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Priapism is a long-lasting painful erection. It can cause permanent damage to your penis if not treated quickly.
There are things you can try to reduce your erection.
try to go for a pee
have a warm bath or shower
drink lots of water
go for a gentle walk
try exercises, such as squats or running on the spot
take painkillers like paracetamol if you need to
do not apply ice packs or cold water to your penis – this can make things worse, particularly if you have sickle cell disease
do not have sex or masturbate – it will not make your erection go away
do not drink alcohol
do not smoke
An erection that lasts this long needs to be treated in hospital as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage to the penis.
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
Treatments to help reduce your erection include:
Priapism often affects people with sickle cell disease.
Other causes include:
