Types Of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence is a condition where a man faces the problem with the erection of the penis. Having a problem with erection once in a few months is totally normal. Erectile dysfunction becomes a matter of concern if it’s an ongoing problem.

Most of us know that erectile dysfunction occurs when the blood vessels in the penis can’t expand and receive enough blood. Another dysfunction or problem-related to the penis that many men face is the condition of prolonged erection. It also happens due to abnormality in the blood circulation in the penis.

The abnormal flow of blood to the penis that causes prolonged erection is called priapism. In some cases of priapism, the erection may even last for more than 4 hours. Such a condition is very painful and can happen even without sexual arousal.

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There are two types of Erectile Dysfunction (Priapism)

Low flow erectile dysfunction– It is also known as low flow or ischemic priapism. This type of erectile dysfunction occurs when the blood traps in the spongy tissues called erection chambers of the penis. Mostly, the cause behind ischemic priapism remains unclear. But, according to doctors, men who suffer from sickle cell disease, blood cancer (leukemia) or malaria have increased chances of ischemic priapism effects. Delaying proper treatment for these conditions causing ischemic priapism can result in permanent erectile dysfunction or impotence.
Symptoms of ischemic priapism include the following:

Increasing penile pain
Rigidity in the shaft of the penis while the glans remains soft or unhardened

2.High flow erectile dysfunction– It is also known as high flow or non-ischemic priapism. This condition is rarer in comparison to ischemic erectile dysfunction and causes lesser pain. High flow priapism happens as a result of an injury to the penis or near the scrotum that is severe enough to cause a blood vessel to rupture. This rupturing of the blood vessel disturbs the normal blood flow in the penis.

Symptoms of non-ischemic priapism include the following:

An erection that lasts for more than four hours even without sexual stimulation
The shaft of the penis is not completely rigid during erection

If you face any of the above-mentioned symptoms related to priapism, you must immediately consult a specialist doctor. Proper and timely treatment of priapism is necessary. Otherwise, the following complications can arise

Complications that can arise due to priapism

Ischemic priapism, if left untreated can lead to serious complications. In ischemic priapism, blood traps in the penis for a prolonged period of time. When this happens, the oxygen levels in the blood start dropping.

Due to a lack of enough oxygen, the penile tissues can get damaged. The damage to these sensitive tissues is irreversible and thus it can cause permanent erectile dysfunction or disfigurement of the penis.

In rare cases, priapism can even lead to serious vascular problems in the penis, which in turn, can cause the death of penile tissues (penile gangrene).

Therefore, it is wise to seek timely medical help for priapism and save yourself from any unforeseen trouble.

Treatment for Priapism

Depending upon the cause and type of priapism, your doctor will tell you about the treatment option best suited for you.

erectile dysfunction patient

For erections lasting between 4-6 hours, medications can be really effective. These medicines narrow the blood vessels in the region, thereby reducing the blood flow to the penis chambers. (Also Read: How to improve erectile dysfunction?)

If medicines do not provide relief even after 6 hours other treatment options may be required. These treatments include aspiration and surgery.

In aspiration, the doctor numbs the penis using some medications and then drains the accumulated blood with the help of a needle. Aspiration provides quick relief from the pain and swelling.

If none of the above treatments works, surgery may be required. In the procedure, the doctors drain out the excess blood and then reroute the blood. This ensures proper blood circulation to the penis.

If in your case, the priapism is recurrent, your doctor will try to evaluate the root cause. Your doctor may prescribe medicines like decongestants which reduce blood flow to the penis. In cases where priapism occurs as a result of sickle cell anemia, leukemia, or other disorders, the underlying condition is treated to ensure that priapisms do not occur again.

Tips to follow while dealing with priapism

Ice packs are soothing– Prolonged erection, of course, becomes painful and discomforting. Thus using an ice pack helps in relieving the pain. You can apply the ice pack on the penis or in the perineal region to subside the swelling. Ice packs are highly beneficial in high flow erectile dysfunction (non-ischemic priapism).

If you are apprehensive, then here is assurance for you that there are no side effects of using ice packs for priapism. Usually, doctors also advise the same along with the ongoing treatment to hasten the process of relief.
Alcohol and tobacco can cause permanent damage- If you are already dealing with erectile problems, then alcohol and tobacco are a big no for you! Alcohol and smoking are known to aggravate the condition. Men who have priapism due to sickle cell disease must refrain from consuming these. Alcohol and tobacco are known to act as major triggers for sickle cell crisis. Hence, it can result in permanent erectile dysfunction.
Exercise for symptomatic relief– Mild exercises that improve blood circulation throughout the body is very effective in erectile problems. The most effective physical exercise for priapism is climbing stairs.