Complications of Priapism
When men experience priapism, they may wrongly believe that the condition will resolve on its own given enough time. However, the longer priapism persists, the more severe the potential consequences become. Prolonged ischemic priapism, lasting for more than four hours, can result in permanent erectile dysfunction caused by tissue damage and even lead to penile disfigurement. In some cases, if necrosis occurs before seeking medical attention, amputation may be necessary.
Treatment Options
When it comes to treating priapism, there are different options available depending on the type of priapism experienced. Non-ischemic priapism, for instance, can often be relieved by using ice packs, applying pressure on the perineum, and giving it time to resolve on its own. In some cases, doctors may need to surgically insert a gel-like material to temporarily stop the blood flow.
On the other hand, ischemic priapism requires more immediate and intensive attention due to the potential complications associated with it. Typically, doctors will perform a procedure called blood aspiration, which involves drawing out blood from the penis. This is followed by a saline flush and repeated treatments to restrict the blood flow. If these methods fail to improve the condition, surgery may be necessary to restore normal organ function.