Priapism is a medical condition that is characterized by the persistent, involuntary and painful erection of the penis not caused by sexual stimulation. Erection is not relieved by the ejaculation of semen. It is a rare condition that usually develops in males in their third decade. In this condition, blood supply to the penis is disturbed and blocked or trapped in the erection chamber and is not drained out. It usually lasts for 2 hours. But if it longs for more than 4 hours, it needs immediate medical intervention. This can damage the tissues of the penis permanently and cause infertility.
Why Is Priapism A Medical Emergency?
Priapism is an uncommon condition in which the penis gets erect for a long time without any sexual stimulation. This condition is painful, involuntary and persistent. Ejaculation cannot relieve the erection. It normalizes by itself within two hours. It can extend up to ten hours. It can affect males at any age more commonly in the age 5-10 years or 20-30 years. Newborn male infants can also develop priapism.
There are two main types of priapism-
Ischemic Priapism – it is also known as low-flow priapism. It occurs when the blood gets stuck in the penis and it cannot leave the penis. It is the most common type of priapism.
Non-Ischemic Priapism – it is also known as high-flow priapism. It occurs when the blood flow to the penis is not regulated appropriately.
Causes
An erection happens as a result of physical or psychological stimulation in a normal situation. This stimulation leads to contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles and blood vessels of penis accelerating the flow of blood to them. This results in the erection of the penis. Once the stimulation goes away, there is a reduction in the blood flow, resulting in the end of the erection.
Priapism is caused by disrupted blood flow in the penis. The blood gets trapped in the erection chambers of the penis and is not able to drain out.
The diseases that affect the flow of blood to the penis are following-
- Leukemia
- Sickle cell anemia
- Multiple myelomas
- Most male patients with sickle cell anemia (42%) suffer from priapism once in their lives.
Other factors that can induce priapism are following-
- Alcohol abuse
- Marijuana or cocaine abuse
- Direct injury to the penile artery
- Antidepressants
- Alpha blockers
- Blood thinners like warfarin or heparin
- Antipsychotic medicines
- Anti-anxiety medicines
- Hormone therapy
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Medicines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Metabolic disorders like gout or amyloidosis
- Spider bite or scorpion sting
- Toxic infections
- Cancers of penis
- Dialysis
- Neurogenic disorders caused by injuries of spinal cord or syphilis
Symptoms
The penis becomes more painful due to prolonged erection. The patient feels extreme pain at the tip of the penis. This condition makes the person feel uncomfortable and unpleasant. The pain can remain for more than 4 hours unrelated to sexual stimulation; priapism is considered a medical emergency.
Also Read:
- Priapism (Ischemic & Nonischemic): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention
- Is Priapism A Side Effect Of Trazodone?
- Will Priapism Go Away On It’s Own?
- What Happens If Priapism Is Not Treated?
- What Drugs Can Cause Priapism?
- What Can Cause Priapism?
- What Is The Alternative Treatment Method For Priapism?
