"Understanding Priapism: Causes, Treatment, and FAQs"

Welcome to our video on understanding priapism. In this informative guide, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this uncommon disorder.Show more

Priapism is a condition characterized by a prolonged and rigid erection of the penis without any appropriate stimulation. While definitions of duration may vary, an erection lasting four hours or more is generally considered priapism.

One of the primary causes of priapism is high-flow priapism, which occurs due to uncontrolled arterial inflow from a fistula between the cavernosal artery and the corpus cavernosum. This often results from blunt or penetrating injuries to the penis or perineum, leading to the rupture of a cavernous artery. Interestingly, high-flow priapism is usually not associated with pain.

So, how can priapism be fixed? Treatment typically involves draining excess blood from the penis using a small needle and syringe through a process called aspiration. Additionally, a saline solution might be used to flush the penis, which aids in relieving pain, removing oxygen-poor blood, and potentially terminating the erection. This treatment can be repeated until the erection subsides.

What are the telltale signs of priapism? Look out for an erection lasting longer than four hours, occurring unrelated to sexual interest or stimulation. The penile shaft will become rigid, while the tip of the penis (glans) will remain soft. Moreover, penile pain may progressively worsen with time.

If left untreated, priapism can cause permanent damage. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

But what if you experience an unwanted erection that is not priapism? There are remedies you can try, such as waiting it out, distracting yourself, practicing meditation, repositioning, or even taking a cold shower. However, if the erection persists for more than four hours, it may be a sign of priapism, and you should consult a doctor promptly.

Interestingly, priapism can also occur at night, known as recurrent priapism. It involves long-term periodic episodes of painful erections, often during sleep or sexual stimulation, that may eventually resolve on their own. Individuals with sickle cell disease are especially prone to this complication due to microvascular occlusion secondary to hemolysis and stasis.

On average, a man can sustain an erection without stimulation for anywhere between a few minutes to about half an hour. During sleep, men typically experience around five erections a night, each lasting approximately 25 to 35 minutes.

So, why do erections occur? An erection happens when blood flow to the penis increases, making it hard and enlarged. Sexual stimulation or excitement is typically the root cause behind an erection.

Erectile dysfunction is a common experience, but it is often treatable. Relaxation techniques, pelvic floor exercises, and medical treatments can all help address this issue. It's important to note that most males will experience at least one episode of being unable to achieve an erection when desired.

Sometimes, during sexual activity, an erection may suddenly go away. This can be due to various reasons, including sexual performance anxiety or alcohol consumption. In some cases, an underlying health issue might also hinder the ability to maintain an erection, even when desire is present.

On average, a man has approximately 11 erections throughout the day, and even more during sleep. During a full night's sleep, a healthy man can experience three to five erections.

Lastly, the time it takes for a man to reach orgasm and ejaculate can vary. On average, it might take around 5 to 7 minutes. However, it's essential to remember that the range of normal is wide, spanning from under a minute to over half an hour.

We hope this video has shed light on priapism, its causes, symptoms, and available treatments. If you found this information helpful, please don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel for more enlightening content. Stay informed, stay healthy!