Priapism
At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can access exceptional care for priapism. As a global leader in urology, we are an academic-based, national and international referral site for the most complex and high-risk cases. For more than a century, we have been at the forefront of innovation, research and clinical care for genitourinary (GU) conditions.
Ranked in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for urology according to U.S. News & World Report, Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of GU conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of world-renowned specialists is passionate about uncovering the latest diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes.
At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can expect compassionate, personalized, research-driven treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety. In addition, we offer patients a full range of support services, from nutritional guidance to rehabilitative therapies.
When you need priapism care, turn to our dedicated multidisciplinary team for a personalized treatment plan.
What Is Priapism?
Priapism is a condition resulting in an uncontrolled, sometimes painful, erection lasting for an atypically long time. Sexual stimulation may be a partial cause, but there are often additional underlying causes, including medical conditions and certain prescription medications. Immediate treatment is critical to prevent tissue damage and erectile dysfunction.
Types of Priapism
There are two types of priapism:
- Acute ischemic: occurs when blood cannot enter or leave the penis, causing a painful and uncomfortable erection that can last for more than four hours. This condition may come and go, known as stuttering priapism.
- Nonischemic: occurs when excess blood flows constantly through the penis, causing a less painful but still extended erection that can last for more than four hours.
Causes of Priapism
Priapism occurs when blood flow to the penis doesn’t function properly. Some causes of priapism are:
- Alcohol and drug use
- Blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia and leukemia
- Injury to your genitals, pelvis or the area between the penis and the anus, or to the spinal cord
- Prescription drugs, including some erectile dysfunction drugs, mental health drugs and blood thinners
- Tumors
Signs & Symptoms of Priapism
The primary symptom of priapism is an erection that lasts longer than four hours without sexual stimulation.
Diagnosing Priapism
To diagnose priapism, and which type, your health care provider will examine your genitals, abdomen, groin and perineum. Blood tests, blood gas measurements and a blood flow ultrasound also may be used to determine the cause.
Treating Priapism
We provide several advanced treatments for priapism, depending on whether the condition is diagnosed as acute ischemic or nonischemic. Non-ischemic priapism often resolves without treatment. Placing ice or pressure on the perineum may help end the erection. Ischemic priapism requires emergency care to drain blood from the penis, using the following procedures:
- Aspiration: A surgical needle and syringe are used to drain excess blood.
- Injection: Medication or saline mix is injected into the penile veins to improve blood flow. The penile veins are flushed to relieve pain, remove oxygen-poor blood and end the erection.
- Shunt: A surgeon may perform a shunt procedure to vent blood from the penis.