Priapism (painful erections)

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

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, particularly if you have sickle cell disease

  • 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 3 to 4 hours
  • you have sickle cell disease and a painful erection that lasts for more than 1 hour

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

Find your nearest A&E

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

Treatments to help reduce your erection include:

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

Priapism often affects people with sickle cell disease.

Other causes include: