Priapism is a medical condition characterized by a persistent and painful erection that lasts for more than four hours without sexual stimulation. It is a rare but serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. In this blog, we will discuss what priapism is, its types, symptoms, when to see a doctor, and the treatment options available in India.
The primary symptom of priapism is a prolonged and often painful erection that persists beyond four hours without sexual stimulation. Other symptoms may include:
Ischemic (Low-flow) Priapism:
Non-ischemic (High-flow) Priapism:
It’s important to note that priapism is a medical emergency, especially ischemic priapism. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent damage to the penile tissue and erectile dysfunction. Non-ischemic priapism may resolve on its own in some cases, but it should still be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Priapism can be categorized into two main types – ischemic (low-flow) priapism and non-ischemic (high-flow) priapism. The causes can vary depending on the type:
Ischemic (low-flow) Priapism:
– Sickle cell disease: This genetic blood disorder is a common cause of priapism, as the abnormal red blood cells can block blood flow in the penis.
– Leukemia: Cancerous cells can disrupt normal blood flow, leading to priapism.
– Medications: Certain medications used to treat erectile dysfunction, psychiatric disorders, or hypertension may cause priapism as a side effect.
– Trauma: Injury to the genitals or perineum can result in blood clots or vascular damage, leading to priapism.
Non-ischemic (high-flow) Priapism:
– Penile or pelvic trauma: Injuries that cause damage to the arteries or veins, such as a fracture of the pelvic bones or ruptured blood vessels in the penis, can result in high-flow priapism.
– Arteriovenous malformation (AVM): An abnormal connection between arteries and veins in the penis can lead to excessive blood flow and priapism.
When it comes to the treatment of priapism in India, the approach may vary depending on the underlying cause and the duration of the condition. Here are some common treatment options:
Medical Management:
– Intracavernous injections: Medications like phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine may be injected directly into the penis to constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow.
– Oral medications: Certain alpha-agonists like terbutaline or pseudoephedrine can be taken orally to help relieve priapism.
– Analgesics: Pain relief medications may be prescribed to alleviate discomfort.
Aspiration and Irrigation:
– This procedure involves using a needle and syringe to remove excess blood from the penis (aspiration) and flushing the penile blood vessels with a saline solution (irrigation). It is often performed under local anesthesia.
Surgery:
– If conservative measures fail or in cases of recurrent priapism, surgical intervention may be necessary.
– Shunt surgeries: These involve creating a bypass between the corpora cavernosa (erectile tissue) and the corpora spongiosum (spongy tissue) to allow blood to flow out and relieve the priapism.
– Cavernosal-spongiosal shunt: This procedure involves creating a connection between the corpus cavernosum and the urethra to promote blood drainage and relieve priapism.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy:
– In certain cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may be employed. This treatment involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which helps improve oxygen levels in the blood and promotes tissue healing.
It is important to seek prompt medical attention for priapism to prevent complications like erectile dysfunction or tissue damage. Consultation with a urologist or a specialist in sexual medicine is crucial to establish an accurate diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
The cost of priapism treatment in India may vary depending on factors such as the hospital, location, the expertise of the healthcare provider, treatment modality, and any additional necessary procedures or medications. It is recommended to discuss the expected costs and possible payment options with the healthcare provider before undergoing any treatment.
Overall, India has renowned medical facilities with experienced urologists who specialize in the management of priapism. Seeking treatment from well-equipped healthcare institutions and qualified professionals is vital to ensure proper evaluation and effective management of this condition.
| Treatment | Cost Starts From ($) | Hospital Stay |
| Priapism Treatment | 1500-2000 | 1-2 Days |
| Penile Implant surgery | 2400-6000 | 0-1 Days |
| Peyronie’s Treatment | 2000-2500 | 0-1 Days |
| Diabetes cause Impotence | 2000-2500 | 0-1 Days |
| Phalloplasty Surgery | 1500-2000 | 4-5 Days |
| Penectomy Surgery | 3000-3500 | 5-7 Days |
| Erectile Dysfunction | 1500-2000 | 0-1 Days |
FAQ:
Q. Does the given cost include everything, accommodation food etc.?
A. The package include food and accommodation while the patient is in the hospital. After discharge we would help you find a suitable accommodation that would fit in your budget in a decent place which would be close to the hospital. Cost would be bare by patient if they stay outside the hospital.
Q. How can we reduce the cost of the treatment?
A. The accommodation can be made from single bed to double or more beds sharing. We can give options of lower category of hospitals.
Q. Do you need to pay the amount before coming to India?
A. It is up to you whether you want to pay after or before coming to India. If you willing to pay before coming to India, we will share our online payment details with you.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Top Urologist in India for Priapism Treatment:
Dr. Mayank Gupta, Director & Senior Consultant – Urology at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Delhi has a rich experience of over 27 years in this field.
