A Comprehensive Guide to Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Priapism Treatment

Priapism is characterized by an abnormally prolonged erection of the penis, persisting for hours and not triggered by sexual arousal. Understand more about its causes, symptoms, and best Priapism treatment.

There are two main types of priapism: ischemic and nonischemic. Among these, ischemic priapism is considered a medical emergency.
Although priapism is relatively rare, it is more prevalent among certain groups, particularly individuals with sickle cell disease. Immediate medical intervention is typically required to prevent potential tissue damage, which could lead to erectile dysfunction.
This condition is most commonly seen in men in their 30s and older, but it can also affect younger males, especially those with sickle cell disease, even starting in childhood.

Causes of Priapism

An erection typically happens due to either physical touch or psychological arousal. This stimulation leads to the relaxation of specific smooth muscles, which increases blood flow to the spongy tissues within the penis, causing it to become erect. Once the stimulation ceases, the blood drains out, and the penis returns to its flaccid state.

Priapism occurs when there’s a disruption in this process—whether it involves the blood, blood vessels, smooth muscles, or nerves—leading to a prolonged erection. While the exact cause of priapism is often unclear, various conditions can contribute to its development.

Blood disorders can lead to priapism, typically ischemic priapism, where blood fails to drain from the penis. Conditions contributing to this include sickle cell disease, leukemia, and other hematologic dyscrasias such as thalassemia and multiple myeloma. In children, the most frequent cause is sickle cell disease.

Certain prescription medications can also cause ischemic priapism.

Alcohol and drugs can lead to priapism, particularly the ischemic type.

Trauma or injury, especially to the penis, pelvis, or perineum (the area between the base of the penis and the anus), commonly causes nonischemic priapism.

Bites or stings from spiders or scorpions, and other toxic infections.

Metabolic disorders such as gout or amyloidosis.

Neurogenic disorders like spinal cord injuries or syphilis.

Penile cancers.

If untreated, ischemic priapism can have serious complications. Blood trapped in the penis becomes oxygen-deprived, and prolonged erections (over four hours) can lead to tissue damage or destruction. This can ultimately cause erectile dysfunction.

Symptoms 

Priapism symptoms vary depending on the type of priapism. The two main types of priapism are ischemic priapism and nonischemic priapism.

Ischemic priapism

Ischemic priapism, also called low-flow priapism, is the result of blood not being able to leave the penis. 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. Ischemic priapism is the more common type of priapism and requires immediate medical care to prevent complications caused by not getting enough oxygen to the penile tissue.

Signs and symptoms include:

Erection lasting more than four hours or unrelated to sexual interest or stimulation

Rigid penile shaft, but the tip of the penis (glans) is soft

Progressively worsening penile pain

Stuttering priapism

Stuttering priapism — also called recurrent or intermittent priapism — is a form of ischemic priapism. An uncommon condition, stuttering priapism 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 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.

Nonischemic priapism

Nonischemic priapism, also known as 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. Nonischemic priapism often occurs due to trauma.

Signs and symptoms include:

Erection lasting more than four hours or unrelated to sexual interest or stimulation

Erect but not fully rigid penile shaft

Usually not painful

If you have an erection that lasts longer than four hours, seek emergency medical help right away.

Dr. Rana’s Medical Hall: Priapism Treatment

Dr. Rana’s Medical Hall stands out as an epitome of sexual treatment, particularly renowned for its specialized treatment of Priapism. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Althaf Ibrahem Rana, a leading sexologist, the clinic uniquely combines traditional Unani medicine with modern medical practices. This establishment, deeply rooted in a legacy of ancient healing traditions passed down through generations, offers personalized solutions for comprehensive sexual wellness. Dr. Althaf Ibrahem Rana and his dedicated team skillfully blend age-old wisdom with the latest advancements, ensuring patients receive exceptional care. This integrated approach supports individuals in achieving optimal sexual health, effectively addressing Priapism with a harmonious mix of proven and innovative treatments.

Dr. Rana’s Medical Hall is dedicated to the specialized treatment of sexual disorders, including Priapism. Our clinic boasts a team of experienced sexologists and is equipped with modern facilities to provide comprehensive care. We focus on holistic healing, employing advanced herbal remedies to address the root causes of Priapism. Our goal is to restore natural balance and overall health without the common side effects associated with conventional treatments. This unique approach has made Dr. Rana’s Medical Hall the only choice in the field of sexual health.

Treating priapism involves a comprehensive evaluation that includes consultations, physical exams, and medical tests to uncover the root causes. Once identified, customized herbal treatments without side effects are offered. Dr. Althaf Ibrahem Rana and his team provide exceptional care through prescribed medication and therapy, aiming to restore sexual health and improve relationships. Consultations are available at Dr. Rana’s Medical Hall in Kochi, Kottayam, Thrissur, Alappuzha, and Angamaly, with both in-person and online options available.