Priapism in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
Priapism is an erection that lasts for 4 hours or longer. The erection may occur without stimulation. The cause of priapism is not always known. Priapism is usually painful and can lead to permanent tissue damage.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- Your child has a painful erection that comes and goes over many hours.
- Your child has trouble urinating.
Call your child's doctor if:
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
Medicines:
Your child may need any of the following:
- Medicines may help regulate your child's hormone levels.
- Pain medicine may be given. Ask how often your child should get pain medicine, and how much should be given.
- Do not give aspirin to children younger than 18 years. Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he or she has the flu or a fever and takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin or salicylates.
- Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Manage your child's symptoms:
Apply ice on your child's groin for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel. Ice helps decrease blood flow to your child's penis and relieve his erection.
Prevent priapism in your child:
- Make sure your child sees his healthcare provider for regular checkups. If your child has a medical condition, such as sickle cell disease, make sure he follows his treatment plan.
- Talk with your child about the dangers of alcohol and drugs. Talk with your child's healthcare provider if your child drinks alcohol or takes drugs and needs help to stop.
Follow up with your child's doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits. Your child may need to see a specialist.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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