Priapism.
It’s uncomfortable to talk about, but even more uncomfortable to experience.
But with the right education, most men and boys can manage it safely, without doing themselves any permanent damage.
And for all parents with sons you must make them aware of this as soon as they are old enough to understand.
What is Priapism?
It's a painful erection that lasts longer than it should because blood becomes trapped inside the penis and can’t drain away. It’s nothing to do with sexual arousal. It’s caused by the way sickle cell obstructs blood flow, oxygen levels and smooth muscle relaxation in the penis.
Left untreated, it can lead to long-term erectile problems, which is why knowing what to do early makes such a big difference.
When does it become an emergency?
If a painful erection lasts more than two hours and doesn't settle no matter what you do, it becomes a medical emergency. This is the point where trapped blood starts to lose oxygen and can damage the tissue.
You need to go straight to an Emergency Department where a urology team is available. They may need to remove the trapped blood using a needle or inject medication to contract the smooth muscle so blood can flow out normally. It sounds intense, but it protects your penis from long term harm.
What can you try early at home?
There's a few simple things that can help resolve it before the 2 hour mark.
These all help improve circulation and encourage the trapped blood to flow back out of the penis, which can settle the erection before it becomes an emergency.
What are the Medication options?
If priapism keeps happening, you don’t have to wait for the next episode to strike.
Daily low-dose sildenafil is often used to regulate blood flow so erections start and stop normally rather than trapping blood suddenly.
For occasional episodes, pseudoephedrine at the first sign can help the smooth muscle contract just enough to let blood drain. That mild contraction is what naturally switches an erection off.
These medications have to be prescribed by a Urology specialist. So arranging to see a Urologist is the first step to getting safe medical treatment.
Final note
Priapism affects confidence, relationships and emotional wellbeing.
The more men and parents know, the less fear and stigma there is around it.
Stay Healthy,
Lewis
