---
title: "Priapism"
url: https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/p/priapism/
description: "Priapism is a rare condition resulting in an uncontrolled erection lasting for an unusually long time. It can be painful. Sexual stimulation can be..."
---

# Priapism

Priapism is a rare condition resulting in an uncontrolled erection lasting for an unusually long time. It can be painful. Sexual stimulation can be involved, but there are often other causes such as medical conditions, medications or recreational drugs. Immediate treatment is important to prevent tissue damage and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Archived from the 2024 edition

## Overview

When an erection lasts for too long, blood becomes trapped in the penis. One function of blood is to carry oxygen to different organs in the body. When the blood is trapped in the penis, the erectile tissues no longer receive the oxygen they need to stay healthy and to function normally. A prolonged lack of oxygenated blood can irreversibly damage or destroy tissue in the penis. This can disfigure the penis. It may also cause problems like erectile dysfunction (when the penis cannot become erect).

If you have an erection that lasts for four (4) or more hours, go to the emergency room for treatment. If a long-lasting erection eventually goes away, still make time to see your doctor. Treatment can prevent this from happening again and from causing damage.

## In this entry

The archived page carried these sections, in this order.

- Types of Priapism
- How Does the Penis Normally Work?
- How Do Erections Work?
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Related Resources
- Priapism 101 with Dr. Brian Stork
- Explore Further

## Other entries in Sexual and Reproductive Health

- [Circumcision](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/circumcision/)
- [Epididymitis and Orchitis](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/e/epididymitis-and-orchitis/)
- [Erectile Dysfunction (ED)](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/e/erectile-dysfunction-(ed)/)
- [Low Testosterone](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/l/low-testosterone/)
- [Male Infertility](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/m/male-infertility/)
- [Neonatal Testicular Torsion](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/n/neonatal-testicular-torsion/)
- [Penile Augmentation](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/p/penile-augmentation/)
- [Penile Trauma](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/p/penile-trauma/)

### Source of this entry

- Original address**/urology-a-z/p/priapism/**
- Edition**2024 edition**
- Group**Sexual and Reproductive Health**

### This is not medical advice

These pages are archived reference copies of material published on this domain. They are not medical advice, not a diagnosis and not a substitute for talking with a health professional.

### Related topics

- [About OAB](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/its-time-to-talk-about-oab/about-oab/)
- [Overactive Bladder: Patient Guide](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/overactive-bladder/)
- [Urologic Conditions](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urologic-conditions/)
- [Educational Materials](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/educational-materials/)

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