Priapism (say "PRY-uh-piz-um") is an erection that does not go away. This happens when the penis stays erect without sexual stimulation. A painful erection lasting more than several hours can damage tissues. Without urgent medical treatment, this can result in erectile dysfunction and the inability to have sexual intercourse.
The cause of priapism is often not known. But it can happen from having a blood disease like sickle cell disease or as a side effect of many medicines.
Your doctor may have removed blood from your penis. This was to help the erection go away. And you may have been given a shot of medicine to soften the erection. If these treatments don't help, surgery may be needed.
Priapism is a condition in which the penis stays erect without sexual stimulation. It can affect people of any age.
The most common type of priapism is low-flow priapism. Although the cause is often unknown, it can result from sickle cell disease or another blood disease. Or it can be caused by the use of certain medicines.
Low-flow priapism can be a serious problem. It can cause severe pain and may damage the penis, making it impossible to get a normal erection (erectile dysfunction). Erectile dysfunction is the main long-term result of priapism, and it can occur after just one episode of priapism.
The other type of priapism is called high-flow priapism. It is most often caused by an injury. It doesn't cause pain, and it often goes away on its own.
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