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Erection due to an arterial cause - Arterial priapism

Medium urgency
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A prolonged and painful erection that is not related to sexual stimulation is called priapism. An uncommon cause is arterial priapism, due to an increased arterial flow. It is normally a fistula between the cavernous artery caused by an injury or puncture. It is not very painful and the erection is not complete. Diagnosis is clinical, but a Doppler ultrasound or a blood gas test can be performed. Most cases are resolved spontaneously. An arteriogram or surgical operation is seldom required.
Bibliographic references
  1. Serkan Deveci, MD. Priapism. UpToDate, Junio, 2015.
  2. Burnett AL. Priapism Impact Profile Questionnaire: Development and Initial Validation. Urology 2015; 85:1376.
  3. Roghmann F. Incidence of priapism in emergency departments in the United States. J Urol 2013; 190:1275.
  4. Cherian J. Medical and surgical management of priapism. Postgrad Med J 2006; 82:89.
  5. Montague DK. American Urological Association guideline on the management of priapism. J Urol 2003; 170:1318.
Author
Dr. Patricia Sánchez
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Erection

    Long-lasting erection

    Pain for more than 20 minutes

    Genital discomfort

    Episodes of long lasting erection and non-erection

Pre-hospital care recommendations

Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.
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