What Causes Priapism?
• Sickle cell anemia: Some cases of priapism are the result of sickle-cell disease. It has been estimated that approximately 42% of adults with sickle-cell disease will eventually develop priapism. • Medications: A common cause of priapism is the use and/or misuse of medications. Drugs that may cause priapism include Desyrel, used to treat depression, or Thorazine, used to treat certain mental illnesses. For people who have erectile dysfunction, oral or injection therapy medications to treat the condition may also cause priapism. Other causes of priapism include: • Trauma to the spinal cord or genital area • Black widow spider bites • Carbon monoxide poisoning • Illicit drug use, such as marijuana and cocaine In rare cases, priapism may be related to cancers that can affect the penis and prevent the outflow of blood.
