Priapism

Priapism

It is a condition in which erection of penis occur for longer period than usual. It is not associated with sexual activity or any intimate stimulation. It is a very painful condition and mostly attack people with sickle cell disease.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of priapism include:Priapism Symptoms Causes Treatment

  • Progressive pain
  • Prolonged erection for more than 4 hours
  • Un-stimulated erection
  • Rigid penile shaft
  • Glans is soft
Causes

Normally penis can erect during sexual stimulation or during physical stimulation. Priapism is a disorder of blood flow system which can cause ischemia of penis in later stages. Following blood disorder may be associated with priapism:

Diagnosis

After taking history about sign and symptoms and conducting physical examination your doctor might recommend the following tests:

  • Blood test to check the complete blood count
  • Ultrasound to check the blood flow to the penis
  • Blood gas analysis to check the oxygen level
  • Toxicology analysis to check any drug or toxic involvement
Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause and severity of priapism, treatment options include:

  • Aspiration of excess blood from penis remove, drainage of oxygen deprived blood from penis stops its erection
  • Medications include sympathomimetic which constrict the arteries and due to its effect veins will open and dilated and remove oxygen deprived blood from penis.
  • Surgical process is not that much helpful
  • Nonischemic type usually resolves own its on
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