Among the potential side effects of erectile dysfunction medications, few are as urgent or alarming as priapism. Priapism is an erection lasting longer than 4 hours that cannot be relieved with ejaculation. However, men suffering from priapism may also experience a hard penile shaft with soft glans, increasing penile pain over time, and an erection not related to sexual arousal.
It’s also worth mentioning that priapism has other causes aside from ED medications. These include:
The word “priapism” is derived from Priapus, a Greek god who was cursed by the goddess Hera to suffer from a permanent erection, yet could not sustain said erection when it came time for sexual intercourse. While his curse was the source of much amusement in Latin literature, the condition is no laughing matter.
Ischemic priapism is caused when blood becomes trapped in the penis and can’t drain properly, causing increased pressure and oxygen deprivation in the tissue. It is usually very painful and requires urgent medical attention.
Treatment for priapism can involve:
If you or someone else is experiencing symptoms of priapism, especially ischemic priapism, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Waiting too long can result in irreversible damage to the erectile tissue.
Disclaimer: If you are experiencing an erection lasting longer than 3 hours, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room. Priapism is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
If you’re looking for a men’s health clinic that offers erectile dysfunction treatment in the Kansas City Metro Area, contact Heartland Men’s Health today for a consultation. We have locations in Overland Park, Kansas, Independence, Missouri, and North Kansas City, Missouri, and we are eager to help you find personalized treatment for your ED.
We offer a variety of advanced treatment options designed to help you restore confidence and improve your quality of life. Whether you’re just beginning to explore solutions or you’ve tried treatments in the past without success, we’ll work closely with you to create a personalized plan that addresses the root cause of your symptoms. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
