Priapism is a prolonged painful erection.
If an erection lasts for more than four hours it is a medical emergency. It can cause permanent damage to the penis. Some treatments may increase the possibility of it happening, but it is a rare side effect. If it should happen to you try these things to get the erection to go down:
- Engage in sexual activity (e.g. intercourse or self stimulation)
- Apply a bag of frozen peas (wrapped in a tea towel) to the penis
- Take a cold shower
- Run up and down a flight of stairs.
If they do not work go to your nearest Accident and Emergency.
