Priapism: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Know about the priapism, what it is, causes, symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment options. Learn about the lifestyle and prevention tips.
Written by Dr. Siri Nallapu
Reviewed by Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam MD (Physician)
Last updated on 2nd Sep, 2025
Introduction
Priapism is a medical condition characterised by a prolonged and often painful erection that lasts for more than four hours without sexual stimulation. While it may sound similar to a normal erection, priapism is not related to sexual arousal and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help you seek timely medical care and prevent long-term damage.
What is Priapism?
Priapism occurs when blood becomes trapped in the penis, causing an erection that doesn’t go away. Unlike a normal erection, which subsides after sexual activity, priapism persists and can be extremely uncomfortable or painful.
There are two main types:
1. Ischemic (Low-Flow) Priapism – The most common type, caused by blood not draining properly from the penis. This can lead to oxygen deprivation and tissue damage if not treated quickly.
2. Non-Ischemic (High-Flow) Priapism – Less common and usually painless, caused by excessive blood flow into the penis due to an injury or artery damage.
Consult a Urologist for Personalised Advice
Symptoms of Priapism
The primary symptom is an erection lasting more than four hours without sexual stimulation. Other signs include:
- Pain or tenderness (especially in ischemic priapism)
- A rigid penis with a soft glans (tip) in some cases
- Discolouration (the penis may appear dark red or purple)
- Difficulty urinating in severe cases
If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately to prevent complications like erectile dysfunction.
What Causes Priapism?
Priapism can result from various medical conditions, medications, or injuries. Common causes include:
1. Blood Disorders
- Sickle cell anaemia (a leading cause in children and young adults)
- Leukaemia or other blood cancers
- Thalassemia (a genetic blood disorder)
2. Medications
- Erectile dysfunction drugs (Viagra, Cialis)
- Antidepressants (trazodone, fluoxetine)
- Blood thinners (heparin, warfarin)
- Hormone treatments (testosterone therapy)
3. Other Medical Conditions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Pelvic trauma (affecting blood flow)
- Certain infections (malaria, rabies)
4. Substance Use
- Alcohol abuse
- Cocaine or marijuana use
How is Priapism Diagnosed?
A doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history. Diagnostic tests may include:
- Blood tests (to check for sickle cell disease or infections)
- Ultrasound (to assess blood flow in the penis)
- Blood gas analysis (to determine oxygen levels in penile blood)
Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent permanent damage.
Treatment Options for Priapism
Treatment depends on the type and cause of priapism:
1. Ischemic (Low-Flow) Priapism Treatment
- Ice packs and pain relievers (to reduce swelling)
- Medications (injections to constrict blood vessels)
- Aspiration (draining excess blood with a needle)
- Surgery (in severe cases, to redirect blood flow)
2. Non-Ischemic (High-Flow) Priapism Treatment
- Observation (often resolves on its own)
- Compression therapy (to reduce blood flow)
- Embolisation (a minimally invasive procedure to block abnormal blood flow)
Lifestyle and Prevention Tips
The lifestyle and prevention tips include:
- Stay hydrated (especially if you have sickle cell disease)
- Avoid excessive alcohol and recreational drugs
- Consult your doctor before taking ED medications if you have a history of priapism
When to See a Doctor?
Priapism is a medical emergency. If you have an erection lasting more than four hours, seek immediate care to prevent permanent damage.
Final Thoughts
Priapism is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help you act quickly and avoid complications like erectile dysfunction. If you suspect priapism, seek emergency care immediately.
Consult a Urologist for Personalised Advice
Consult a Urologist for Personalised Advice
Dr. S Suresh Goud
Urologist
4 Years • MS, Mch (Uro)
Karimnagar
Apollo Reach Hospitals Railway Station Road, Karimnagar
(25+ Patients)
Dr Ram Prasad Ch
Urologist
6 Years • MBBS MS(Gen Surgery) DrNB(Urology)
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
Dr Ved Bhaskar
Urologist
11 Years • MBBS, MS (Gen Surgery), MCh (Urology), Fellowship in Robotic Surgery
Lucknow
Apollomedics Super Speciality Hospital, Lucknow
Dr. Suresh Kr Rawat
Urologist
42 Years • MBBS, MS, DNB & MCh, Qualified Teacher for DNB & MCh Urology
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(150+ Patients)
Dr Deepak Raghavan
Urologist
21 Years • DNB (Uro), MRCS
Chennai
Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai
(175+ Patients)
Consult a Urologist for Personalised Advice
Dr. S Suresh Goud
Urologist
4 Years • MS, Mch (Uro)
Karimnagar
Apollo Reach Hospitals Railway Station Road, Karimnagar
(25+ Patients)
Dr Ram Prasad Ch
Urologist
6 Years • MBBS MS(Gen Surgery) DrNB(Urology)
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
Dr Ved Bhaskar
Urologist
11 Years • MBBS, MS (Gen Surgery), MCh (Urology), Fellowship in Robotic Surgery
Lucknow
Apollomedics Super Speciality Hospital, Lucknow
Dr. Suresh Kr Rawat
Urologist
42 Years • MBBS, MS, DNB & MCh, Qualified Teacher for DNB & MCh Urology
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(150+ Patients)
Dr Deepak Raghavan
Urologist
21 Years • DNB (Uro), MRCS
Chennai
Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai
(175+ Patients)