Priapism is a persistent, painful penile erection.
Three clinical categories are discussed in this chapter, including recurrent acute priapism, acute prolonged priapism, and chronic priapism. This is the most common form of priapism in which the patient gets short attacks that subside spontaneously. The patient usually copes with this problem and may not seek medical advice. The natural history is variable. Most patients will continue to get attacks throughout their lives and will maintain some degree of potency.