NHS Choices Condition
Content supplied by NHS Choices
Priapism occurs when the blood that fills an erect penis becomes trapped and is unable to return to the circulation (see box, right).
Possible causes of priapism are outlined below, although often there is no known cause.
Conditions affecting the blood
Certain medical conditions that cause the blood to thicken or that affect red blood cells may cause priapism. These conditions include:
- sickle-cell anaemia,
- thalassemia,
- leukaemia, and
- multiple myeloma.
Illegal drugs and alcohol
Priapism can be caused by alcohol and by the use of illegal drugs, including:
- marijuana,
- cocaine, and
- ecstasy.
Injury and disease
Priapism can also be caused by:
- Damage to the nervous system, particularly spinal cord injuries or tumours.
- Injury to the penis or genital region after an accident or during surgery, because the vessel leading to the penis has ruptured.
- Fabry disease (a rare, genetic disease that affects the metabolism).
- Cancers that affect the penis and prevent the outflow of blood (this is rare).
Important Notice
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