Priapism

Priapism is a prolonged painful erection.

If an erection lasts for more than four hours it is a medical emergency. It can cause permanent damage to the penis. Some treatments may increase the possibility of it happening, but it is a rare side effect. If it should happen to you try these things to get the erection to go down:

  1. Engage in sexual activity (e.g. intercourse or self stimulation)
  2. Apply a bag of frozen peas (wrapped in a tea towel) to the penis
  3. Take a cold shower
  4. Run up and down a flight of stairs.

If they do not work go to your nearest Accident and Emergency.