Priapism – A Painful Male Organ Predicament
Never-ending
firmness that lasts for hours may seem like a dream come true for some men;
unfortunately, this is a phenomenon that can be a sign of a serious
problem. Known as priapism,
this is a condition where a man’s male organ stands strong at attention for up
to 6 hours or more in the absence of physical or psychological
stimulation. If that still
doesn’t sound too bad, guys should keep reading to discover the risks and
long-term effects.
Priapism
is a painful male organ condition which, if left untreated, can actually damage
the delicate male organ tissue, causing longstanding and even permanent
issues. While it is rare
for a man to encounter this unpleasant disorder, it is an emergency situation
that requires medical care; therefore, it is important to be aware of the signs
and symptoms so treatment is obtained when needed. Being aware of health issues such as
priapism, in addition to maintaining proper male organ care, are
important steps to maintaining a healthy, satisfying intimate life.
What
causes priapism?
Priapism
is simply a fancy medical term for tumescence that won’t quit – a perky male
organ that lasts 4 to 6 hours or more without stimulation warrants a trip to
the ER. There are two types
of priapism: low-flow and high-flow. Low-flow
priapism occurs when blood is trapped in the internal chambers of a firm male
organ. There is no known
cause, but it may be more common in men with sickle-cell anemia, leukemia, or
malaria. High-flow priapism
is the more rare type, a less-painful cousin to the low-flow variety. It occurs when an artery in the male
organ or perineum ruptures, blocking blood flow from draining out of the male
organ.
Medications
can also cause the disorder; certain anti-depressants have been linked to the
condition. Ironically, oral
and injected medications used to treat male dysfunction can also cause priapism
(problem solved!). Other
causes include: spinal cord trauma, manhood injury, black widow spider bites,
carbon monoxide poisoning, and use of illegal substances. Priapism is
also a rare side effect of some cancers that affect the male organ by
preventing the outflow of blood.
How
is priapism treated?
Priapism
must be treated quickly in order to prevent long-term damage to the male organ.
The longer treatment is avoided, the higher the risk of permanent damage. Men should not attempt to treat
priapism at home; a doctor is better able to determine the etiology of the
condition, making treatment more effective and safe. If the condition does not go away on
its own, a doctor may recommend any of the following treatments:
- Ice packs: This may reduce swelling of
the male organ and perineum and allow the blood to drain from the male
organ.
- Aspiration: Blood is removed from a numbed
male organ via a needle, this drains some of the blood, allowing the
pressure and swelling to go down and restore normal blood flow.
- Surgical
ligation: In the case
of a serious injury or artery rupture, a surgeon will tie off the artery
that ruptured, allowing normal blood flow to return.
- Intracavernous
injection: This treatment is especially for
low-flow priapism; medications which cause the veins to narrow are injected
into the male organ. This
reduces blood flow and swelling and restores homeostasis of the area.
- Surgical
shunt: Used in the treatment of low-flow
priapism, a shunt is inserted into the male organ to divert blood flow and
restore normal circulation.
Maintaining
a healthy male organ
While
the incidence of priapism is – literally – out of one’s own hands, particularly
when an underlying circulation or health issue is at play, there are ways to
maintain a healthy male organ. Striving
for overall physical health by eating right, exercising, avoiding illicit
substances and alcohol, and seeking regular check-ups from a doctor keeps the
body and member healthy and functioning. Additionally, using a high-quality male
organ health creme (most
health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can keep the skin of the male organ
supple and moisturized. A
vitamin packed formula also improves circulation and sensitivity and may
enhance the overall intimate experience.
For
additional information on most common male organ health issues, tips on
improving male organ sensitivity, and what to do to maintain a healthy male
organ, visit: http://www.man1health.com.
John Dugan is a professional writer
who specializes in men’s health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to
numerous online web sites.