priapism

(prī′ă-pizm )

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Abnormal, painful, and continued erection of the penis caused by disease, occurring usually without sexual desire.
SEE: erection

CAUSES
It may be due to lesions of the spinal cord above the lumbar region or to peripheral sensory irritants. It is sometimes seen in patients as a complication of sickle cell disease or leukemia. Some medications used to promote penile erection cause priapism as an unwanted, adverse effect.

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