Death erection

A death erection, also known as angel lust or terminal erection, is a post-mortem phenomenon where a deceased individual, typically a man, experiences a state of penile erection. This phenomenon can be attributed to pressure on the cerebellum or spinal cord or due to priapism. While it's not often discussed in medical literature, knowledge about it can provide valuable insights into human physiology and the effects of death on the body.

File:Erection de la croix, Lauri.jpg

Erection de la croix, Lauri

Overview

A death erection usually occurs in cases of death by hanging, suffocation, or certain types of poisoning. The exact incidence rate is not known, as the phenomenon is not always reported in post-mortem examinations. It is more frequently reported in legal documents and historical anecdotes than in scientific literature.

Causes

• The primary cause of a death erection is the change in pressure dynamics in the body after death. Specific circumstances leading to a death erection can include:
• Pressure on the cerebellum or spinal cord: In cases of death by hanging or strangulation, pressure on the cerebellum or spinal cord can cause nerve signals that lead to a death erection.
• Priapism: This condition, characterized by prolonged erection in the absence of physical or psychological stimulation, may persist post-mortem and thus result in a death erection.

Implications

• The implications of a death erection extend beyond the clinical or physiological aspects. It can have psychological implications for those tasked with the handling and preparation of the deceased's body, as it might be distressing or unsettling.
• Moreover, knowledge of this phenomenon is relevant in the fields of forensic medicine and forensic pathology, as the presence of a death erection can provide clues about the cause and circumstances of death.

References

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• Aggrawal A (2009). Forensic and Medico-legal Aspects of Sexual Crimes and Unusual Sexual Practices. CRC Press. p. 369. ISBN 978-1-4200-4308-2.
• Pounder DJ (1984). "Postmortem Priapism (Death Erection)". The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology. 5 (4): 319–322. doi:10.1097/00000433-198412000-00008. PMID 6530852.

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