Priapism?

Hello.  I am a 26 year old Male who is experiencing what I believe may be Priapism.  About once a week I wake up with a
hard erection that persists for 2-4 hours.  Masturbation does not cause it to diminish much.  

Sometimes the erection is painful and I try to relieve it by jogging (it subsides an hour or so later).  It is important to note that it frequently begins to subside but if the underside of the penis is stimulated at all (brushing against something), it becomes turgid again.  

I enjoy a relatively active life (excercise 2-3 days a week) and i have had a monogamous heterosexual relationship for the last 2 months.  This has been the first regular (frequent) sex I have had in about 1.5 years.  I cannot recall a trama to that area and I am not taking any medication.  

***My question is: Is what I experience Priapism or simply a prolonged morning erection?***

Is this something I should have checked out?

I am hesitant about visiting a urologist since I am very low on money at the moment.    

thanks!!!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Tough to say for sure without examination - normally an erection lasting more than 4 hours would warrant further evaluation.

There are several diseases that are associated with prolonged erections, such as vascular disease or various blood diseases.  You may want to discuss with your personal physician whether further evaluation is warranted.

Starting off with a blood test (i.e. a complete blood count) or ultrasound of the penile vasculature would be reasonable first options.  

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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b