A persistent and distressing erection is a medical condition known as priapism. This condition occurs when blood flows into the penis and is unable to drain out, leading to a prolonged and painful erection.

Priapism is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent long-term complications such as erectile dysfunction, permanent damage to the penis, or even loss of sex function.

Types of Priapism

There are two types of priapism: ischemic priapism and non-ischemic priapism.

Ischemic Priapism

Ischemic priapism is the more common type of priapism and is caused by obstructed blood flow in the penis.

This type of priapism usually results when blood flow to the penis is disrupted by a blood clot or other obstruction in the penis’s blood vessels. The prolonged erection associated with ischemic priapism is typically painful and may last for several hours.

Non-Ischemic Priapism

Non-ischemic priapism, also known as high-flow priapism, is less common and is caused by a non-obstructive flow of blood to the penis through abnormal blood vessels in the penis.

Unlike ischemic priapism, the erection associated with non-ischemic priapism is typically painless and may last for hours or even days. Non-ischemic priapism is less of a medical emergency than ischemic priapism, but it still requires emergency medical care.

Causes of Priapism

Priapism can be caused by a variety of factors, including:.

Blood-related disorders such as leukemia, sickle cell anemia, or multiple myeloma.
Medications such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, or blood thinners.
Trauma or injury to the penis or pelvic area.
Illicit drug use, particularly cocaine or marijuana.
Thrombosis in the penile vessels.
Tumors in the pelvic area or penis.

Symptoms of Priapism

The primary symptom of priapism is a persistent and painful erection that lasts for hours or even days. However, other symptoms may include:.

Inability to achieve or maintain an erection after the priapism episode.
Penile pain, swelling, or tenderness.
Discoloration or bruising of the penis.
Numbness or tingling in the penis or groin area.
Difficulty urinating or incontinence.

Treatment of Priapism

The treatment of priapism depends on the type and severity of the condition. In ischemic priapism, the first line of treatment involves draining the blood from the penis through a needle or catheter.

This procedure is known as aspiration and can be performed on an outpatient basis. If aspiration is not successful, drugs can be administered to help dilate the blood vessels and increase blood flow to the penis. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

In non-ischemic priapism, treatment may include the use of ice packs or compression to reduce blood flow to the penis.

If these measures are not successful, a procedure known as embolization, which involves blocking the abnormal blood vessels, may be performed. In rare cases, surgery may be required to correct the underlying cause of the non-ischemic priapism.

Conclusion

Priapism is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent long-term complications such as erectile dysfunction, permanent damage to the penis, or even loss of sex function.

If you or someone you know experiences a persistent and painful erection, seek emergency medical care immediately.