of a resort that discriminates based on weight. Nude beaches are generally public spaces and therefore are open to everyone.

    • that be interesting to see.

    • Nudists are a very welcoming group. I saw young and (extremely) old, post-mastectomy women, and extremely obese of both genders. No one judges.

    • Show All
  • i would see arousal as not an only male problem.
    Fact is you can't see if a women is aroused or not , except for some who get red lips or siting/ laying spread legged etc.

    Even if you can't see it, it can feel uncomfortable for women too.
    Like my first 4~5 Visits when i was around 13~16, i felt a bit ashamed , only 2 person noticed that , i felt aroused on one side and ashamed at the same time.

    I think for male is its more complicated, since you can't close your legs or sit to prevent the visual signs.

  • I enjoy going to nude beaches on holiday and swimming. The first time I went I was anxious about getting an erection - mainly in case people (men or women) were angry about it. If I got one I would go swimming and stay in the water until it went down.

    After a few times I got less anxious. If I was lying down relaxing the warm sunshine would feel relaxing and I’d get an erection. No one seemed bothered, I didn’t draw attention to myself or do anything with it. I admit there were some beautiful women at the beach, and I got erections from seeing them. Again I don’t draw attention to myself, make myself unwelcome, I’d either swim or adjust my position so my erection wasn’t so noticeable and then it went down.

    Some women were interested. I was wading out into the sea one time, the cool water around my genitals felt good and I got an erection, it stood proudly out of the water, I faced away from the beach. Then I noticed some women bathing topless, I thought they’d be offended but they just stopped and stared at my erect penis. I enjoyed the attention, they were beautiful women. Other women sometimes looked and smiled, or stared with interest at my penis, (when it was hard or soft).

    An erection is natural, spontaneous. I can’t stop Myself from having one. I enjoy the freedom of being naked, and the freedom to have erections. I think some women enjoy seeing them, or are just interested in this part of male sexuality, usually hidden from view. I try and judge the situation and act discretely, not drawing attention to my erection. Some women are not interested so with them I act discretely.

    • It sounds like you are getting an awful lot of erections, for them to be "accidental." I know people who have been on nudist beaches many times, and never got an erection. Others who have only very rarely gotten an erection.

  • This is great! Thanks for the invitation.

  • Have you ever seen the people who hang out at nudist colonies? There is a reason why men don't need to worry about getting erections. Unless you think bouncing flabby fat rolls are attractive on people in their 50's who are far from being in shape. Yuck Gross. We don't want to see those sagging pancake breasts flop around during the volleyball game, thanks. In fact, how about not playing volleyball period. (Shudder)

    • Just the fact that you call them "colonies" is proof that you're out of touch with modern nudism. The fact that you're this judgmental about appearance is proof that you wouldn't fit in with modern nudists so we're thankful you don't want to visit.

    • @skiflydive Yes, I believe it's for an older cohort.

    • There are a number of organizations in many states specifically for young nudists. The only reason there aren't more, is that government regulations make it difficult to find places where nudity is legal.

  • A good take. I've been a nudist and started going to resorts for the past 4-5 years and one issue I've had with this is why do we have to cover it up? Like you said, it is very uncommon and unlikely to happen, it's just not a sexually charged environment, and in all the times I've gone, I've maybe only had 2 or 3 and they happened while I was in the pool. Just the feeling of being nude in the water felt so good I got a bit of an erection. But why should (and expected to) cover it up? I've seen this question asked may times online and almost all women say they would not have a problem seeing one (assuming it wasn't being shoved in their face lol). Some even say they would love or hope to see one. And I'm just taking about random erections that just happen. Not some old guy jacking off, or anything like that. Obviously that's not allowed with good reason. And as far as children being present? Same thing, like assuming he's not going up to little kids with a hard on sticking it in their face, if a child happens to see a guy at the other end of the pool say, walking semi erect and this guy isn't looking their way or anything, what's the big deal? It's totally normal and something children will learn about anyway? If your child asked "why does that guy look like that?" lol, just be honest as a parent, "sometimes boys change there and it's normal" To me, this is true "acceptance" of someone. Nudism is supposed to be this, unless it comes to erections? You'd better cover that up! Why? I don't get it. Are we supposed to be embarrassed or ashamed? Again, assuming the guy isn't purposely getting one or being a creep/stalker... just normal random erections guys get from time to time.

  • hey, hi i also share the same thought as you, or better, the same concern about getting an erection without nowhere. I believe nudity it comes with both attitudes sexual and non sexual. But i know that nudists and naturists dont share the same ideia about sexuality, and attention not speaking about orgys, swings, having sex in front of many people, no.
    Just speaking about being arouse or even being more intimate with our soul mate, i believe that is harmless when we know how to deal it without disturbing others around.
    In this way i prefer the term nude sunbather than nudist/naturist, who i respect by the way, but they mean a lifestyle with some rules.
    Is not our sexuality natural as like being nude? Off course, it is only sex! But when we feell it, is that wrong? Well its my opinion off course :)
    I guess positive sexuality could be hand to hand with nudity, with respect behind it

  • Very good mytake

  • I'd like my clothes on... prevents skin colour and mosquito bites

    • Skin cancer not colouration!!

    • You Can Get Skin Cancer Wearing A Bikini And Mosquito Bites Fully Clothed, As Long As Any Amount Of Skin Is Exposed...

  • In a perfect world, an erection could be politely ignored or even admired for its beauty or complimented. We did not build our world that way. Male sexual aggression and domination has wrecked sexuality, and we now have unhealthy attitudes towards the human body. Women could justifiably view an erection as aggression or at least offensive. The rape culture we live in means that erections have to be hidden away. I wish it were not so.
    I applaud the naturism movement for its openness and acceptance of the human body, and I hope one day we can get over our fear and embarrassment regarding the erect penis.

  • Great piece of work there

  • Very good, solid, piece on the subject.

  • I believe arousal happens and a visitor should expect it, if it is observed look away, move away or enjoy the view.

  • I think pedobear approves of those family resorts.

    • He'd be kicked out and banned from the property

  • Well you know what they said about the newest member of the nudist colony?
    The first day was his hardest.

    • That's a classic

  • Arousal in nudism can't be ruled out. when I started nude living, confined to room, I failed to control my arousal. It decreased gradually with the passage of time. Later the company of friends again brought old days back especially in presence of girl (s). I found everyone was taking it lightly as if it was normal; to me it was embarrassing. After marriage my wife too found it natural living. And I noticed that guys would often get arousal seeing my wife. Then I took it natural. To cut short, arousal is quite natural, one shouldn't go upset.

  • I've been to nude resorts. The novelty of nudity wears off in about 15 minutes. I found myself gazing at women in bathing suits, imagining them naked, instead of simply looking 10 feet away at an actual naked woman. Imagination and anticipation are powerful things.

  • it's just nature bodies reflex

  • My dick will continue to stand erect if i do this

    • Self Control Is Key, It’s Easier Than You Think...

  • I guess these are momentary and need not be considered at all.

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