Priapism is an uncommon condition which is characterized by the prolonged, involuntary and painful erection of penis without sexual stimulation. It is not relieved by ejaculation. This condition usually resolves by itself within 2 hours. It can develop in males at any age, more common in their third decade. Slight exercises like climbing stairs, cycling, walking, etc. can help in stopping the erection. It may last for 4 to 10 hours. In such condition, immediate medical attention is a must as it may damage the penis and erectile function permanently.
Are There Any Exercises For Priapism?
Priapism is a prolonged, involuntary and painful erection of the penis unrelated to sex. Erection can be controlled by gentle exercises like walking, cycling, climbing stairs, jogging and squats in some case.
Priapism is a rare condition of the penis which is marked by the involuntary, painful and prolonged erection of the penis unrelated to sexual arousal. It is caused by disrupted blood flow in the penis. The blood gets trapped in the erection chambers of the penis and is not able to exit.
The things you can do at home to reduce the erection are-
- You can go for a pee that may relieve you.
- You should drink lots of water that can encourage efficient blood flow to the penis.
- You should evacuate your bladder before sleep by passing urine. It is helpful because morning erections may happen due to full bladder. Morning erections are a normal phenomenon that is often associated with a full bladder. In many cases, early morning erections can trigger a priapism attack.
- Taking warm showers is also helpful in controlling priapism.
- You should not apply cold ice packs or ice water or direct ice on the penis as they can increase erection instead of reducing them.
- Avoid smoking, alcohols, and recreational drugs during a priapism attack.
- Sex should also be avoided during a priapism attack as ejaculation has no impact on the erection in this condition. Sex or masturbation may worsen your condition.
- You should also try to avoid stress through counseling and support groups.
- You should not take medicines such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, etc. without the advice of your physician.
- You can take painkillers to relieve the pain induced by priapism.
The exercises that can resolve an attack of priapism are-
- Squats
- Jogging
- Cycling
- A gentle walk
- Running up and down a stair
- Running on the spot
Other Treatment Options
Decongestants – decongestant medicines are given in cases where the penis is erect for 4- 6 hours to reduce blood flow to the penis.
Ligation Of An Artery – in few cases, penile artery get ruptured due to prolonged erection, your surgeon may ligate or tie off the artery to allow normal blood flow.
Intracavernous Injection – in low flow priapism, your physician may inject drugs like alpha-agonists directly into the penis to narrow down the arteries. This help in reducing the blood flow to the penis. It also relieves the swelling.
Blocking The Artery – it is performed only in high-flow priapism. Your physician block the penile artery that is creating a problem by a procedure called an artery embolization.
Aspiration – aspiration method assists in reducing pressure and swelling of the penis. For this purpose, a needle is inserted into the penis to drain out blood out of the penis. He may flush saline solution into the artery to evacuate low oxygen blood. It may cease the erection. This procedure is repeated until the erection stops.
Surgery – surgery may be needed in cases where there are recurrent attacks of priapism. A shunt may be implanted into the penis. A shunt is an extra passageway that is meant to divert the blood flow and normalize the circulation. It is done mostly in ischemic priapism.
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