Signs and Symptoms
Priapism is an uncommon condition that causes a prolonged and
often painful erection, which occurs without sexual stimulation.
In a third of the cases, the cause 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, see Drugs Reported to Cause Priapism.
Priapism is classified into two types — ischemic (no-flow) or
non-ischemic (high-flow).
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.
Diagnosis
depends on the type of priapism --
Ischemic Priapism — Diagnosis
involves a medical history and examination, to determine any
underlying medical causes and duration of the condition. During
the medical examination, your doctor will assess the severity of
pain, the rigidity of the penis and lack of involvement of
certain parts of the penis. This also will include checking the
rectum and the abdomen for evidence of unusual growths or
abnormalities that may indicate the presence of cancer. In
addition, a sample of your blood will be analyzed to exclude
sickle cell disease, thalasaemia major and leukemia.
Non-ischemic Priapism —
Diagnosis also involves a medical history and examination, to
determine any underlying medical causes and duration of the
condition. Your doctor will also conduct a Doppler examination,
which measures the blood flow of your penis. When in doubt, a
small needle may be placed in the penis, some of the blood is
drawn and then it is sent to a lab for analysis. This will help
determine which type of priapism the patient is experiencing.
Treatment
Treatment for all forms of priapism aims to eliminate the
erection, pain and preserve normal erectile function. In addition,
doctors recommend that any erection lasting four hours should seek
medical evaluation and treatment.
Ischemic Priapism
Ischemic priapism is considered a medical emergency and requires
immediate treatment. If left untreated, the condition can
significantly damage erectile function. In the early stages of
ischemic priapism, a cold shower or ice pack may relieve symptoms.
Exercise in the form of climbing stairs also may help.
Medications, such as analgesics and opiates to control pain, may
be recommended as well. Other treatments for the condition include
--
Intracavernous Drug Therapy — This treatment
is often very effective in treating low-flow priapism. It
involves injecting drugs known as alpha-agonists, such as
diluted neosynephrine, into the penis, which causes the veins to
open. As a result, the blood circulation to the penis is
re-established.
Shunt Surgery — During this procedure, a
surgical shunt created to restore normal blood circulation. A
surgical shunt creates a new route for the trapped blood to
return to the body.
Non-ischemic Priapism
This condition does not require urgent treatment and in some
cases, the condition may resolve itself spontaneously after days
or months, at which point erectile capacity returns to normal. In
some instances where treatment is necessary, the following
procedures may be recommended:
Embolization — This technique reduces blood
flow in the penis by obstructing the ruptured artery. This may
be achieved by inserting specially designed coils, glues or
spheres into the penis by a radiologist.
Surgical Ligation — The condition can also be
treated by tying off the ruptured artery, which helps to restore
normal blood flow in the penis.
Growing Stronger, Growing
Better
Global Health
Healthcare Provider
Priapism - treatment of Priapism, Priapism
types, Disease medicines, Priapism symptoms, Priapism and Disease symptoms,
Priapism symptoms Disease and diagnosis, Symptoms and Solutions, Signs and
Symptoms, type of Priapism, cause common, common Priapism, Priapism List,
causes list, Infectious Priapism, Causes, Diseases , Types, Prevention,
Treatment and Facts, Priapism information, Priapism: Definition, Priapism
names, medical Priapism, medical Priapism and disorders, cell Priapism,
Priapism Worldwide, Priapism Research, Priapism Control, Priapism Center,
Digestive Priapism Week, Information about Priapism, causes of different
Priapism, Priapism Articles, Priapism and conditions, Health and Priapism,
Priapism Patients, Priapism and Sciences, causes of alzheimer's Priapism,
Priapism causes, alternative medicine heart Priapism, body ailments,
Priapism medicines, medical antiques, type of blood Priapism