PRIAPISM

Definition of Priapism

Priapism is a prolonged erection of the penis that is not associated with sexual arousal or stimulation.
It is a medical emergency that requires prompt attention.
Priapism can be caused by various factors, including medications, medical conditions, and injuries.

Aetiology of Priapism

Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and blood pressure medications, can cause priapism.
Medical conditions: Conditions such as sickle cell disease, leukemia, and multiple myeloma can increase the risk of priapism.
Injuries: Trauma to the perineum or penis can cause priapism.
Other factors: Other factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity can also contribute to the development of priapism.

Prolonged erection: The most common symptom of priapism is a prolonged erection that lasts for more than 4 hours.
Pain: The affected penis may be tender to the touch and may be accompanied by pain.
Loss of sensation: The affected penis may lose its sensitivity to touch.
Difficulty urinating: Priapism can cause difficulty urinating due to the prolonged erection.
Infections: Priapism can increase the risk of infections due to the prolonged exposure of the penis to bacteria.

Ischaemic priapism: This type of priapism is caused by a lack of blood flow to the penis.
- It is characterized by a painful, hard erection that lasts for more than 4 hours.
- It is often caused by a blood clot or a blockage in the blood vessels.
Non-ischaemic priapism: This type of priapism is not caused by a lack of blood flow to the penis.
- It is characterized by a non-painful, soft erection that lasts for more than 4 hours.
- It is often caused by medications or medical conditions.

Medical treatment: The primary goal of treatment is to relieve the pain and reduce the duration of the erection.
- Medications such as alpha-blockers and phosphodiesterase inhibitors may be used to help relax the blood vessels and reduce the duration of the erection.
Surgical treatment: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve the blockage or blood clot that is causing the priapism.
- The procedure involves making a small incision in the penis to relieve the blockage or blood clot.

Physical examination: A thorough physical examination is necessary to assess the severity of the priapism and to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Laboratory tests: Laboratory tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistry tests may be ordered to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Imaging studies: Imaging studies such as ultrasound may be ordered to evaluate the blood flow to the penis.

Infections: Priapism can increase the risk of infections due to the prolonged exposure of the penis to bacteria.
Tissue damage: Priapism can cause tissue damage to the penis due to the prolonged lack of blood flow.
Erectile dysfunction: Priapism can also cause erectile dysfunction due to the prolonged lack of blood flow to the penis.

Prompt medical attention is necessary to relieve the pain and reduce the duration of the erection.
Medications such as alpha-blockers and phosphodiesterase inhibitors may be used to help relax the blood vessels and reduce the duration of the erection.
Surgical intervention may be necessary in some cases to relieve the blockage or blood clot that is causing the priapism.

Apis mel: This medicine is used to treat priapism caused by a lack of blood flow to the penis.
Lachesis: This medicine is used to treat priapism caused by a blockage in the blood vessels.
Phosphorus: This medicine is used to treat priapism caused by a lack of sensation in the penis.
Zincum metallicum: This medicine is used to treat priapism caused by a blockage in the blood vessels.

Note: The above medicines are used in addition to conventional medical treatment and should not be used as a replacement for it.