What causes insufficient firmness?
The penis comprises a spongy mass of tissues perforated with blood vessels. The latter are normally in a contracted state, resulting in restricted blood circulation. Upon stimulation, cGMP messengers are released which relax the blood vessels, allowing more blood to rush through them. The resulting engorgement of the penis also causes the veins that are situated on the surface to be compressed, thereby hindering the retun flow of blood and keeping the penis firm.