treatment for priapism is a medical emergency because a prolonged erection can scar the penis and result in a long term complication of erectile dysfunction if if not treated. the goal of treatment is to relieve the erection and preserve normal penile function. in most cases treatment involves draining the blood using a needle placed in the side of the penis. medications that help shrink blood vessels which decreases blood flow to the penis also may be used. in rare cases surgery may be required to avoid permanent damage to the penis. if the condition is due to sickle cell disease a blood transfusion may be necessary. treating any underlying medical condition or substance abuse problem is important to preventing priapism.
how is priapism treated?