Erection due to a venous cause - Venous priapism

High urgency
-Moderately severe

Venoocclusive Priapism is prolonged and painful erection, not linked to sexual stimulation, due to an insufficient venous drainage.

The total or partial occlusion of the veins that prevents blood from leaving the erect penis may have external or internal causes.

Its main clinical manifestation is a painful erection lasting for hours.

Diagnosis is based on the collection of a full medical history and physical examination of the member. Additional tests may include echo-Doppler and/or blood gas tests.

Treatment requires treating the triggering cause, if known. If the erection continues after 3 or 4 hours, appropriate treatment should be started.

Bibliographic references
  1. Serkan Deveci. Priapism. UpToDate Jun 10, 2015.
  2. Palese MA, Ferrer F, Perlman E, Gearhart JP. Metanephric stromal tumor: a rare benign pediatric renal mass. Urology 2001; 58:462.
  3. Montague DK, Jarow J, Broderick GA, et al. American Urological Association guideline on the management of priapism. J Urol 2003; 170:1318.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Erection while asleep and sustained after waking up


    Long-lasting erection


    Episodes of long lasting erection and non-erection


    Pain in penis


    Sudden pain during erection

Pre-hospital care recommendations

Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.