Q: I get erections five to seven times a day. Is this normal?

A: Welcome to adolescence and puberty. Frequent erections, usually for no apparent reason, are completely normal. The amount of testosterone, the male hormone, increases to much higher levels with the beginning of puberty in boys.

In addition to causing most of the other changes (increase in the size of the penis, increased muscles, and pubic, axillary and facial hair), testosterone increases the frequency of erections. It also increases the person's interest in sex (also called libido). Sometimes it can be embarrassing if others notice an erection. Other than sometimes being a nuisance when it happens at an unfortunate time, there is nothing to worry about. Some guys wear briefs if they are concerned that others will notice the erection.

If you still have questions, there is additional information on TeenGrowth or you can speak with your doctor.

To have TeenGrowth's board of physicians answer your health question, visit the Web site (http://www.teengrowth.com) or e-mail feedback@teengrowth.com. TeenGrowth is a non-commercial Internet site that focuses exclusively on the educational health issues of adolescents.