Sexuality

What makes a man’s erection last too long?

Priapism is a severe medical condition that requires urgent medical attention. Several factors can cause prolonged and painful erection, ranging from drug use to blood disorders and traumatic injuries by tynefoster
Estimated reading time: 3 min 12 sec
What makes a man’s erection last too long? Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

A man’s erection is an essential part of sexual activity, but sometimes it can last too long, a condition known as priapism. Priapism is the persistent, painful erection that can last for several hours even after ejaculation.

This condition can be caused by several factors that disrupt the normal mechanism of the penis engorgement and relaxation. It requires urgent medical attention because it can lead to permanent damage and even erectile dysfunction.

What are the causes of priapism?

The mechanism of penile erection involves the filling of the two corpora cavernosa with blood, primarily regulated by the interaction between the nitric oxide released in the cavernous tissue and the smooth muscle relaxation.

However, several factors can impair the normal penile physiology, leading to an abnormal and prolonged erection. These factors are:.

1. Erectile dysfunction drugs

Drugs such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) are phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors that increase blood flow to the penis and help achieve an erection.

However, when taken in high doses or combined with other medications such as alpha-blockers for hypertension or nitrates for angina, they can cause priapism. It is essential to follow the dosage instructions and inform the doctor of any other medications currently used.

2. Trauma to the genital area

A blunt injury or a penile fracture can damage the corpus cavernosum and impair the normal blood flow, causing priapism. It requires immediate medical attention to assess the extent of the injury and prevent further complications.

3. Blood disorders

Blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia, leukemia, and thrombocytopenia can affect the normal blood flow and cause priapism. These conditions can cause blood to accumulate in the penis, leading to prolonged erection and pain.

It is essential to manage these conditions to prevent further complications.

4. Spinal cord injuries

Injuries to the spinal cord can impair the normal nerve signals that regulate the penile physiology, leading to abnormal and prolonged erection. It is essential to consult a doctor for proper management of the spinal cord injury and prevent priapism.

5. Illicit drug use

Drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine can affect the normal blood flow and cause priapism. These drugs can damage the normal penile physiology and lead to permanent erectile dysfunction if not managed promptly.

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6. Alcohol consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption can impair nerve signals and blood flow in the penis, leading to priapism. It is essential to drink in moderation and seek medical attention if priapism occurs.

7. Infections

Infections such as syphilis and herpes can affect the penile physiology and cause priapism. These infections can damage the corpus cavernosum and impair the normal blood flow, leading to prolonged erection and pain.

It is essential to manage these infections to prevent further complications.

8. Cancer treatments

Cancer treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy can impair the normal penile physiology and cause priapism. These treatments can damage the corpus cavernosum and impair the normal blood flow, leading to abnormal and painful erection.

It is essential to discuss the risks and management options with a doctor.

9. Psychological factors

Psychological factors such as anxiety, stress, and depression can affect the normal penile physiology and cause priapism. Mental health disorders can impair nerve signals and cause the penis to remain erect for an extended period.

These factors can also worsen priapism caused by other factors. It is essential to seek mental health support to manage these conditions.

10. Idiopathic priapism

Idiopathic priapism is a rare form of priapism that has no identifiable cause. It is important to seek medical attention for prompt management and to prevent further complications.

Conclusion

Priapism is a severe medical condition that requires urgent medical attention. Several factors can cause prolonged and painful erection, ranging from drug use to blood disorders and traumatic injuries.

It is essential to manage these conditions and seek prompt medical attention to prevent permanent damage and erectile dysfunction.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

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