Prolonged erection
If you have a prolonged painful erection, seek medical help immediately because the sooner you get treatment, the better the outcome. If you cannot see your doctor urgently, go to your closest emergency department.
Key facts
- A persistent, prolonged erection of the penis that will not go down is called priapism.
- Prolonged erection occurs because the blood in the penis becomes trapped and is unable to flow out.
- There are a number of causes of priapism, including a side effect of medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction, illegal drug use and some health conditions.
- Priapism is a medical emergency and the sooner you treat it, the lower the risk that the penis will be damaged.
- The main complication of priapism is erectile dysfunction.
What is priapism or prolonged erection?
A persistent, prolonged erection of the penis that will not go down is called priapism. This unwanted erection is not caused by sexual arousal. It is usually very painful and can last for 4 hours or longer.
Prolonged erection, or priapism, occurs because the blood in the penis becomes trapped and is unable to flow out.
What are the causes of priapism?
Prolonged erection is caused by abnormal blood flow in the penis, causing the blood to build up. There are different reasons this may happen, but often the reason is unknown.
The most common causes of priapism include:
- a side effect of medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction
- sickle cell disease, which involves problems with red blood cell
- using some recreational or illegal drugs
- rarely, some serious diseases like cancer or blood disorders that increase the clotting factors of blood
- injury due to damage to the arteries that supply blood to the penis
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
When should I see my doctor?
Priapism is a medical emergency. The sooner you treat it, the less risk that the penis will be damaged. 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 a prolonged painful erection, seek medical help immediately because the sooner you get treatment, the better the outcome. If you cannot see your doctor urgently, go to your closest emergency department.
How is priapism treated?
If your erection is prolonged (lasts longer than 4 hours), seek urgent treatment.
Hospital treatment of priapism may include medicine to help blood leave the penis.
Treatment may also include using a needle and syringe to release some of the blood in the penis. In some situations, you may need surgery to treat priapism.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
Can priapism be prevented?
Priapism can sometimes be prevented, for example, by avoiding illegal drugs or certain medicines.
Only take medicines for erection problems if they are prescribed by your doctor.
Medicines bought on the internet may be of poor quality. Take care to only buy your medicines from a registered Australian pharmacy. Visit the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to you check before you buy medicines online.
What are the complications of priapism?
The main complication of priapism is erectile dysfunction. The longer the episode of priapism lasts, the more likely you are to develop erectile dysfunction. If you've had one priapism episode, you're more likely to have another compared to someone who hasn't experienced it before.
Having recurrent episodes of priapism can make you feel reluctant about having sex. This can influence your mental health, sexual function and intimate relationships.
Resources and support
For more information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of priapism see the Healthy Male website.
Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for more information and advice.
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Last reviewed: December 2023
