The condition known as priapism is a potentially serious condition and should be treated as a medical emergency in serious cases.  Priapism is a condition where the erect penis does not return back to normal after sex or other stimulation.  If a man continues to have an erect penis for four hours after sex and the erection will not subside, he needs to seek medical attention.  

The cause of priapism can be due to a variety of circumstances.  People with certain diseases that affect the blood, such as Sickle-Cell Anemia, often suffer from priapism.  Those who suffer a spinal cord injury may also suffer from priapism.  The most common cause of priapism today is drugs that are given to men for erectile dysfunction.  

In addition to drugs for erectile dysfunction, other drugs that can cause this condition include antidepressants, antipsychotic and anticoagulants.  Alcohol can also cause priapism as can the illicit drug, cocaine.  

Priapism can cause blood clots in the penis and lead to permanent erectile dysfunction, if not treated.  In severe cases, priapism can lead to gangrene, in which case a penis removal may be necessary.  It is extremely necessary, if one gets an erection that lasts for more than four hours and does not go away, to seek medical attention.

A urologist will treat a man with priapism by aspirating the blood from the penis.  If this fails to work, a shunt may be inserted.  In most cases, the aspiration is effective and the blood leaves the penis and returns back into the circulation of the body.  The procedure to treat priapism involves a local anesthetic and is done in the emergency room.  

If you are taking medication for erectile dysfunction and have an erection that lasts for more than four hours after sex, seek medical attention immediately to avoid any potential complications of priapism.