File photo: Persons with priapism risk getting permanent erectile dysfunction
Imagine experiencing a prolonged penile erection without any sexual stimulation. For men, this can be distressing, uncomfortable, and may lead to urinary issues. Priapism, although rare, has significant implications, impacting physical health, psychological well-being, and quality of life. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent complications such as tissue damage, erectile dysfunction, and in severe cases, loss of life. This condition is particularly common among men with sickle cell disease, where sickled red blood cells block blood flow out of the penis during an erection, leading to prolonged erection and potential permanent damage if not treated promptly.
Academic research describes priapism as a persistent, painful, and abnormal swelling of the penis that does not subside after sexual stimulation. Prolonged erections lasting more than 24 to 48 hours can result in irreversible fibrosis and permanent erectile dysfunction. Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), characterized by abnormal blood cells, predisposes men to priapism due to difficulty in blood flow during an erection.
Treatment options for priapism include the application of cold lotions and the use of sedative drugs. Surgical procedures may be necessary if standard treatments are ineffective, aiming to bypass obstructed blood flow. Prompt intervention is essential to prevent long-term erectile dysfunction, varying based on the type of priapism.
