Having an erection for an extended period of time, also known as priapism, can be a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention. Priapism occurs when blood becomes trapped in the penis and is unable to drain properly. This can lead to reduced blood flow to the penis, causing tissue damage and potentially long-term erectile dysfunction if not treated promptly.
It is hollow and carries urine from the bladder through the penis to the outside. These are soft, spongy tubes that fill with blood to make the penis stiff during an erection. The three tubes are wrapped together by a very tough fibrous sheath called the tunica albuginea. 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. Alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and other drugs can cause priapism, particularly ischemic priapism.
At the same time, valves in the vein close, which traps the blood in the penis, making it hard and causing an erection. The last total solar eclipse visible from North America was in 2017. Parts of the United States from Oregon to South Carolina were able to witness the rare phenomenon. Before that, the last total solar eclipse visible in the U.S. was in 1979, when just five states were in the path of totality.
One of the main risks associated with having an erection for too long is the possibility of permanent damage to the penile tissue. As the tissues in the penis become deprived of oxygen due to the prolonged erection, they can begin to break down and die. This can result in scar tissue formation, which can lead to curvature of the penis or difficulty achieving erections in the future.
She now has permanent damage in the shape of a crescent that interferes with her vision. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun’s light. When the moon blocks some of the sun, it’s a partial solar eclipse, but when moon lines up with the sun, blocking all of its light, a total solar eclipse occurs, NASA explains.
If left untreated, priapism can also cause complications such as erectile dysfunction. The longer the erection persists, the higher the risk of developing erectile dysfunction. This is because the lack of oxygen-rich blood flow to the penis can damage the erectile tissues, making it difficult for the penis to become erect in the future.
Sunglasses aren’t enough, you need ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses which block about 1,000 times more sunlight. Men can have several types of issues including poor sex drive and problems with ejaculation. But ED refers specifically to trouble getting or keeping an erection. You might have a healthy sex drive, but a body that won’t respond.
In severe cases, priapism can even lead to permanent impotence. If the condition is not resolved quickly, it can result in irreversible damage to the penile tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. This can make it impossible to achieve or maintain an erection in the future, leading to permanent impotence and a significant decrease in quality of life.
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.
But there is a specific kind of lasting sadness—and often much worse—even when things are as amicable as humanly possible. Radiation doesn’t usually cause immediate erection dysfunction issues, but Dr. Bajic says it’s common for these problems to develop months or even years later. He explains some of the possible side effects of radiation for prostate cancer. Many men with ED are able to reach orgasm or ejaculate through sexual stimulation or intercourse, even without an erection. Though the risk of ED increases with age, it’s a common problem that affects many young people as well. According to one 2020 review, fetal erections are especially common during the third trimester of pregnancy and can occur an average of 1-3 times per hour.
It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately if you experience an erection lasting longer than four hours. Treatment for priapism typically involves draining the excess blood from the penis and addressing any underlying issues causing the prolonged erection. Ignoring priapism can have serious consequences, so it is important to act quickly to prevent any long-term damage to the penis and sexual function.
