Is morning erection normal?

Dear Auntie Betty, I am 14 years old. I get an erection almost every morning when I wake up. Is this normal and for how long will it continue?
Paul,
Bono East.

Dear Paul, Yes, it is normal and part of growing up to have an erection when you wake up in the morning. You cannot stop it from happening.
Experts say boys often have about three to five erections each night while they sleep — they are just not aware of them.
It is one of the changes you go through during puberty. According to experts, young boys may experience morning erection as young as six to eight years old. Morning erection may also occur in men in their 60s and 70s. So you can get erections all your life.
On what causes erections, they say although many erections are caused by sexual arousal, many erections seem to happen for no particular reason.
Therefore, they say there is no reason to worry that something is wrong with you. Your body is just acting naturally for a boy your age.
Another thing you should not be embarrassed about is wet dream. A wet dream is when a male ejaculates while he is sleeping. During ejaculation, semen (the fluid containing sperm) comes out of the penis. This is also a normal part of growing up.
It is important that you do not feel shy about talking to your parents, teachers or school counsellor about your experiences in this new phase of your life. Do not seek advice from your peers. They may not give you the right information.
Do check if there is any adolescent reproductive health corner in your area. It is also a good and safe place to get appropriate information on your health and development from health care providers. You could always write to me as well.
All the best.