Male Sexual Function

Priapism

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Priapism is an uncommon condition that causes a prolonged and often painful erection, which occurs without sexual stimulation. In one-third of the cases, the cause of the disorder is unknown. The remaining cases are caused by an associated condition, including sickle cell disease, pelvic tumors, pelvic infections, leukemia, genital trauma or spinal cord trauma and medications or recreational drugs. For more information on medications and recreational drugs that may cause Priapism, please see Drugs Reported to Cause Priapism.

Priapism is classified into ischemic (no-flow) or non-ischemic (high-flow) types --

• Ischemic Priapism -- This is the most common form of priapism and usually occurs with several hours or days of a painful erection. It is caused by an obstruction in the penis' venous drainage, which results in a buildup of poorly oxygenated blood in the corpora cavernosa, the tissue that forms the bulk of the erectile body of the penis. Ischemic priapism is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. If left untreated, the condition can significantly damage erectile function, by causing extensive scar tissue build-up and impotence.

• Non-ischemic Priapism -- This type of priapism is not as common or painful. It is usually caused by an injury to the penis or perineum-the area between the scrotum and anus. The injury causes the artery within the erectile body to rupture and thus pumping large amount of blood to the penis continuously.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007