Priapism Symptoms: Signs to Look Out For
Priapism is a painful and prolonged erection caused by blood retention in the penis.
About one-third of cases have no apparent cause, while others may be linked to underlying health conditions, medications, or injuries.
While some instances may resolve on their own, medical treatment is essential to prevent permanent damage.
When an erection occurs without sexual stimulation, it is a clear sign of Priapism
What are the other definitive symptoms of Priapism?
This article has information about the different types, Priapism symptoms, understanding when to consult a doctor, and how Priapism is diagnosed.
Types of Priapism
This condition is of two types: Ischemic and Non-ischemic.
Ischemic Priapism
This is also known as no-flow or low-flow Priapism and is the most common type.
Ischemic Priapism is when a painful erection continues for multiple hours or even days.
It happens due to an obstruction in the penis’ venous drainage, causing a buildup of poorly oxygenated blood in the erectile tissue.
This condition should be immediately treated as it is a medical emergency to prevent long-term damage and ED (Erectile Dysfunction).
Non-ischemic Priapism
This type of Priapism is also known as high-flow Priapism and is less painful and common.
Typically, a penis or perineum injury causes Non-ischemic Priapism.
This happens when the injury tears the artery inside the erectile body, leading to the pumping of a high quantity of blood to the penis consistently.
Symptoms of Priapism
The symptoms of Priapism depend on the type of Priapism.
Ischemic Priapism symptoms
The low flow Priapism symptoms include:
- Erection sustaining more than four hours or unrelated to sexual stimulation or interest
- Having a rigid penile shaft, yet the glans (the tip of the penis) remains soft
- Worsening of the pain in the penis
Non-ischemic Priapism symptoms
The high flow Priapism symptoms include:
- Erection sustaining more than four hours or unrelated to sexual stimulation or interest
- The penile shaft becomes erect but not completely stiff
- Usually, a painless erection
Cocaine and alcohol consumption are known to cause Priapism.
When to see a doctor?
When an individual has an erection that has been continuing for a few hours, getting quick medical care is crucial.
The doctor will be able to say what type of Priapism has affected the individual after reviewing the medical history, noting the symptoms, and physical and diagnostic tests.
Therefore, when someone is experiencing painful, uncomfortable, and repeated erections that go away on their own, he must see a doctor.
Treatment may be necessary for him to avoid repeat episodes.
Priapism diagnosis
To know the reason why a man is experiencing Priapism and its type, he needs to consult a medical expert.
They will have queries while physically examining the abdomen, groin, genitals, and perineum.
The healthcare provider will most likely ask about the symptoms and the probability of any injury that might be causing Priapism.
The diagnosis of Priapism can also be done through blood tests, blood flow ultrasound, and blood gas measurements.
Conclusion
The medical condition Priapism is characterized by a prolonged and often painful erection not associated with sexual arousal.
Blood disorders, medications, injuries, or illicit drug use can cause the condition.
Priapism is of two types: Ischemic (Low-Flow) Priapism and Non-ischemic (High-Flow) Priapism.
The common Priapism symptoms of both types are a persistent erection lasting more than four hours and an unprovoked erection occurring without sexual arousal or stimulation.
In addition, the Ischemic Priapism symptoms are a rigid erection with the penis tip remaining soft and a gradual increase in the penile pen.
The additional high flow Priapism symptoms are the penile shaft becoming erect but not completely rigid and a painless erection.
It is important to see a doctor when experiencing Priapism symptoms to prevent tissue damage and address underlying causes.
Knowing the Priapism symptoms will help in understanding the causes of Priapism and getting the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Seeking immediate medical care is the best action, ensuring a swift resolution and minimizing potential long-term consequences.
Frequently asked questions
Is Priapism a sign of complete spinal cord injury?
Priapism can occur in individuals with spinal cord injuries, but it is not exclusive to complete spine injuries. It may result from disruptions in the autonomic nervous system, leading to uncontrolled blood flow to the penis. Prompt medical attention is crucial to address Priapism and prevent potential complications.
Can Priapism happen to anyone?
Yes, Priapism can happen to any male. It can occur in anyone with a penis in all age groups, including newborns, but it is relatively rare overall. However, it is more commonly associated with certain medical conditions, including sickle cell disease, certain medications, and spinal cord injuries.
What should I do if I experience Priapism symptoms?
If you experience Priapism (prolonged, painful erection), seek immediate medical attention. It could be a sign of an underlying issue, such as spinal cord injury or blood disorders. Timely intervention is crucial to prevent complications and address the root cause. Do not delay seeking medical help for Priapism.
Can Priapism be relieved by sexual intercourse or masturbation?
No, sexual intercourse or masturbation usually won’t make Priapism go away even if you ejaculate. Priapism, a prolonged and painful erection, often requires medical intervention. The goal of all Priapism treatment is to drive away the erection and preserve the ability to have erections in the future.
WowRx uses only high-quality sources while writing our articles. Please read our content information policy to know more about how we keep our content reliable and trustworthy.
