What is Priapism ?

What is Priapism ?

Priapism is the occurrence of any persistent erection for more than four hours duration in the absence of sexual stimulation. Priapism is named after Priapus, the Greek god of fertility, and the son of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. He was apparently an ugly, satyrlike man with enormous genitalia. He was the god of gardens, bees, goats, and sheep. According to the story, Priapus had a huge tongue, a fat belly, and his penis was so large that he was restricted to the position of scarecrow in the fields.

This is an involuntary prolonged or painful erection that can persist for hours, days and is not associated with sexual arousal. It can occur at any age and is a true emergency with risks of subsequent impotency. Primary priapism is the result of trauma or infection. Secondary causes include sickle cell disease, spinal cord injury and stroke. Various medications can also contribute to this condition. 

Priapism can affect men of all ages but the risk is very small, although it's slightly greater for men with an underlying blood disorder (e.g. sickle cell anaemia) or those who are using injection treatments for erectile dysfunction (impotence).

The most important thing to do is to seek medical help quickly. However, putting ice-packs on your penis can ease the pain of priapism. Running up and down stairs or using an exercise bicycle might also be worth a try.