How is priapism treated?
When priapism is due to a non ischemic cause, it may resolve spontaneously and close observation is a key. The doctor may apply ice packs and cold compression on the penis and genitals to help decrease the swelling and pain. Almost 50-70% of such cases resolve in a few hours. All patents are then observed in the hospital overnight and the penis is frequently examined. When priapism is due to a physical obstruction in a blood vessel (ischemic), it needs more urgent therapy and observation is not a part of the therapy. The treatment is aimed to quickly diminish the erection using several forms of therapy. The most commonly used therapeutic choices for ischemic priapism include: -Ice packs: Ice applied to the penis and perineum may reduce swelling. -Intracavernous injection: When priapism has been caused by drug injections into the penis to treat impotence, there are some medications such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine or metaraminol can be injected into the peni