Men's Health
About this service
If you are dealing with a prolonged, painful erection that will not resolve, priapism treatment is available in Windhoek at Eastgate Clinic. Priapism is a medical emergency: blood becomes trapped in the erectile tissue, and without treatment the tissue can be permanently damaged. Our doctors relieve the condition by irrigating the corpora cavernosa, draining the trapped blood and easing the pressure, in our rooms.
Priapism can follow certain medications, sickle cell disease, or occur without an obvious cause, but whatever the trigger, prompt treatment protects long-term erectile function. If you or someone you are with is experiencing this, do not wait it out at home; contact us or come in straight away.
What to expect
- A doctor assesses how long the erection has lasted and asks about possible triggers such as medication use.
- The area is numbed with local anaesthetic before a fine needle drains trapped blood from the erectile tissue.
- Saline irrigation may be used to flush the area and help restore normal blood flow.
- You are monitored briefly afterwards, and your doctor discusses any follow-up care needed.
Who is it for?
You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:
- An erection lasting longer than four hours that will not go down
- A painful, persistent erection unrelated to sexual arousal
- Priapism linked to sickle cell disease or certain medications
- Sudden swelling or discolouration of the penis
Frequently asked questions
How long can an erection last before it becomes an emergency?
An erection lasting longer than four hours, especially one that is painful or unrelated to arousal, is treated as priapism and needs urgent care. Contact us or come in straight away rather than waiting to see if it settles.
What causes priapism?
Common triggers include erectile dysfunction medication, certain antidepressants or antipsychotics, sickle cell disease and, occasionally, injury. In some men no cause is found, and your doctor will ask about medication and health history while treating you.
What does irrigation of the corpora cavernosa involve?
After the area is numbed with local anaesthetic, a fine needle draws off the trapped blood and the erectile tissue is flushed with saline to restore normal flow. Medication may be injected as well, and you are monitored briefly afterwards to make sure the erection has gone down.
Ready to book your priapism treatment (irrigation)?
Choose a date and time online and we will confirm your appointment at Eastgate Clinic in Windhoek. Medical aid and private patients welcome.