Priapism (painful erections)

Things you can do to try to reduce a long-lasting or painful erection include having a pee, taking a warm bath or shower and drinking lots of water.

Treatments for a long-lasting or painful erection include tablets, injections, and draining blood from your penis using a needle or surgery.

Priapism most commonly affects people with sickle cell disease. Less common causes include blood-thinning medicines and some antidepressants.

Priapism is a long-lasting painful erection. It can cause permanent damage to your penis if not treated quickly.