Priapism Treatment in Lucknow

What is Priapism?

Priapism is a medical condition characterized by a prolonged and often painful erection of the penis that lasts for hours beyond, or is unrelated to, sexual stimulation. There are two main types of priapism:

Ischemic (Low-Flow) Priapism: This is the more common and serious type, where blood gets trapped in the erectile chambers of the penis and cannot flow out. It requires prompt medical treatment to prevent tissue damage and permanent erectile dysfunction.

Non-Ischemic (High-Flow) Priapism: This type is less common and usually less painful. It occurs when there is unregulated blood flow into the penis, often due to an injury to the perineum or penis.

Mechanism of Priapism Development

Ischemic (Low-Flow) Priapism: Blood becomes trapped in the penis, unable to drain, leading to prolonged erection and potential tissue damage due to lack of oxygen.

Non-Ischemic (High-Flow) Priapism: A rupture in an artery causes continuous blood flow into the penis, leading to an erection that is less rigid and less painful compared to ischemic priapism.

Signs & Symptoms of Priapism

The symptoms of priapism can vary depending on the type:

Key Symptoms

    Ischemic (Low-Flow) Priapism
  • Persistent erection lasting more than four hours.
  • Erection is usually painful.
  • Rigid penile shaft with a soft tip (glans).
  • Can occur without sexual arousal.
    Non-Ischemic (High-Flow) Priapism
  • Persistent erection that may last for several hours or more.
  • Typically less painful or not painful.
  • Erection is usually not fully rigid.
  • Often results from trauma or injury.

Cause of Priapism

Priapism can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from medical conditions and medications to trauma and lifestyle choices. Here are the primary causes of both ischemic (low-flow) and non-ischemic (high-flow) priapism:

Causes of Ischemic (Low-Flow) Priapism

  • Sickle Cell Anemia: This genetic disorder is a common cause of priapism, especially in children and young adults. The abnormal red blood cells can block blood flow in the penis.
  • Leukemia: Increased white blood cell counts can obstruct blood vessels.
  • Erectile Dysfunction Medications: Drugs like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) can cause priapism.
  • Antidepressants: Particularly trazodone.
  • Antipsychotics: Such as risperidone and olanzapine.
  • Blood Thinners: Like heparin can contribute to priapism in some cases.
  • Alcohol, Illicit Drugs, Spinal Cord Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Diabetes, Gout, Infections are some other reasons

Causes of Non-Ischemic (High-Flow) Priapism

  • Perineal or Penile Injury: Direct trauma to the penis or perineum (the area between the anus and the genitals) can damage an artery, leading to unregulated blood flow into the penis.
  • Congenital Abnormalities: Some individuals may have congenital vascular abnormalities that predispose them to priapism.
Andrology care in Lucknow

Priapism is an urgent urology condition

Priapism is a prolonged erection that may occur without sexual stimulation. A painful erection lasting more than four hours can be an emergency, especially ischemic priapism, and needs urgent urology evaluation to reduce the risk of tissue damage and erectile dysfunction.

Do not wait at home

A painful erection lasting more than four hours should be treated as urgent and assessed by a urologist or emergency team.

Low-flow vs high-flow

Ischemic priapism is usually painful and rigid. High-flow priapism is often less painful and may follow trauma.

Cause and medicine review

Evaluation includes medicines, ED injections/tablets, blood disorders, trauma, substance use, and previous episodes.

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Priapism Treatment FAQs

  • Is priapism an emergency? A painful erection lasting longer than four hours is a medical emergency and needs urgent evaluation to reduce the risk of permanent erectile dysfunction.
  • What are the types of priapism? Priapism may be ischemic low-flow or non-ischemic high-flow. Ischemic priapism is more urgent because trapped blood can damage penile tissue.
  • Can ED medicines cause priapism? Some erectile dysfunction medicines or injections can contribute to priapism in selected cases, so medicine history is important during evaluation.
  • Can priapism come back? Recurrent priapism can happen, especially with certain blood disorders or medicine triggers. A urologist can help identify risk factors and prevention steps.

Treatments Offered by Dr. Aditya P.S Sengar for Priapism

URSL

Ureteroscopy (URS) is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions of the urinary tract, particularly kidney stones.

RIRS

RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat kidney stones located within the kidney.

PCNL

PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove large kidney stones, typically those that are too large to be passed naturally.

MINIPERC

Miniperc (Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove kidney stones that are larger than what can typically be treated by other procedures.

ECIRS

ECIRS (Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery) is an advanced minimally invasive surgical approach used to treat complex kidney stones.

CYSTOLOTHOTRIPSY

Cystolithotripsy is a surgical procedure used to remove bladder stones.

LAPAROSCOPIC PYELOLITHOTOMY

Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove kidney stones (renal calculi) that are too large or complex to be treated.

LAPAROSCOPIC URETEROLITHOTOMY

Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove stones (ureteral calculi) from the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.