The main cause of prolonged erections by priapism is not sexual stimulation, but a blood circulation problem that causes the blood to become blocked in the penis. But this long and painful erection can also affect women, although with a lower incidence, in what is called priapism of the clitoris.
In general terms it is an uncommon condition, it is frequent in certain groups of patients with other underlying diseases. It can also appear as a side effect of medications and drug abuse, such as alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and other substances.
Can Females Get Priapism?
Priapism of the clitoris is a rare condition that is not usually mentioned in the medical literature; however, it is a phenomenon similar to that affecting the penis.
However, unlike ischemic priapism, priapism of the clitoris is not considered a dangerous medical emergency because the risk of blood clots is less, since in that genital area there is more blood entering and leaving.
Priapism of the clitoris is often associated with the use of medications that block adrenergic receptors and inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, as is the case with some antidepressant drugs. Despite this, women who suffer from it do need medical help to relieve pain.
The word “clitoris” derives from the Greek “kleitoris, k’eitoridos that like the expression “kleíoo” means to close, while the term “kleís” express: key or bolt. For some, this Greek expression denotes “little hill.”
Because there are many nerve endings in the clitoris region, it is presumed to be involved in sexual pleasure and female orgasm.
The clitoris as a whole in the adult woman possesses a length of about 2.5 cm. Others estimate that its length, like its transverse diameter is greater and has been found in the prepubertal period in 3 cm.
Conclusion
Priapism of the clitoris is rare. It is presented as a swelling of the organ, local irritation and intense pain. The use of erectogenic drugs to induce sexual desire or orgasms, blood dyscrasias, pelvic tumors, venous and lymphatic obstructions of the pelvis and after radical surgery of the urinary bladder have been proposed as etiological causes.
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