What Are The Lifestyle Changes For Priapism?

So let us see how you can prevent priapism by lifestyle modifications.

• Patient education is a good lifestyle change for priapism. First issue doctors see with priapism is that patient’s actually do not know that priapism is a serious condition. By definition priapism is partial or full erection of the penis which lasts for more than 4 hours, which arise in the absence of sexual stimulation or last well beyond sexual stimulation and orgasm. Priapism can be painful or not painful depending on the type of priapism.

  Many patients who have presented with priapism has thought that the erection will resolve itself and they have not given much attention about it especially when it’s not painful. Most of the patients were reluctant to see a doctor or get medical advice because they were ashamed of telling that they have been having a prolong erection for hours or days.

• Reducing the usage of particular drugs is a recommended lifestyle change. Some drugs can give rise to priapism therefore, it is important that you take the drug dose according to the prescription given by your doctor. Do not increase the dose on your own. Inform your doctor about the current drugs you are taking with prescription and without prescription to avoid prescription of same class drugs which can enhance the effect and give rise to priapism. The drugs that can cause priapism are-

  • Antihypertensives – hydralazine, guanethidine, propranolol
  • Antidepressants and antipsychotics – trazodone, bupropion, fluoxetine, sertraline, lithium, clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, chlorpromazine, thiorizadine, phenothiazines
  • Alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonists – prazosin, terazosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin
  • Antianxiety agents – hydroxyzine
  • Anticoagulants – heparin, warfarin
• You should avoid recreational drugs such marijuana, cocaine (intranasal and topical), crack, cocaine. These can have serious health effects.
• If you had a priapism attack before, you should stop consumption of alcohol as this can increase the risk of getting another attack.
• If you get priapism you must tell your doctor all the drugs you have been taking by prescription, over the counter and recreational drugs. After the attack avoiding the drug/drugs caused priapism is the best method to prevent further attacks.
• If you have sickle cell disease, thalassemia, leukemia, multiple myeloma, tumors in the prostate, urethra, bladder kidney, if you are on hemodialysis there is an increased chance of getting priapism. So you need to be vigilant about it.

Also Read:

• Priapism (Ischemic & Nonischemic): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention
• Is Priapism A Side Effect Of Trazodone?
• Will Priapism Go Away On It’s Own?
• What Drugs Can Cause Priapism?
• What Can Cause Priapism?
• What Is The Alternative Treatment Method For Priapism?
• Is There A Diet For Priapism?