An erection is when a penis hardens and enlarges due to filling up with blood. Erections typically occur when a person with a penis is sexually aroused, but it can happen spontaneously. For the best possible outcome, it’s important that you seek help for prolonged erections, especially if the problem is persistent, not caused by an injury, and doesn’t respond to ice therapy. To determine what type of priapism you have, your doctor will ask questions and examine your genitals, abdomen, groin and perineum. Your doctor might be able to determine what type of priapism you have based on whether you’re experiencing pain and the rigidity of the penis.
Some injectable drugs used to treat Peyronie’s can increase the risk of penile fracture by dissolving scar tissues and weakening the tunica albuginea. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to getting and maintaining an erection. The process starts in your brain and involves your nervous and circulatory systems. Being able to get and maintain an erection is important to your sexual and emotional health. ED can also be one of the first signs of a more serious issue like heart disease.
Having an erection for hours may sound like a dream come true for some individuals, but in reality, it can be a serious medical emergency. Also known as priapism, a prolonged erection can cause irreversible damage to the penis if not treated promptly.
In some cases, erectile problems could indicate an underlying condition. Treating or managing that condition can often help treat erectile dysfunction. Healthcare professionals can help determine any underlying causes and discuss possible treatment options, including lifestyle changes and prescription medication. Anyone who has concerns about their erectile dysfunction, either age-related or otherwise, should speak with a healthcare professional.
This article explores the symptoms and causes of painful erections and explains how the condition is diagnosed and treated. It also describes when a painful erection is a sign of a medical emergency in need of immediate care. Erectile dysfunction (ED) happens when a person can’t get or keep an erection that’s hard enough for sexual intercourse. Even though both types of priapism have similar symptoms, a doctor has to run diagnostic tests to determine whether you have low-flow or high-flow priapism. The treatment options differ depending on the exact type and cause of the condition.
There are also extremely rare cases of priapism in females (known as clitorism). A recent msnbc.com column dealth with a 70-year-old man who thought he had a form of priapism. According to the FDA, physicians are encouraged to report suspected adverse events, although the event may be related to an underlying disease, another drug or simple chance. Talk to a healthcare provider if you get recurrent painful erections without sexual arousal or stimulation that go away on their own.
For personalized advice, take our Erectile Dysfunction Quiz to find out if you have ED and get access to quick and easy treatment options. Erections make sexual intercourse possible, but having an erection does not always mean a man wants to masturbate or engage in sexual activities. The parasympathetic nervous system is active when you’re asleep, so erections sometimes happen in your sleep. The term “morning wood” is actually a misnomer; penises can become erect and then flaccid again several times in the course of one night.
What Causes a Prolonged Erection?
There are several factors that can lead to an erection lasting for hours. Some common causes include:
- Medication: Certain medications, such as those used to treat erectile dysfunction, can cause priapism as a side effect.
- Drug Use: Recreational drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine can also contribute to prolonged erections.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like sickle cell anemia or leukemia can increase the risk of priapism.
Why is Priapism Dangerous?
When blood becomes trapped in the penis due to priapism, it can deprive the tissues of oxygen, leading to tissue damage and scarring. This can result in permanent erectile dysfunction and even loss of the ability to have penetrative sex.
How to Treat Priapism
If you experience an erection lasting for more than four hours, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Treatment options may include:
- Drainage: A healthcare provider may need to drain blood from the penis to relieve the pressure.
- Medication: Medications like phenylephrine can help constrict blood vessels in the penis and reduce swelling.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying cause of priapism.
Remember, a prolonged erection is not something to ignore or dismiss. Seeking prompt medical treatment is essential to prevent long-term complications and ensure the health of your penis.
