Priapism

Overview

Priapism is a long-lasting painful erection. It can cause permanent damage to your penis if not treated quickly.

Things you can try yourself to reduce a painful erection

Priapism may get better on its own within 2 hours.
 
There are things you can try to reduce your erection.
 
Do:
  • try to go for a pee
  • have a warm bath or shower
  • drink lots of water
  • go for a gentle walk
  • try exercises, such as squats or running on the spot
  • take painkillers like paracetamol if you need to

Don't:

  • do not apply ice packs or cold water to your penis - this can make things worse
  • do not have sex or masturbate - it will not make your erection go away
  • do not drink alcohol
  • do not smoke

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

  • you have an erection that lasts more than 2 hours

An erection that lasts this long needs to be treated in hospital as soon as possible to help avoid permanent damage to the penis.

Find your nearest A&E

Hospital treatment for priapism

Treatments to help reduce your erection include:

  • tablets or injections directly into your penis
  • using a needle to drain blood from your penis, done while the area is numbed under local anaesthetic
  • surgery to drain the blood through a tiny cut, done while you're asleep under general anaesthetic

Causes of priapism

Priapism most commonly affects people with sickle cell disease.

Less common causes include:



The information on this page has been adapted by NHS Wales from original content supplied by NHS UK NHS website nhs.uk
Last Updated: 20/11/2023 12:30:30