Priapism

In this post, we’ll explore what priapism is, why it happens, how it affects Filipino men, and most importantly, what you can do about it.

What Is Priapism and How Common Is It in the Philippines?

Priapism is a condition where an erection lasts for more than four hours without sexual arousal. It’s a medical emergency that can cause significant pain and, if left untreated, result in permanent damage. Though priapism can happen to men of any age, it’s particularly concerning for men who experience it frequently or don’t seek medical attention promptly.

There are two main types of priapism:

• Ischemic priapism (low-flow): This is the more common and dangerous type. It occurs when blood becomes trapped in the penis, and the blood doesn’t flow out. As a result, the erection becomes painful, and the penis may feel rigid, with the tip soft. This form of priapism requires urgent medical care, as prolonged episodes can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction.
  

• Non-ischemic priapism (high-flow): This type is less common and usually less painful. It occurs when there is an abnormal blood flow in the penis, typically due to trauma or injury to the genital area. While this form is not as dangerous as ischemic priapism, it still requires medical evaluation to prevent complications.

The condition is rare, but when it does occur, it’s critical to understand the implications. Left untreated, ischemic priapism can cause irreparable damage to penile tissue, leading to long-term erectile dysfunction. According to the Cleveland Clinic, priapism is a medical emergency that demands prompt action.

In the Philippines, priapism is likely underreported. Cultural taboos surrounding sexual health, along with limited awareness and sex education, often make it difficult for men to seek medical attention promptly. Many Filipino men might be hesitant to visit a doctor due to embarrassment, potentially delaying treatment and increasing the risk of lasting damage. In addition, the misuse of over-the-counter erectile dysfunction (ED) medications, which is relatively common in the country, adds another layer of risk. Without proper consultation, some men take performance enhancers that may trigger priapism, especially if combined with other medications. If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, know that you’re not alone. There are discreet platforms available that allow you to consult with a licensed doctor without having to go to a clinic in person.

What Causes Priapism?

There are several potential causes of priapism, ranging from medications to underlying medical conditions. Here's a closer look at what could trigger this condition:

• Medications: Drugs commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra), can lead to priapism, particularly when taken in high doses or combined with other medications. Some antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs can also trigger priapism as a side effect.

• Blood disorders: Certain medical conditions that affect blood flow, such as sickle cell anemia, leukemia, and thalassemia, are known to increase the risk of priapism. These conditions cause abnormal blood cells or poor circulation, which can result in blood accumulating in the penis. In the Philippines, sickle cell disease and other blood disorders can be common, especially in younger males, making it essential to manage these health issues carefully.

• Injury: Trauma to the genitals or spine can disrupt the blood flow to the penis and cause priapism. This could be from a direct injury, accident, or even sexual activity that results in trauma.

• Neurological disorders: Damage to the nervous system, such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, or other conditions that affect nerve function, can also cause priapism. These conditions may disrupt the normal signals that regulate erections, causing prolonged erections that aren’t linked to sexual arousal.

• Substance use: The recreational use of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, or other illicit drugs has been linked to priapism. Some of these substances interfere with normal blood flow or alter the brain’s regulation of blood vessels, increasing the risk of priapism.

• Other causes: Priapism can also be caused by metabolic disorders, infections, or tumors that affect blood circulation. In rare cases, a pelvic tumor or other growth may disrupt normal blood flow, leading to priapism.

The Mayo Clinic highlights how both lifestyle factors and pre-existing health conditions can contribute to the development of priapism. In the Philippines, misuse of ED medications is a growing concern. Some men, especially younger ones experimenting with performance-enhancing drugs, may unknowingly increase their risk of priapism by using unregulated or misused substances. This underscores the importance of using safe, doctor-recommended treatments and seeking professional advice before taking any medication.

What Does Priapism Feel Like?

The symptoms of priapism can vary based on the type. For ischemic priapism, common signs include painful, prolonged erections that last for more than 4 hours, a rigid penile shaft with a soft tip, difficulty urinating, tenderness or swelling in the penis, or a combination of these symptoms. On the other hand, non-ischemic priapism is generally not painful. This form may resolve on its own, but medical evaluation is still necessary to ensure there are no complications or underlying issues that need attention. If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is priapism, it’s better to be safe and seek medical help. Delaying treatment could lead to permanent tissue damage, resulting in erectile dysfunction, as the Urology Care Foundation explains. Early intervention is key to preserving both your health and your quality of life.

How Is Priapism Treated?

Emergency Medical Treatments

For ischemic priapism, the clock is ticking. If you’ve had an erection for more than 4 hours, you must seek emergency medical attention. Common treatments include:

• Aspiration: A doctor may use a needle and syringe to drain excess blood from the penis to relieve the erection and reduce pain.
  

• Injection of medications: Drugs like phenylephrine, which narrow blood vessels, may be injected to relieve the erection and restore normal blood flow.
  

• Surgical intervention: In severe cases, a shunt (a small tube) may be surgically placed to allow blood to drain from the penis.

Prompt treatment can prevent lasting damage and improve the chances of recovery.

Non-Emergency Management

For non-ischemic priapism or recurring cases, treatment may include:

• Stopping or adjusting medications that are causing the condition
  

• Treating underlying medical issues like sickle cell anemia or other blood disorders
  

• Applying ice packs or compression to the affected area for trauma-related cases
  

• Hormonal therapy or other medications in some cases

Filipino men can seek treatment at urology clinics in major hospitals where specialists offer discreet consultations and tailored treatment plans.

Prevention Tips for Filipino Men

While it’s not always possible to prevent priapism, you can reduce your risk by:

• Avoiding the recreational use of ED medications
  

• Managing chronic conditions like sickle cell disease and other blood disorders
  

• Talking to your doctor before combining supplements or medications that affect sexual function
  

• Limiting alcohol and drug use, which can increase the likelihood of priapism
  

• Getting regular health checkups to monitor vascular, neurological, and sexual health

If you’re using supplements to improve your sexual health, be sure to purchase them from licensed providers. For trusted products, visit Andyou’s sexual health solutions, where you can find safe, effective options designed to promote sexual wellness.

When To See a Doctor

You should seek medical help immediately if:

• Your erection lasts for more than 4 hours
  

• You experience pain or discomfort during the erection
  

• You notice swelling or color changes in your penis

Even if the erection resolves on its own, you may have already experienced tissue damage that could lead to permanent erectile dysfunction. Consult a doctor to evaluate the situation and prevent further complications. 

Don’t Wait, Get Treated

Priapism may not be a topic most Filipinos talk about—but that’s exactly why it’s important to raise awareness. If left untreated, it can cause permanent harm. But with timely treatment and a better understanding of your body, you can avoid complications.

If you think you’ve experienced priapism, don’t self-diagnose or ignore it. Consult a medical professional, and explore safer ways to support your health. Visit Andyou’s Health Club for more medically reviewed guides designed for Filipinos and always remember that when it comes to your health, acting early makes all the difference.