Priapism (painful erections)
Priapism is a prolonged and often painful erection not related to sexual stimulation. It is a medical emergency and requires urgent treatment to prevent permanent damage.
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On this page
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Medicines commonly prescribed for Priapism (painful erections)
For informational purposes only. Always consult a doctor before taking any medication.
Dosage form: INJECTABLE, 1 mg/10 mlActive substance: epinephrineManufacturer: Laboratoire AguettantPrescription requiredDosage form: INJECTABLE, 0.15 mg epinephrine/ mlActive substance: epinephrineManufacturer: Viatris Healthcare LimitedPrescription requiredDosage form: INJECTABLE, 1 mg/mlActive substance: epinephrineManufacturer: Bradex S.A.Prescription required
Priapism is a long-lasting painful erection. It can cause permanent damage to your penis if not treated quickly.
Things you can try yourself to reduce a painful erection
There are things you can try to reduce your erection.
Do
- try to go for a pee
- have a warm bath or shower
- drink lots of water
- go for a gentle walk
- try exercises, such as squats or running on the spot
- take painkillers like paracetamol if you need to
Don’t
- do not apply ice packs or cold water to your penis – this can make things worse, particularly if you have sickle cell disease
- do not have sex or masturbate – it will not make your erection go away
- do not drink alcohol
- do not smoke
Call 112 or go to A&E if:
- you have an erection that lasts more than 3 to 4 hours
- you have sickle cell disease and a painful erection that lasts for more than 1 hour
An erection that lasts this long needs to be treated in hospital as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage to the penis.
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 112 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
Hospital treatment for priapism
Treatments to help reduce your erection include:
- using a needle to drain blood from your penis, which is done while the area is numbed under local anaesthetic
- tablets or injections directly into your penis
- surgery to drain the blood through a tiny cut, done while you're asleep under general anaesthetic
Causes of priapism
Priapism often affects people with sickle cell disease.
Other causes include:
- blood-thinning medicines, like warfarin
- some antidepressants
- drugs, like cannabis and cocaine
- some medicines for high blood pressure
- other blood disorders, like thalassaemia and leukaemia
- some treatments for erectile dysfunction
