Erections and Naturism: A Natural Occurrence, Not a Taboo

As a longtime naturist, I’ve often found myself having to explain that nudism and naturism are not about sex. It's a misconception many "textiles" (non-nudists) have, but the truth is simple: nudism is about body acceptance and enjoying life clothes-free. However, there's one topic that’s often swept under the rug in naturist circles—the issue of erections.

Let’s get one thing clear upfront: erections are a natural bodily function. They happen, just like yawning, sneezing, or stretching. And yet, there’s still a lingering discomfort in many naturist communities when it comes to men experiencing erections in public. Is this discomfort justified? Or is it just another societal taboo that we need to dismantle?

In my 43+ years of practicing nudism and naturism, I’ve had to explain to my textile friends countless times that nudism is not inherently sexual. Sure, we’re all human and we have sexual desires. We’re one of the few species that engage in sex for pleasure, rather than just for reproduction. But whether you’re clothed or nude, attraction happens. If you’re drawn to someone, that attraction doesn’t depend on whether you're wearing clothes. The difference is that, for men, an erection is much more noticeable when naked.

Here’s the truth: men have multiple erections every day and night. It’s a normal, healthy part of life. Most of these erections aren’t sexual at all—they just happen as part of our body’s regular functions. So why are we, as naturists, treating erections as something to be hidden or ashamed of?

Many nudist and naturist venues have rules that require men to cover their erections with a towel. And while I understand the need to maintain a respectful environment, I find this rule contradictory. We call ourselves naturists, promoting a natural lifestyle, body acceptance, and openness. Yet we insist that men hide something as natural as an erection. Why? If an erection happens without any intent to sexualise the moment or be explicit, why should men feel guilty about it?

Erections are as natural as sneezing or yawning. Should we be offended when someone sneezes or stretches? Of course not! So why the stigma around erections?

This raises another question: what about children witnessing an erection? Will they be traumatised? The answer is no. If you’re a parent raising your children in the naturist lifestyle, explaining an erection should be as simple as explaining the difference between male and female anatomy. Children who are raised in naturism learn from an early age that the human body is nothing to be ashamed of, and that includes understanding natural bodily functions. Studies have shown that children raised in naturist environments have higher self-esteem, a greater acceptance of others, and better body image. There’s no evidence that being exposed to naturism causes any harm to children. In fact, the opposite is true—they benefit from it.

I do understand why some naturist venues implement a code of conduct to combat the idea that naturism is sexual. After all, they want to distance themselves from the stereotype that nudity equals sexual deviance. But in doing so, they’re inadvertently creating discrimination against men. Men can’t control when or if an erection happens, and it’s unfair to shame them for something natural. It’s also worth noting that requiring men to cover up only reinforces the idea that erections are bad or dirty—a mindset that’s counterproductive to the very principles of naturism.

Some young men even masturbate before going to a naturist venue, fearing that they might get an erection in public and face ridicule or expulsion. I’ll admit, I did the same thing when I was younger, afraid that I’d be shamed for having a natural response. It’s sad that so many men feel they need to go to these lengths just to enjoy the clothes-free lifestyle.

In places like Spain, public nudity is not only accepted—it’s a legal right. I have friends in Spain, including Maria Candelarias Marin, president of a naturist club, who tell me that erections aren’t a big deal in their naturist communities. People understand that it’s a natural occurrence, and no one makes a fuss about it. Spain is leading by example, and I believe the rest of the world could learn from this mindset.

Let’s be clear: there’s a big difference between a man having a natural, involuntary erection and engaging in sexual acts in public. The latter is, of course, inappropriate and should be confined to private spaces with consenting adults. But the former is just a normal part of life. As naturists, we should be promoting acceptance, not reinforcing shame.

So, to sum it up: Erections are not the enemy. They’re a natural function of the male body, and as naturists, we should accept them for what they are—just another part of being human. Covering up only perpetuates the idea that something is wrong with our bodies, and that’s not what naturism is about. If we truly want to embrace a natural lifestyle, then we need to accept all aspects of the human body, including erections.

Stay nude, stay safe, have fun

Vince