Copyright 1998 by W.B. Saunders Company.

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A
BASIC INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION
A painful and persistent erection of the penis without
sexual arousal or desire. It is a rare, but serious condi-
tion, that requires immediate attention so that a perma-
nent injury does not occur to the penis and impair the
patients ability to have a normal erection.
FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
A prolonged, painful, tender erection unaccompanied
by sexual arousal.
CAUSES
Blood becomes trapped in the penis causing its
engorgement.
RISK INCREASES WITH
Damage to the nerves that control the supply of blood
to the penis.
Blood disease (leukemia, sickle cell anemia).
Prolonged sexual activity.
Pelvic hematoma or cancer.
Inflammation, injury, or infection of the male geni-
talia.
Certain medications (e.g., chlorpromazine, prazosin,
trazodone, some corticosteroids, anticoagulants and
antihypertensives).
Spinal tumor.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Avoid drugs (when possible) that may cause the prob-
lem.
Avoid excessive sexual stimulation.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
With prompt, effective medical treatment, a patient
may eventually have normal erections again, and sex life
should not be adversely affected.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Impotence.
B
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
Emergency treatment is necessary because of the risk
of permanent damage to the penis.
Treatment possibilities include surgery; injection of
anesthesia into the spinal cord or withdrawal of blood
from the penis through a wide-bore needle.
Any underlying cause will also need treatment.
MEDICATIONS
Pain medicine may be given.
Drugs to reduce blood pressure or thin the blood may
be given.
ACTIVITY
Bed rest until relieved.
DIET
No restrictions.
C
NOTIFY OUR OFFICE IF
You or a family member has an erection that persists for
no apparent reason. Do not waste time trying to get it
down with cold compresses. Go immediately to an
emergency room if unable to reach doctors office.
PRIAPISM