JUST about every man will have some sort of sexual problem during their lifetime.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is widely considered the most common sexual problem reported by men, especially as they age.
But while some men struggle to get their member to stand to attention, others are struggling to get it down – and could face serious complications if they don’t do anything about it.
Priapism is a long-lasting painful erection which can cause permanent damage to the penis if not treated quickly.
It affects 0.73-5.4 per 100, 000 men per year, which is why many people won’t have heard of it.
But health experts say it’s definitely worth knowing about because prompt medical attention is essential to manage it and minimise the risk of permanent damage, including potential amputation.
Dr Deborah Lee, of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, said there are two types of priapism to be aware of.
The first is stuttering priapism – repeated, short episodes of painful erections that resolve on their own.
The second is fulminant priapism – a severe, prolonged erection lasting for several hours that requires immediate medical attention as it can cause significant tissue damage if not treated promptly.
Dr Lee warned: “After four hours, an erection is a medical emergency and without urgent treatment, this can result in permanent damage to the penis, erectile dysfunction and even gangrene of the penis.
“This is because blood is trapped inside the penis and oxygenated blood cannot reach the penile tissues.”
The symptoms to look out for
The main symptoms of priapism are a man developing an erection that occurs without sexual stimulation, which persists and will not go away.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Why You Should Think Twice Before Popping Viagra Just For Fun (1)” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6350968089112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]This can become increasingly painful, said Dr Lee.
She added: “They sometimes wake in the night with a painful erection that will not go away.
“The pain is moderate to severe in 81.5 per cent of cases.”
So who’s most at risk?
Any man can develop priapism, but Dr Lee lists five known underlying causes:
The following conditions can also be to blame for priapism:
- Blood disorders such as leukaemia, sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia, multiple myeloma
- As a side effect of medication such as antidepressants like fluoxetine, sertraline, trazodone and bupropion
- Alpha-blockers such as prazosin, terazosin and tamsulosin
- Anti-anxiety drugs such as risperidone, olanzapine, lithium and
chlorpromazine - Anticoagulants including warfarin and heparin
- Hormones including testosterone
- Medication used to treat ADHD including methylphenidate and atomoxetine
- Alcohol
- Illegal drugs such as cocaine and marijuana
- Spinal injury
- Metabolic disorders such as gout and amyloidosis
- Syphilis
- Cancer of the penis
It’s also important to note priapism doesn’t always have an obvious cause.
Can it go away on its own?
In stuttering priapism erections are prolonged and painful but do disperse by themselves.
Dr Lee advised: “If an erection lasts for four hours, it’s a medical emergency.
“If after three hours, it is showing no signs of dissipating, you should phone 999 or get to A&E without delay.”
When to see a GP
The best ways to prevent it happening are by managing any underlying conditions as well as possible, not drinking alcohol or taking illicit drugs, not taking drugs for erectile dysfunction, and staying hydrated.
But Dr Lee added: “If you notice you’re developing prolonged, painful erections, you should discuss this with your GP.
“They may refer you to a Consultant Urologist for further tests. You may need blood tests, and an ultrasound scan of the penis and genital area to measure the blood flow in the area.
“If you have any acute priapism – if this has lasted for three hours and is not resolving, phone 999 or get to A&E without delay.”
Erectile dysfunction is a much more common penis condition.
In the UK, up to one in five men, or roughly 4.3 million men, are affected by the condition, according to a study by researchers at King’s College London.
However, the true prevalence may be higher due to under-reporting.