It is the full or partial erection continues hours beyond or isn’t caused by sexual stimulation and last longer than four hours
The two main types of priapism are ischemic and nonischemic.
Ischemic priapism (low-flow priapism)
More common
Blood is trapped in the penis because it cannot flow out of the veins of the penis or there is a problem with the contraction of smooth muscles within the erectile tissue of the penis, therefore as a result of blood not being able to leave the penis.
The longer this is left untreated the more likelihood of erectile dysfunction.
The rate of subsequent erectile dysfunction with increases with the duration of the episode:
50% if less than 24 hours
50-90% if longer than 24 hours
100% if longer than 36 hours
Tabibi A, Abdi H, Mahmoudnejad N. Erectile function and dysfunction following low flow priapism: a comparison of distal and proximal shunts. Urol J. 2010 Summer;7(3):174-7. PMID: 20845293
Muneer A, Zacharakis E, Ralph DJ. Diagnosis and management of priapism. Trends Urol Mens Health. 2016 May/June;7(3):19-22. Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com. Accessed August 30, 2021.
Ischemic priapism requires immediate medical care to prevent complications caused by not getting enough oxygen to the penile tissue.
Stuttering priapism (recurrent or intermittent priapism)
Uncommon condition
Form of ischemic priapism
It describes repetitive episodes of prolonged erections and often includes episodes of ischemic priapism.
It occurs more often in males who have an inherited disorder characterized by abnormally shaped red blood cells (sickle cell disease).
Sickle cells can block the blood vessels in the penis.
In some cases, the condition starts off with unwanted and painful erections of short duration and might progress over time to more-frequent and more-prolonged erections.
Stuttering priapism may begin in childhood.
Non-ischemic priapism
Nonischemic priapism (high-flow priapism)
Occurs when blood flow through the arteries of the penis isn’t working properly.
However, the penile tissues continue to receive some blood flow and oxygen.
Non-ischemic priapism often occurs due to trauma
All conditions can lead to poor blood supply/purple to black skin to the glans part of the penis leading to death of penile tissue, this cannot be usually reversed. When large areas of tissue die due to a lack of blood supply, the condition is called gangrene in any case where one has poor blood supply this is a Medical Emergency
And/or do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:
An erection longer than four hours (one hour in sickle cell anaemia condition), this lack of oxygen can begin to damage or destroy tissues in the penis. Untreated priapism can cause erectile dysfunction)
Poor blood to flow to the penis (penis tip will be purple in colour)
Ischemic priapism requires immediate medical care to prevent complications caused by not getting enough oxygen to the penile tissue.
All conditions can lead to poor blood supply/purple to black skin to the glans part of the penis leading to death of penile tissue, this cannot be usually reversed. When large areas of tissue die due to a lack of blood supply, the condition is called gangrene in any case where one has poor blood supply this is a Medical Emergency
Things one to do stop erection
Try to urinate
Have a warm bath or shower
Drink lots of water
Go for a gentle walk
Try exercises, such as squats or running on the spot
Take painkillers like paracetamol (if suitable)
Don’t
Do not apply ice packs or cold water to your penis – this can make things worse
Do not have sex or masturbate – it won’t make your erection go away
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Priapism in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.
Healthy changes start with little changes. Whether you want to lose weight, drink less alcohol, get active or quit smoking, you have access to lots of free tools and support through Better Health. You can also find simple ways to lift your mood with Every Mind Matters.
There has never been a better time to kickstart your health. Let’s do this!
