Causes of Priapism

In general terms, priapism is an unwanted, constant erection. This relatively rare condition requires medical attention as it is often accompanied by pain and discomfort. If not treated promptly, the resulting tissue damage can have lasting effects on the ability to have and maintain erections. There are two types of priapism--ischemic and nonischemic--and several causes for both conditions.

Definition

• When the penis becomes erect through psychological or physical stimulation, the expansion and relaxation of various blood vessels leads to the trapping of blood in the spongy tissue in the penis. When stimulation ceases, the blood exits the penis, and the penis returns to its non-erect state. Priapism is when the blood does not exit the penis, resulting in a persistent erection.

Ischemic Priapism

• Ischemic priapism refers to priapism that relates from an obstruction or constriction of the blood vessels.

Disease-Related Causes of Ischemic Priapism

• Leukemia and sickle cell anemia are two blood disorders that cause ischemic priapism. In the case of sickle cell anemia, the odd-shaped cells literally block the blood vessels, resulting in an inability of blood to flow out of the penis.

Other Cause of Ischemic Priapism

• Several types of medications have side effects that lead to priapism. Erectile dysfunction medications, both oral and injectable, various antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-anxiety drugs and blood thinners each can cause or contribute to priapism. Use of illicit drugs and overconsumption of alcohol can also result in priapism.

Nonischemic Priapism

• Nonischemic priapism refers to priapism not caused by constriction or obstruction of the blood vessels. The main cause of this type of priapism is injury to the perineum, pelvis or genitals.

Other Causes

• Other causes of priapism can be spinal cord injuries, metabolic diseases, blood clots, venom and nervous system diseases.