Name of the Condition

• Priapism, unspecified

Summary

Priapism is a medical condition characterized by a persistent and often painful erection that lasts for several hours beyond or without sexual stimulation. It is a urological emergency requiring prompt treatment to prevent tissue damage and potential long-term complications.

Causes

• Blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia
• Medications, including antidepressants and drugs for erectile dysfunction
• Trauma or injury to the genital area
• Metabolic and neurological disorders

Risk Factors

• Certain blood disorders
• Use of illicit drugs such as cocaine
• Side effects from medications like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra
• Previous episodes of priapism

Symptoms

• An erection lasting more than four hours
• Rigid penile shaft with a soft tip
• Painful erection not associated with sexual arousal

Diagnosis

• Physical examination focused on the genitalia
• Blood tests to identify underlying conditions
• Ultrasound to examine blood flow
• Toxicology screening when drug use is suspected

Treatment Options

• Aspiration where excess blood is drained from the penis
• Medications to constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow
• Surgery in severe cases to reroute blood flow

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With prompt treatment, the prognosis is often good.
• Regular follow-ups might be necessary, especially if the condition recurs.

Complications

• Permanent erectile dysfunction
• Tissue damage owing to prolonged lack of oxygen to the penile tissues
• Recurrence of priapism if underlying causes are not managed

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Avoiding alcohol and drug use
• Adhering strictly to medication guidelines
• Regular medical check-ups for those with predisposing conditions like sickle cell anemia

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek immediate medical attention if an erection persists beyond four hours or is recurrent and painful.

Additional Resources

• American Urological Association (auanet.org)
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (niddk.nih.gov)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure correct classification as "unspecified" if the exact type or underlying cause of priapism is not documented.
• Cross-reference with any documented underlying conditions (e.g., sickle cell disease) that might be causing the priapism.