PROLONGED ERECTION 

Prolonged erection

A persistent, prolonged erection of the penis that will not go down is called priapism. This unwanted erection may or may not be reason by sexual arousal, is generally very painful and can last for two hours or longer.

Priapism is a medical emergency. If it’s not treated within 24 hours your penis may be permanently damaged and you might have trouble getting an erection in future. If you have an erection that is painful and won’t go away or lasts more than four hours, you should go to the nearest emergency department for medical attention.

Prolonged erection, or priapism, occurs because the blood in the penis becomes trapped and is unable to return to the circulation.

Priapism can be caused by:

• blood disorders or other medical conditions
• some prescription medications
• alcohol and drug use
• injury
• A spider bite or an infection.

If an erection is painful, you can use an ice-pack to relieve the swelling. But it should not be placed directly against the skin – try wrapping a bag of frozen peas in a cloth and mould this approximately the swollen area.

If you have had an erection that has lasted more than two hours, you should go to the nearest emergency department for medical attention.

Priapism can be a side effect of medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction. You should take medicines for erection harms only if they are approved by an authorized health practitioner, such as your doctor, specialist nurse or erectile specialist. Medicines bought on the internet may be of poor excellence and may contain ingredients that are not safe when taken in combination with other medicines you are on. They may also be unsafe due to other health problems you have.