Priapism - meaning and definition
Alsopersistent erectionpainful erection
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
A long-lasting, often painful erection that is not caused by sexual arousal and does not go away. It can be a medical emergency.
At a glance
- A prolonged erection unrelated to arousal.
- Can be painful and can cause lasting damage if untreated.
- More common in people with sickle cell disease.
- Can be linked to some medicines and drugs.
- Needs emergency care if it lasts several hours.
In detail
Priapism happens when blood becomes trapped in the penis. It is more common in people with sickle cell disease and can also be linked to some medicines, including certain treatments for erectile dysfunction, as well as other blood conditions and some recreational drugs.
Without prompt treatment, it can cause lasting damage. NHS advice is to seek emergency care for an erection that lasts more than 3 to 4 hours, or sooner for people with sickle cell disease.
In a sentence
- The leaflet for my new medicine listed priapism as a rare side effect to watch out for.
- Our sickle cell clinic gave us a plan for what to do about priapism.
Common questions
When is a long-lasting erection an emergency?
NHS guidance is to seek emergency care for an erection lasting more than 3 to 4 hours, or more than 1 hour for people with sickle cell disease. Ask someone else to drive you rather than driving yourself.
What causes priapism?
Causes include sickle cell disease, other blood disorders, some medicines such as certain erectile dysfunction treatments, and some recreational drugs. A clinician can look for the cause.