Priapism Treatment (Irrigation) in Windhoek

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