What does a priapism indicate?

Priapism is a persistent, usually painful, erection that lasts for more than four hours and occurs without sexual stimulation. The condition develops when blood in the penis becomes trapped and is unable to drain. If the condition is not treated immediately, it can lead to scarring and permanent erectile dysfunction.

What is priapism and how is it treated?

Ischemic priapism — the result of blood not being able to exit the penis — is an emergency situation that requires immediate treatment. After pain relief, this treatment usually begins with a combination of draining blood from the penis and using medications.

What is priapism emergency?

Priapism, a prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours in the absence of sexual stimulation, is a urologic emergency that can result in ischemia, corporal fibrosis, and erectile dysfunction[15].

Why is priapism a medical emergency?

Most clinicians consider priapism a medical emergency because the condition can result in impotence, sexual dysfunction or penile infection. Priapism is a prolonged, unwanted erection of the penis. It is usually painful and not related to sexual stimulation or arousal.

What is the most common cause of priapism?

Injury. A common cause of nonischemic priapism is trauma or injury to your penis, pelvis, or the region between the base of the penis and the anus (perineum).

What happens If priapism is not treated?

Priapism is a persistent, usually painful, erection that lasts for more than four hours and occurs without sexual stimulation. The condition develops when blood in the penis becomes trapped and is unable to drain. If the condition is not treated immediately, it can lead to scarring and permanent erectile dysfunction.

What meds cause priapism?

Drugs that may cause priapism include the depression treatment trazodone HCL ( Desyrel ), or chlorpromazine (Thorazine), which treats some mental illnesses. The pills or shots that treat ED may also cause priapism. It’s rare, but priapism can happen because of cancers that affect the penis and prevent blood from flowing out of the area.

Why is priapism an emergency?

Priapism is considered a medical emergency because it may lead to severe ischemia of the tissues. Early emergency treatment often prevents functional disabilities such as erectile dysfunction and disfiguring of the penis. Priapism usually results from the trapping of blood in the penis leading to prolonged erection.

How do I treat priapism?

Treatment will depend on the type of priapism you have. High-flow priapism often goes away on its own. You may need any of the following: Medicine may be given to decrease pain and swelling or to regulate your hormone levels. You may also need an injection in your penis to help improve blood flow.