Priapism Treatment

Emergency and elective management of prolonged painful erection

Priapism — a prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours without sexual stimulation — is a urological emergency when ischaemic. Without prompt treatment, permanent erectile dysfunction results. Our urology team provides immediate assessment and management, as well as elective management of recurrent and non-ischaemic priapism.

Ischaemic priapism is treated by aspiration of blood from the corpora cavernosa and intracavernosal injection of sympathomimetic agents; non-ischaemic (high-flow) priapism requires a different assessment pathway.

Key Benefits

Prompt treatment prevents permanent erectile damage
Both ischaemic and non-ischaemic types managed
Minimally invasive aspiration first-line treatment
Surgical shunt available for refractory cases

Is This Treatment Right For You?

Men with an erection lasting more than 3–4 hours — urgent assessment needed
Those with recurrent stuttering priapism
Sickle cell disease patients at high priapism risk

What to Expect

Urgent Assessment

Duration, pain level and blood gas aspirate used to classify priapism type.

Aspiration

Blood aspirated from corpora cavernosa under local anaesthesia.

Intracavernosal Injection

Sympathomimetic agent (phenylephrine) injected to restore detumescence.

Follow-Up

Erectile function assessed at 4–6 weeks; secondary prevention planned for recurrent cases.

Recovery & Aftercare

Monitored for several hours post-treatment; normal activity resumes within 1–2 days if resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is priapism an emergency?

Ischaemic priapism is — permanent erectile dysfunction risk rises sharply after 6 hours without treatment; seek urgent urological assessment immediately.

What causes priapism?

Causes include medications (particularly intracavernosal injections for ED), sickle cell disease, blood disorders, trauma and sometimes unknown factors.