Normally when a man gets aroused, arteries in the penis and pelvis relax and expand. As a result, more blood is brought to the spongy tissues in the penis. At the same time, the valves in the veins close and trap blood in the area. This causes an erection. At the end of the excitement, the vein valves open, the blood flows out and the penis returns to normal.
Blood flow that is not normal causes priapism. An erection that lasts for more than four(4) hours.
What is priapism?
Priapism is a prolonged erection of the penis. Usually, it can happen without sexual arousal. This persistent erection continues hours beyond. Generally, priapism is very painful. It is common in people with sickle cell anaemia.
Also, priapism occurs in all age groups, including newborns. However, it usually affects men between the ages of ;
1. five(5) and ten(10)
2. twenty(20) and fifty(50).
What causes priapism?
1. Sickle cell anaemia – some cases of priapism usually are a result of sickle cell anaemia. About 42% of people with sickle cell develop priapism.
2. Medication – the misuse of medication such as desyrel (a drug used to treat depression) and thorazine (a drug used to treat certain mental illness) cause priapism.
3. Cancers – in rare cases, priapism can occur with certain types of cancerous growths.
Other causes include;
1. Trauma to the genital area or spinal cord
2. Carbon monoxide poisoning
3. Drug use such as marijuana and cocaine
Symptoms
Symptoms of this condition vary depending on the type. The two main types are ischemic and nonischemic priapism.
Ischemic priapism – is the result of blood not being able to leave the penis. Signs and symptoms include:
1. Erection lasting more than four hours
2. Progressive penile pain
3. Rigid penile shaft, but the tip of penis is soft.
Nonischemic priapism – this occurs when blood flow in the penis is not appropriately regulated. It is less painful than ischemic priapism. Signs and symptoms include:
1. Erection lasting more than four hours
2. Erect but not fully rigid penile shaft
What are the complications?
Due to lack of oxygen, there can be significant damage if priapism lasts for more than four hours. The complications include:
1. Erectile dysfunction
2. Disfigurement of the penis
Can priapism be prevented?
Priapism or recurrence of priapism can be prevented by treating the underlying medical cause that resulted in it or change medications that have priapism as their side effects. Consult a medical doctor about medications.
REFERENCES
1. Jerry R, (2018), priapism penis disorder. Retrieved from https//medicinenet.com on 1/09/20.
2. Mayoclinic,(2019), priapism. Retrieved from https//mayoclinic.org
3. Webmd,(2019), erectile dysfunction and priapism.
