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Urology  (Expert Forum)
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233190?1193370436
Can habitual prolongation of erection be harmful?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD Boston - MA
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.

Can habitual prolongation of erection be harmful?

by alanb98105, Aug 26, 2005 12:00AM
I'm 44 and, over the last six months, have been having difficulty maintaining erection after penetration.  I've seen my doctor and had blood sugar, and testosterone tests -- I'm normal in those areas.  Nor have I used drugs or alcohol in years.  I know there are stressors in my life that may contribute, however, I'd like to put my mind at rest on a persistant worry.



When I was single, I would sometimes masturbate to prolong erections for 60 to 90 minutes.  I probably did this 3-4 times a months for 10 or 15 years.  Now, I hear from viagra information that prolonged erections (4 hours+) can be harmful.  I wonder if my habits, though less extreme, might have done cumulative damage that contribute to my current erectile difficulties.



Is there any way to rule this out?  And if its true, anyway to alleviate it?

by Kevin Pho, MD, Aug 27, 2005 12:00AM
There is a difference between acutely prolonged erections and stimulation to prolong erections 60 to 90 minutes.  



Acutely prolonged erections (i.e. priapism) can be caused by various vascular diseases and blood disorders.  It is dangerous in that it can lead to erectile dysfunction in the future.  



Maintaining an erection vis stimulation is not likely to lead to vascular disease if the erection was nor prolonged for greater than several hours.  



If there is concern about this, an ultrasound of the penile vasculature can be considered.  This can be discussed with your personal physician or in conjunction with a urologist.



Followup with your personal physician is essential.



This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.



Kevin, M.D.

http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
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