Everything you know about priapism

What is the definition of Priapism ?

Priapism is a medical condition in which the penis remains erect and uncomfortable for several hours or longer. It’s a medical issue that might lead to irreversible penile damage if left addressed. A single occurrence might have an impact on future erection capacity. During an episode of priapism, the surface of the penis is difficult and often painful. The softness of the penis head can be maintained.

What causes this to happen ?

During sexual arousal, the arteries supplying blood to the penis expand. This causes stiffness by increasing the quantity and pressure of blood in the penis. If blood is trapped in the engorged hard penis for a few hours after stimulation and does not flow naturally out, the penis will remain stiff and prone to damage.

What causes priapism and how can you prevent it ?

Any illness that causes a buildup of blood and pressure or stops it from being released causes priapism.

a) Causes that are physical

It’s more prevalent in guys with a tendency for their blood to thicken and stay together. This can arise in both hereditary and acquired diseases including sickle cell anaemia and lymphoma and myeloma. The neurological system of the penis can be affected by congenital or acquired spinal injuries, which can impair normal blood flow. Injuries to the base of the penis and the region around the anus, as well as growths like bladder and prostate cancer, can impair blood flow.

b) Prescription medicines

Although several prescription medicines have been linked to a higher incidence of priapism, the risk is still minimal. Sildenafil (Viagra, cenforce 100), tadalafil (Cialis, vidalista 20), avanafil (Spedra), and vardenafil (Levitra, vilitra 60), as well as alprostadil-containing topical erectile dysfunction medicines like Vitaros cream, have all been mentioned as possible causes. Because the danger is so low, it’s worth repeating. Antidepressants like Prozac, anticoagulants like warfarin and heparin, and blood pressure medicines known as calcium channel blockers are all examples of pharmaceuticals that can cause priapism.

Treatment

Within a few hours, the collected blood must be cleared and the blood pressure must be reduced. This should be done in the emergency room of a hospital. By placing large-bore needles into the erectile tissue on each side of the shaft, blood may be collected straight from the penis. Dilute pheny lephedrine (adrenaline) can be injected into the penis to reduce inward and enhance exterior blood flow. Side effects including a racing heart and high blood pressure must be managed throughout administration. Surgical techniques can be used to alleviate pressure if other approaches fail. This is generally a last-ditch effort.

Important points

In most stable guys, priapism is uncommon. It’s a medical emergency that has to be treated as soon as possible to avoid irreparable damage. Men with pre-existing health problems are more vulnerable. Some medicines, most notably those intended to treat erectile dysfunction, cause the illness directly, especially when taken in combination with other drugs. Treatment is available, but it comes with its own set of issues and challenges.