Priapism, cause of persistent erections in men and women: Your doctor

priapism is a disease that causes persistent erections and usually painful. The erection may persist for hours after badual stimulation and there are cases in which it occurs even without stimulation. Although it is thought to affect only men, it can also occur in women.

This may seem somewhat dangerous, but those who suffer from it may seek emergency medical help to control the problem.

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Priapism, cause of persistent erections

The main cause prolonged erections by priapism is not badual stimulation, but a blood circulation problem that causes blockage of blood in the penis

Men over 30 usually present this problem more frequently than if it is not treated, it has serious consequences.

According to a study conducted in 2013 and published in the journal Journal of Urology priapism affects every year 5 out of 100,000 men in the United States

But this long and painful erection can also affect women. , but with a lower incidence, in what is called priapism of the clitoris .

In general terms, it is a rare disease, it is common in some groups of patients with other underlying diseases. It can also appear as a side effect of drugs and drug abuse, such as alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and other substances.

In a normal erection, blood flow to the spongy tissue of the penis increases with physical or psychological stimulation. When the stimulation is over, the blood flows and the penis returns to its normal state.

When priapism occurs, this normal blood flow is impaired and the erection persists.

[19659002] "If you have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, you need emergency medical care," says the Mayo Clinic.

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If blood does not circulate normally clots may form and erectile tissue may be damaged or die from lack of oxygen in cells, which could result in a permanent case of erectile dysfunction .

Types of Priapism

Ischemic Priapism: It is progressively painful, as a result of which the blood can not leave the penis. It takes immediate medical intervention, in which it is usually done a blood drain from the penis and the drugs are administered until the erection is complete.

In these cases, the body of the penis is usually rigid, but the tip of it, the glans, is soft.

Non-Ischemic Priapism: Also known as "high-throughput priapism," it causes no pain and often goes away without treatment. In this case, there is no immediate risk of damaging the penile tissues and the doctor might recommend waiting to see if he resolves on his own. The body of the penis can be erected but not completely rigid.

"Place pockets of ice and exert pressure on the perineum, the region between the base of the penis and the anus, may help in the end of the erection" The Mayo Clinic

Si conventional treatments do not work, surgery may be necessary to redirect blood flow and allow blood to pbad through the penis normally or to introduce material such as a resorbable gel that temporarily obstructs blood flow. blood to the penis.

Priapism in Women

Clitoral priapism is a rare condition that is not usually mentioned in the medical literature, however, it is a phenomenon similar to the one that affects the penis.

It also results from the inability of the blood to circulate normally through the erectile tissues, which generates a very painful swelling and inflammation of the clitoris .

The difference between priapism of the clitoris is that it is not considered a dangerous medical emergency because the risk of blood clots is lower because in this region bad there are more clitoral blood vessels. Entry and exit

Despite this, women who suffer from it need medical help to relieve pain.

Clitoral priapism is usually caused by drugs that block adrenergic receptors and inhibit the reuptake of serotonin. as is the case with some antidepressant medications.

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(With information from the BBC and Mayo Clinic)