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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffPriapism causes abnormally persistent erections. Priapism symptoms vary somewhat depending on the type of priapism.
Ischemic priapism
Ischemic, or low-flow, priapism is the result of blood not being able to leave the penis. It's the most common type of priapism. Signs and symptoms include:
- Unwanted erection lasting more than four hours
- Rigid penile shaft, but usually soft tip of penis (glans)
- Erection not related to sexual stimulation or persistent after stimulation
- Usually painful or tender penis
Nonischemic priapism
Nonischemic, or high-flow, priapism occurs when too much blood flows into the penis. Signs and symptoms include:
- Unwanted erection lasting at least four hours
- Erect but not rigid penile shaft
- Erection not related to sexual stimulation or persistent after stimulation
- Usually painless
Stuttering priapism
Another type of ischemic priapism, stuttering, or recurring, priapism occurs off and on. A stuttering erection is usually painful and generally lasts several hours.
When to see a doctor
Go to the emergency room if you have an erection lasting longer than four hours.
If you experience a painful, persistent erection that resolves on its own in less than four hours, see your doctor, because you may need treatment to prevent further episodes.
- Priapism. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec17/ch226/ch226j.html. Accessed Sept. 8, 2010.
- 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.
- Broderick GA, et al. Priapism: Pathogenesis, epidemiology, and management. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2010;7:476.
- Burnett AL, et al. Priapism: Current principles and practice. Urology Clinics of North America. 2007;34:631.
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