Priapism is the medical term for an erection that lasts for abnormally long periods of time, such abnormality is associated with pain and occurs without a reason. Priapism is different from an erection as it will not be treated through orgasm and instead requires medical attention. There are many different reasons behind priapism, and it can occur in boys during pre-pubescent years and men aged 20 to 50.
TYPES OF PRIAPISM
1. ISCHEMIC PRIAPISM
Ischemic priapism is a medical condition that occurs when blood is unable to leave the penis. It’s also known as low-flow priapism and is the most common type of priapism experienced by men.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with ischemic priapism are as follows
1. An erection lasting more for than four hours
2. An erection unrelated to sexual interest or stimulation
3. Rigid penile shaft, with soft tip of penis (glans)
4. Progressive penile pain
2. RECURRENT PRIAPISM
This is also a type of ischemic priapism also known as recurrent or stuttering priapism.
It occurs primarily in males who have sickle cell anemia and can develop or change over time
3. NONISCHEMIC PRIAPISM
Also known as high-flow priapism, this type is caused by poorly regulated blood flow in the penis.
Nonischemic priapism, also known as high-flow priapism, occurs when arterial flow is not properly regulated. This results in an above average amount of blood flow to the penis. It’s often less painful than ischemic and includes the following symptoms:
1. An erection lasting for more than four hours
2. An erection unrelated to sexual intercourse or stimulation
3. An erect, but not fully rigid penile shaft
CAUSES OF PRIAPISM
The cause of priapism varies from person to person, however it’s important to note that an erection that occurs in response to physical or psychological stimulation is not the same thing.
A healthy erection occurs when smooth muscles relax due to stimulation and blood flow increases.
Once the stimulation is over, the muscles constrict and the blood flows out. Priapism occurs when normal blood flow is changed due to an underlying cause.
CAUSES OF PRIAPISM
1. USES OF VIAGRA Viagra for men and similar ED drugs like Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil) work by helping to relax muscles and arteries inside the penis, which helps more blood reach the penis. When aroused — and only when aroused — the combination of relaxation and increased blood flow helps fill the penis with blood
2. PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
Certain prescriptions can cause priapism as a side effect. If one is taking any of the following medications, then one must make sure that he talks to his doctor about the risk factors.
If one experiences priapism as a result from a medication, it’s important to find a suitable alternative.
Medications that can lead to priapism include:
I. Antidepressants like fluoxetine (Prozac) -Trazodone HCL (Desyrel)
-Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
-Sertraline
-Certain alpha blockers
II. Medications to treat anxiety or psychotic disorders such as
-Hydroxyzine
-Risperidone (Risperdal)
-Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
-Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
-Lithium
-Clozapine Etc.
III. Blood Thinners
IV. Erectile dysfunction pills.
V. Certain attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications
3. DRUGS
Use of some recreational drugs is associated with priapism, including crystal meth, marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy.
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4. INJURIES
Damage to the penile artery can occur with an injury to the penis or perineum and can prevent blood from circulating or draining. This is a common cause of non-ischemic priapism.
5. SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA
Abnormally-shaped red blood cells can cause blockage of the penile artery and, thus, priapism. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Approximately 42 percent of adults with sickle-cell anemia will eventually develop priapism.”
6.CANCERS
In rare cases, priapism can occur with certain types of cancerous growths, especially if they impede on the penile artery or nerve supply and cause blockages.
7.BLOOD DISORDERS
Blood disorders and diseases can change the way circulation occurs in the penis and lead to restrictive arteries or veins. Blood related disorders that can cause priapism include sickle cell anemia
Leukemia
Hematologic dyscrasias.
Rarely, some blood conditions can cause priapism. Thalassemia, Chronic leukemia and multiple myeloma, in particular, have been associated with priapism.
8.GLUCOSE-6-PHOSPHATE DEFICIENCY
HOW TO COMBAT OR MANAGE PRIAPISM AT HOME
1 Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
2.Urinate often. Don’t wait until you feel the need.
