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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Ischemic priapism can cause serious complications. The blood trapped in the penis is deprived of its oxygen supply and becomes toxic to tissues. When the erection lasts for longer than fours hours, the oxygen-poor blood can begin to damage or destroy tissues in the penis. As a result, untreated priapism may cause:

  • Erectile dysfunction, the inability of the penis to become or stay erect with sexual arousal
  • Disfiguring of the penis
Preparing for your appointment Causes
References
  1. Priapism. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec17/ch226/ch226j.html. Accessed Sept. 8, 2010.
  2. AUA guideline on the management of priapism. Linthicum, Md.: American Urological Association Education and Research Inc. http://www.auanet.org/content/guidelines-and-quality-care/clinical-guidelines/main-reports/priapism/online.pdf. Accessed Sept. 7, 2010.
  3. Broderick GA, et al. Priapism: Pathogenesis, epidemiology, and management. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2010;7:476.
  4. Burnett AL, et al. Priapism: Current principles and practice. Urology Clinics of North America. 2007;34:631.
DS00873 Dec. 3, 2010

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