Priapism

Priapism is a persistent and often painful erection that lasts for several hours.

The erection is not necessarily related to sexual stimulation or excitement, and does not subside after ejaculation (when semen is released from the penis).

The erection lasts longer than four hours. During this time, the shaft of the penis is rigid and inflexible, but the head of the penis (the glans) is usually soft. The penis is also painful or tender.

Priapism is a medical emergency – you should seek immediate medical assistance if you think you have it.

If it's not treated within 24 hours, your penis may be permanently damaged and you may have difficulties getting an erection in the future.

Types of priapism

There are two main types of priapism:

• low blood flow (ischaemic) priapism – the most common and serious type of priapism usually caused by a blockage in the arteries of the penis
• high blood flow (non-ischaemic) priapism – much rarer and usually caused by an injury to the genitals or perineum (the area in between the genitals and anus)

What causes priapism?

Priapism happens when blood that fills the spongy tissue of the penis during an erection is unable to flow out of the penis. This can be caused by:

• a complication of sickle cell anaemia (a genetic blood disorder where the red blood cells develop abnormally)
• a side effect of medications, such as (Viagra), used to treat erectile dysfunction

Read more about the causes of priapism and how priapism is diagnosed.

Treating priapism

If you have ischaemic (low blood flow) priapism, the sooner you receive treatment, the more effective it is likely to be.

Aspiration, a procedure that uses a needle and syringe to drain the blood out of your penis, is usually recommended.

If this does not work, medication may be injected into your penis which squeezes the blood vessels and helps push the blood out of your penis.

Surgery is only recommended if other treatments have failed. There are a number of different surgical procedures available, depending on the type of priapism you have.

Read more about how priapism is treated.