Priapism Treatment in India - Symptoms, Causes and Doctors

Priapism is a condition where an erection lasts for an extended period. Or in short, experiencing prolong erection. An erection not triggered by arousal or lasting too long. Ischemic and non-ischemic priapism are the two primary forms. This is a medical emergency: ischemic priapism.

Priapism is rare but more likely in groups like sickle cell. Swift treatment prevents damage and avoids erectile dysfunction. Priapism can affect men in their 30s; sickle cell may begin in childhood.

What is Priapism?

Priapism refers to an extended erection not stimulated by sexual arousal. Usually painful, it can continue for over four hours. It occurs when blood pools in your penis that is unable to drain. Treating priapism right away is necessary. It can result in irreversible damage if left untreated.

What are the Different Types of Priapism?

The types of priapism include:

1. Ischemic priapism

A doctor may drain penile blood with a needle for priapism. This can put an end to forced erections and ease pain. Injecting medicine into your penis is another therapy option. The drug constricts penile vessels and enlarges supplying blood vessels. Elevated blood circulation may diminish an erection. For improved penile blood flow, consider priapism surgery if treatments fail.

2. Non-ischemic priapism

High-flow priapism may resolve on its own; immediate treatment may not be necessary. A physician might examine you before recommending a course of action. Cold therapy and ice packs can treat uncontrollable erections. In some cases, doctors recommend surgery.

3. Recurrent priapism

Talk to your doctor about Neo-Synephrine for recurrent priapism. They may prescribe medications or hormones to manage the condition. Address the underlying disease causing priapism to prevent recurrence.

What are the Symptoms of Priapism?

The symptoms of priapism differ according to its nature. Ischemic and nonischemic priapism are the two primary forms of priapism.

1. Symptoms of Ischemic Priapism

The symptoms and indicators are:

• Erection lasting over four hours or not triggered by sexual interest.
• A rigid penile shaft with a soft point at the front (glans).
• Penile discomfort that becomes worse with time.

Stuttering priapism, low flow or ischemic, may recur sporadically. Involuntary erections may only last a few minutes or a short period after symptoms start. These erections become more common and prolonged with time.

2. Symptoms of Non-Ischemic Priapism

Signs and symptoms include:

• A prolonged erection lasting over four hours or not triggered by sexual stimulation.
• The penile shaft is upright but not entirely stiff.
• Not usually painful.

The primary distinction between high-flow and low-flow priapism is that the latter does not involve pain.

What are the Causes of Priapism?

Physical or physiological stimulation is the cause of a healthy penile erection. An erection happens by an increase in blood flow to the penis. The erection disappears when the stimulus stops because blood flow decreases.

There is an issue with blood flow to the penis when you have priapism. Medications, specific blood problems, and several other things can cause this.

Blood disorders:

A variety of illnesses can impact the penis's ability to pump blood in and out. Among these illnesses and disorders are:

• Sickle cell disease.
• Leukemia.
• Multiple myeloma.
• Sickle cell anemia is one of the causes of priapism in adults.

Medications:

A review from 2021 states that the most frequent cause of priapism is drug-induced priapism. Antipsychotic drugs are a major cause of priapism. They account for about half of drug-induced priapism cases.

Other prescription drugs that could influence penile blood flow include:

• Erectile dysfunction medicines.
• Depression-fighting drugs.
• Alpha Blockers.
• Drugs for anxiety disorders.
• Blood thinners.
• Hormone replacement treatment.
• Drugs to treat the attention deficit hyperactivity problem.

Other factors:

Other conditions that might result in priapism include:

• Alcohol and drug usage: contribute to 21% of ischemic priapism cases. Drinking alcohol and using drugs, like cocaine, are factors.
• Injury: Trauma or direct injury to the penis may result in nonischemic priapism.
• Bites from spiders: Toxins from black widow spider bites may cause ischemic priapism. (Trusted Source).
• Carbon monoxide poisoning: Prickling sensations may result from high carbon monoxide levels. Some research links carbon monoxide to priapism's physiological processes.
• Disorders of metabolism: Amyloidosis and gout are conditions thought to induce priapism.
• Neurogenic disorders: Spinal cord injuries can cause priapism. Lumbar spinal stenosis may also contribute. (Trusted Source).
• Cancer: Cancers like leukemia, melanoma, prostate, kidney, and bladder tumors induce priapism.
• COVID-19: Studies suggest COVID-19 may cause priapism.

How is Priapism Diagnosed?

Clitoral priapism symptoms resemble both low-flow and high-flow priapism. Diagnostic tests distinguish them. The precise nature and etiology of the ailment determine the therapeutic possibilities.

Symptoms and a genital exam can help doctors diagnose priapism. Performing the following tests can identify the type and cause of priapism:

1. Blood gas measurement
2. Blood tests
3. Toxicology test
4. Ultrasound

Best Urology Surgeons for Priapism Treatment & Surgery

1. Dr. Gautam Banga

Dr. Gautam Banga is a pioneer urology surgeon in India. He has vast experience in treating various urology-related issues like phimosis, priapism and Peyronie’s disease, etc. He is an expert in frenuloplasty and other cosmetic urology.

2. Dr. Vijayant Govinda Gupta

Dr. Vijayant Govinda Gupta is widely known as a penile implant surgeon. He has proficiency in urology surgeries. Dr. Viajayant Gupta does surgeries like frenuloplasty, phimosis(child & adult), paraphimosis, circumcisions, vasectomy etc.

3. Dr. Raman Tanwar

Dr. Raman Tanwar is one of the top urological surgeons in India. He has expertise in surgeries like vasectomy, phimosis, epispadias, and minimally invasive surgery like LASER circumcision.

4. Dr. Vineet Malhotra

Dr. Vineet Malhotra is the best urology doctor. He performs various endourology, reconstructive, and laparoscopic procedures. With his extraordinary talent, Dr. Vineet Malhotra is now a member of many renowned institutions globally.

What are the Treatments Available for Priapism Management?

The main goals of priapism treatment are ending the erection and preventing ED. Choices consist of:

• Ice packs: When treating high-flow priapism causes, they may reduce edema.
• Blood removal: To reduce pressure and swelling, the doctor numbs and uses a needle to remove penile blood.
• Drugs: For low-flow priapism causes, the doctor may inject alpha-agonist medications into your penis. Narrowing the blood arteries reduces blood flow to the affected area and reduces swelling. It may be possible for you to have an injection in place of taking pills.
• Blocking the artery: In arterial embolization, a doctor closes the blood vessel causing the issue. Sometimes, doctors will use it to treat high-flow priapism.
• Tying off the artery: Doctors use surgical ligation to close a ruptured artery causing priapism. This is also for priapism with solid flow.
• Surgical shunt: It's a passageway that the doctor creates in the penis for the blood to drain.
• Despite the risk of future ED, this technique is optimal for low-flow priapism.

How Much Time Will it Yake for Priapism Recovery?

• If the medication is working, your priapism should go away right away.
• If the condition persists, you may need multiple priapism treatments. Relief may follow. Your penis could feel large and hurt after treating the priapism, but it shouldn't be stiff.
• It's critical to acknowledge the individuality of your body. It could take you a while to heal. As you heal, adhere to your provider's advice on handling pain or discomfort.

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