Read All About It:
Priapism
Priapism is a rare, often painful condition involving an erection that lasts for an unusually long time—often more than four hours. This type of erection is not related to sexual stimulation.
![](/urologyhealth/fall19/urologyhealth-extra-extra/19410/xtra_1.240_0_1.png)
Immediate treatment is important to prevent tissue damage and erectile dysfunction (ED).
Priapism can
happen in:
![](/urologyhealth/fall19/urologyhealth-extra-extra/19411/xtra_2.240_0_1.png)
young boys
(age 5-10)
![](/urologyhealth/fall19/urologyhealth-extra-extra/19412/xtra_3.240_0_1.png)
young adults
(around age 20)
![](/urologyhealth/fall19/urologyhealth-extra-extra/19413/xtra_4.240_0_1.png)
mature men
(over age 50)
Causes of priapism
may include:
- Sickle cell anemia or other blood disorders
- Prescription medications to treat erectile dysfunction; antidepressants; medications to treat anxiety disorders; blood thinners; medications used to treat ADHD; and hormones such as testosterone
- Alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and other illicit drug use
- Injury to the penis
You may have
priapism if you have:
An erection lasting more than four hours unrelated to sexual interest or stimulation
A rigid penile shaft, but the tip of penis is soft
Progressive pain in the penis
The most common type of priapism is called ischemic (or low-flow) priapism. It happens when blood is not able to leave the penis.
![](/urologyhealth/fall19/urologyhealth-extra-extra/19414/xtra_5.240_0_1.png)
Emergency room doctors treat an average of 10,000 cases of priapism each year in the United States.
![](/urologyhealth/fall19/urologyhealth-extra-extra/19415/xtra_6.240_0_1.png)
If you have an erection that lasts for four or more hours, go to the emergency room for treatment.
For more information, visit the Urology Care Foundation’s website: UrologyHealth.org
UrologyHealth.org | FALL 2019 | UROLOGYHEALTH extra