3. Avoid the medicine that may have caused the painful erection.
4. Gentle exercise, such as jogging or using an exercise bike, may help your erection go down. 5. Having a warm bath may also benefit, as can having a pee. Having had a warm bath may make it easier for one to pee. 6. Use paracetamol or ibuprofen
Visit the health Centre if all these fall you for immediate emergency care.
FOODS FOR PRIAPISM
Nitric oxide is important to enhance erectile function because it promotes relaxation of blood vessels. Some food contents such as. fats and sugars disrupt nitric oxide, which in turn affects erectile function. Any foods that are likely to lead in oxidative stress will interfere with the functionality of nitric oxide and can lead to priapism.
Smoking and drug abuse can also lead to oxidative stress, thus leading to priapism, ischemic priapism to be precise. Metabolism disorders can also trigger an everlasting erection.So, the best diet for priapism can be regarded as one with low fat and sugar saturation, but rich in antioxidants. However, you can take healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids and monosaturated fats. It also needs to be rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals, and phytonutrients.
Fruits and vegetables are among the ideal foods for a priapism diet since they contain plenty of nutrients.
When it comes to proteins, it is good to opt for plant proteins over animal proteins because they do not contain cholesterol and saturated fats.
Also, one must ensure that intake of fluids or water to hydrate the body is very necessary and advantageous.
We must not forget to add green tea to our diet as it is rich in antioxidants.
EXAMPLES OF FOODS TO COMBAT PRIAPISM.
1.Banana.
2.Tomatoes.
3.Hot pepper sauce.
4.Watermelon
5. Ginger
6. Dark Chocolate
7. Oats
8. Pine Nuts
9. withania somnifera or Ashwagandha or India ginseng
10. Catuaba
11. Salmon
12. Brazil Nuts
13. Potatoes
14. Maca
15. Carrots
16. Pumpkin seeds
17. Celery
18. Eggs
19. Honey
20. Muira Puama
21. White Fish
22. Clams
23. Herrings
24. Blue Mussels
25. Walnuts
26. Oysters
27. Greek Yogurt
28. Goji Berries
29. Yohimbe Bark Extract
30. Peanuts
31. Teff
32. Garlic
33. Broccoli
34. Avocados
35. Strawberries
36. Chili Pepper
37. Apples
38. Tuna
39. Spinach
40. Asparagus
41. Green Tea
COMPLICATIONS OF PRIAPISM
It is important for someone who has had an erection, for 4 hours or more, to seek immediate emergency care. The blood trapped in the penis does not have oxygen, which means that the penile tissue is deprived of oxygen and can become damaged or even destroyed.
Without prompt treatment, permanent nerve damage and erectile dysfunction can occur.
Tissue damage can begin 4-6 hours after onset, so it is important to avoid delay in getting emergency help. Any damage to the sensitive penile tissue is permanent and cannot be reversed.
NOTE THAT
Medications, including erectile dysfunction drugs, blood thinners, antidepressants, and some blood pressure drugs can cause priapism.
REFERENCES
1.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/priapism/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352010
2.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318737.
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10042-priapism
4.
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/prolonged-erection
5. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/drugs-reported-to-cause-priapism
6.
https://www.resus.com.au/priapism-how-to-treat-it/
7.
https://www.google.com/search?client=ms-opera-mini-android&channel=new&q=Nonischemic+priapism&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjT_4Ho_t_6AhUNM-wKHeHACi4Q1QJ6BAgMEAg
8. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/en/conditions/priapism/treatment
9.
https://www.menshealth.com/sex-women/a19546161/foods-that-help-penis-perform-better/
10.
https://www.bensnaturalhealth.com/blog/sexual-health/foods-that-help-you-get-hard
11.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322779
12. https://www.goodrx.com/sildenafil/how-to-take-viagra-for-best-results
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