Can Priapism Cause Infertility?

Priapism is a medical condition of the male reproductive system, which is marked by the prolonged and painful erection of the penis. The erection takes place without sexual stimulation and is not relieved by ejaculation. The condition develops by itself and is not related to sexual activity. It settles down by itself in two hours. It can last more than four hours.

• Priapism can develop at any age in males usually in the age between 5-10 years or 20-50 years. It can also develop in newborns.
• Priapism 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 drain out.
• The penis becomes more painful with the time. Pain is felt most at the tip of the penis. The person feels uncomfortable and unpleasant due to prolonged erection.

An erection happens as a result of physical or psychological stimulation in a normal situation. This stimulation leads to contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles and blood vessels of penis accelerating the flow of blood to them. With the flow of blood, erection of penis happens. The blood flow to the penis is disturbed after erection in priapism. This may happen due to following causes-

• 40 % of males with sickle cell anemia are reported to suffer from priapism.
• Leukemia and Hematologic conditions like thalassemia, multiple myeloma, etc. affect the blood supply to the penis.
• Some medications like antidepressants, antipsychotic or anxiety medicines, and blood thinners like warfarin or heparin and injectable prostaglandins can lead to priapism as their side effects.
• Some drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy can induce priapism in males.
• Alcohol abuse can also cause priapism.
• An injury to penis, pelvis or perineum can trigger priapism.
• The toxin released by a spider bite, scorpion sting or other reasons can induce priapism.
• Metabolic diseases like gout or amyloidosis can cause this condition.
• Cancers of the penis are also known to trigger priapism.
• Neurogenic diseases caused by injuries to spinal cord or syphilis can disrupt the blood flow to the penis.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning reduces the flow of blood to the penis.
• Dialysis affects the blood supply to the penis, resulting in priapism.

Also Read:

• Priapism (Ischemic & Nonischemic): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention
• What Is Stuttering Priapism?
• Why Does Priapism Occur?
• What Happens If Priapism Is Not Treated?
• What Is The Surgery For Priapism?
• What Drugs Can Cause Priapism?
• Is There A Diet For Priapism?