Priapism

Ok, I’m a girl so I wouldn’t know anything about Priapism. It affects men with sickle cell disease and it is very painful.

People don’t talk about things that are private, but young men with sickle cell disease need to know what’s happening to their body. Priapism could become very serious and cause irreversible damage to their body. 

Being that education and information is my mission, it is only natural that I find out more about Priapism, which is a painful complication of sickle cell disease.

With eyes closed, and mind open, here’s what I found out about Priapism:

Priapism is a condition in which the penis has an abnormal erection that does not go away after several hours without sexual stimulation. It is usually painful and caused by a non-flow of blood in the penis that makes it hard and painful. Serious problems can result from this painful condition.

Severe episodes of prolonged erection need evaluation by your doctor. Call the doctor if persistent erection lasts more than 3 hours or is extremely painful. Temporary blue discoloration of penis is a very serious concern.

Treatment may include fluids (hydration), pain medicines, treatment by a urologist, blood transfusions or blood exchange transfusion. In severe cases surgery is needed by draining fluid from the penis.

Potential complications include damage to the penile tissue (ischemia), clotting of the blood retained in the penis (thrombosis), and damage to the blood vessels of the penis which may result in an impaired erectile function or impotence. In serious cases, the ischemia may result in gangrene, which could necessitate penis removal.

According to WebMD, if Priapism begins, home treatment tips include:

• Urinating often to avoid feeling the need to urinate. Don't wait until you feel the need.
• Taking a warm bath.
• Drinking as much water and other fluids as you can.
• Seek emergency treatment, if the pain is especially severe or the problem doesn't go away within 3 hours.

My conclusion: God help our men with sickle cell disease. They deal with pain I will never understand!!!!

References: (For more information)

Wikipedia - What is Priapism?

Web MD Home Treatments

Web MD What is Priapism?

American Urological Association

National Library of Medicine – National Institute of Health (NLM-NIH)