It’s every man’s worst nightmare – a prolonged and painful erection that just won’t go away. Unfortunately, this condition is all too real and can be incredibly debilitating for those who experience it.

In this article, we’ll explore what causes a prolonged erection and what can be done to treat it.

What Is A Prolonged Erection?

A prolonged erection, also known as priapism, is an erection that lasts for more than four hours without sexual stimulation. It’s a medical emergency that can cause serious damage to the penis if left untreated.

What Causes Prolonged Erections?

There are several possible causes of priapism. Some medications, such as Viagra, can cause prolonged erections as a side effect. In other cases, the cause may be a blood disorder or injury to the penis or pelvic area.

In some rare cases, the cause may be unknown.

Symptoms Of Prolonged Erections

The main symptom of priapism is a persistent and painful erection that lasts for several hours or more. Other symptoms include:.

Tenderness or soreness in the penis
Difficulty urinating
Bruising or swelling in the penis
Discoloration of the penis

Diagnosis Of Prolonged Erections

If you are experiencing a prolonged erection, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. A urologist will perform a physical exam and may order blood tests or imaging tests to determine the cause of the priapism.

Treatment For Prolonged Erections

The treatment for priapism will depend on the cause. In some cases, simply switching medications or adjusting the dosage may be enough to resolve the issue.

In other cases, the urologist may need to drain blood from the penis in order to relieve the erection. Surgery may be necessary in more severe cases.

Complications Of Prolonged Erections

If priapism is not treated promptly, it can lead to serious complications, including:.

Erectile dysfunction
Penile deformity
Nerve damage
Blood clots
Death of penile tissue (necrosis)

Prevention Of Prolonged Erections

There is no surefire way to prevent priapism, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk. These include:.

Avoiding medications that can cause priapism
Avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs, which can increase the risk of priapism
Managing underlying health conditions, such as sickle cell anemia or leukemia
Seeking prompt medical attention if you experience symptoms of priapism

Conclusion

A prolonged erection can be a scary and painful experience, but it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you are experiencing symptoms. With prompt treatment, most cases of priapism can be resolved without long-term complications.

If you have any concerns about your sexual health, do not hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider.