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Showing posts from June, 2026

Priapism

Priapism Fresco in Pompeii depicting Priapus Pronunciation / ˈ p r aɪ . ə ˌ p ɪ z əm / Specialty Urology, emergency medicine Symptoms Penis remains erect for hours Complications Permanent scarring of the penis Types Ischemic (low-flow), nonischemic (high-flow), recurrent ischemic (intermittent) Causes Sickle cell disease, antipsychotics, SSRIs, blood thinners, cocaine, trauma Treatment Ischemic : Removal of blood from the corpus cavernosum with a needle Non-ischemic : Cold packs and compression Frequency 1 in 60,000 males per year Priapism is a condition in which a penis remains erect for hours in the absence of stimulation or after stimulation has ended. There are three types: ischemic (low-flow), nonischemic (high-flow), and recurrent ischemic (intermittent). Most cases are ischemic. Ischemic priapism is generally painful while nonischemic priapism is not. In ischemic priapism, most of the penis is hard; however, the glans penis is not. In nonischemic priapis...