Urgent health
Priapism: an erection that will not go away needs urgent care
An erection lasting more than four hours, or a painful erection without arousal, is a medical emergency called priapism. Go to the nearest emergency unit straight away.
In short: Priapism is a prolonged erection, usually painful, that lasts four hours or more without sexual stimulation. Blood becomes trapped in the penis and tissue can be damaged within hours, which can cause lasting erection problems. Go to an emergency unit immediately. Causes include some medicines, injections, drugs, sickle cell disease and injury.
Act now
If you have an erection that has lasted four hours or more, or is painful and will not go down, do not wait. Go to the nearest hospital emergency unit. Men’s Health Clinics does not treat priapism; it needs urgent medical care.
What is priapism?
Low-flow priapism
The more common and more dangerous type. Blood cannot drain out, the penis is rigid and painful, and the tissue is starved of oxygen.
High-flow priapism
Usually follows an injury to the groin or penis. Too much blood flows in. It is often less painful but still needs assessment.
Common causes
- Erection injections and some erection tablets, especially when misused
- Some antidepressants, antipsychotics and blood pressure medicines
- Unregistered sex pills with unknown ingredients, see unregistered sex pills
- Cocaine, cannabis and alcohol
- Sickle cell disease and some blood disorders
- Injury to the penis, groin or perineum
Why speed matters
After about four to six hours, the lack of oxygen begins to damage the erectile tissue. Treatment in the first hours gives the strongest chance of keeping normal erections.
Lowering your risk
- Only use medicines exactly as prescribed
- Never mix erection products or take more to get a stronger effect
- Avoid sex pills sold without registration
- Tell any prescriber about previous priapism
After priapism
Some men notice weaker erections afterwards. Once you have recovered and been cleared medically, our naturopaths can support you with circulation, confidence and natural recovery. Read about erectile dysfunction treatment without pills.
Why men choose our natural approach
Walk in or consult remotely
Walk in at Buccleuch, Sandton, with parking available, or consult by phone or video from anywhere in South Africa.
Natural and non-surgical
Herbal remedies and practical guidance, with no injections or surgery.
Faster appointments
Enquiries answered 24/7, with same-day appointments often available.
Transparent pricing
Consultations are R2,500, with any remedy costs confirmed before you commit.
Private self-check: 5 quick questions
Answer these honestly before you try anything new or book. They help you describe what is happening and get more from your first consultation.
- Do you have pain, swelling, redness or itching in the genital area?
- Have you noticed discharge, sores, a lump or blood in your urine or semen?
- Do you have a fever or feel generally unwell?
- Has this lasted more than a few days, or keep coming back?
- Is it affecting your sex life, sleep or confidence?
A yes to questions two or three, or sudden severe pain, means you should see an appropriately registered medical professional promptly. For recurring or lifestyle-related concerns, a naturopath can help with natural support alongside medical care.
What happens at your first consultation
- Walk in or book online, call +27 10 205 9855 or WhatsApp +27 81 823 1313. In Gauteng, walk in at 199 Vanessa Street, Buccleuch, Sandton, where parking is available. Outside Gauteng, choose a confidential phone or video consultation. Enquiries are answered 24/7.
- Talk privately with a naturopath about your symptoms, health history, lifestyle and goals.
- Receive a personalised natural plan, with any remedy costs confirmed upfront.
- Follow up in person or remotely so your progress is reviewed and your plan adjusted.
Your health and safety
Our naturopaths use natural remedies and lifestyle support, and always check your health history and current medicines first. Priapism is a medical emergency. Men’s Health Clinics does not treat it. Go to the nearest emergency unit for any erection lasting four hours or more. Avoid unregistered “enhancement” products sold online or at markets, as SAHPRA has warned that some contain hidden ingredients.
Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, an erection lasting more than four hours, sudden weakness or other sudden symptoms.
Consultation price
A consultation is R2,500, in person or remote, and your naturopath confirms any further costs before you go ahead. See our men’s clinic prices for details.
Frequently asked questions
How long is too long for an erection?
An erection lasting four hours or more without stimulation, or any painful erection that will not go down, needs emergency care.
What should I do if my erection will not go down?
Go to the nearest hospital emergency unit straight away. Do not wait to see if it settles.
Can priapism cause erectile dysfunction?
Yes. If not treated quickly, lack of oxygen can damage erectile tissue and lead to lasting erection problems.
Can sex pills cause priapism?
Yes, especially unregistered products with unknown doses of prescription drugs, or taking more than prescribed.
How much does a consultation cost?
A consultation is R2,500, and any remedy costs are confirmed with you before you go ahead.
Book your consultation today
Once any emergency has been treated and you have been cleared medically, we can help with recovery and confidence. Walk in at our Sandton practice or book ahead; outside Gauteng, book a remote consultation.
References and further reading
- Mayo Clinic: Priapism
- SAHPRA: South African Health Products Regulatory Authority
- FDA: Tainted sexual enhancement products
Reviewed by George Mulaudzi, Naturopath. This page is general information and does not replace a personal consultation. If you have chest pain, sudden symptoms or a medical emergency, seek urgent medical care.
