Skip to main content

Priapism

Meaning

Priapism is a pathological, persistent, and often painful erection of the penis that continues for more than four hours, occurring independently of or disproportionate to sexual arousal. This urological emergency is categorized as ischemic (low-flow) or non-ischemic (high-flow), with the ischemic type posing a significant risk of penile tissue damage and subsequent erectile dysfunction. Prompt clinical intervention is mandatory to preserve erectile function.