Post-priapism erectile dysfunction rates and associated factors in adult patients at a national referral hospital

Abstract

Background: Priapism is prolonged penile tumescence that goes on for 4 hours unassociated with sexual stimulation, and can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods: Using a cross-sectional study, 78 adult male patients managed with priapism at a national referral hospital were interviewed. Data were analyzed using Stata 16. Results: Seventy-seven (98.7%) participants had ischemic priapism, while only one had a non- ischemic type. The median duration of symptoms before presentation was 72 hours, [mean 112 hours (range 12– 720)]. The prevalence of ED after priapism was 100% compared with 74.4% before priapism. Forty-six patients (59%) developed severe ED. Longer duration of presentation (p = 0.001) and treatment method used, including T shunt (p = 0.014), Winter (p = 0.003), and Burnett (p = 0.048), were significantly associated with ED. Conclusion: Priapism contributes to significant sexual morbidity with patients presenting late for treatment, worsening the ED after priapism. Some medical conditions and surgical treatment methods are associated with ED. Public health awareness is needed to promote early presentation and training of clinicians on effective early management of priapism.