PRIAPISM

General Information

DEFINITION--A painful and persistent erection of the penis without sexual arousal or desire. It is a rare but serious condition that requires immediate attention so that a permanent injury does not occur to the penis and impair the patient's ability to have a normal erection.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Penis.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Males; young adult.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--A prolonged, painful, tender erection unaccompanied by sexual arousal.

CAUSES--Blood becomes trapped in the penis causing its engorgement.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Damage to the nerves that control the supply of blood to the penis.
• Blood disease (leukemia, sickle cell anemia).
• Prolonged sexual activity.
• Pelvic hematoma or cancer.
• Inflammation, injury or infection of the male genitalia.
• Certain medications (e.g., chlorpromazine, methaqualone, prazosin, tolbutamide, trazodone, and some corticosteroids, anticoagulants and antihypertensives).
• Spinal tumor.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Avoid drugs (when possible) that may cause the problem.
• Avoid excessive sexual stimulation.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Emergency treatment is necessary because of the risk of permanent damage to the penis.
• Treatment possibilities include surgery; injection of anesthesia into the spinal cord; or withdrawal of blood from the penis through a wide bore needle.
• Any underlying cause will also need treatment.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Permanent impotence.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--With prompt, effective medical treatment, a patient may eventually have normal erections again, and sex life should not be adversely affected.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----No measures other than emergency medical care.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:

• Pain medicine.
• Drugs to reduce blood pressure or thin the blood.

ACTIVITY--Bed rest until relieved.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

You have an erection that persists for no apparent reason. Do not waste time trying to get it down with cold compresses. Go to an emergency room if unable to reach doctor's office immediately.