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What to do if…
you have a painful erection that has lasted several hours and will not go away

Short answer

Treat this as an emergency: go to A&E now if the erection has lasted more than 3 to 4 hours, or sooner if you have sickle cell disease and a painful erection lasting more than 1 hour. If you can’t get there safely, call 999.

Do not do these things

  • Do not “wait it out” once it has lasted several hours — delaying can increase the risk of lasting damage.
  • Do not drive yourself to A&E if you’re in significant pain, feel faint, have taken substances, or you’d be unsafe to drive.
  • Do not take more erectile dysfunction medication (Viagra/sildenafil, Cialis/tadalafil, etc.) or use injections/supplements to “fix” it.
  • Do not try risky home measures (extreme cold/heat, forceful manipulation, repeated attempts to make it go down) — and do not let any home attempt delay getting to A&E.
  • Do not feel you have to “prove” anything or be embarrassed — staff treat this as a time-sensitive medical problem.

What to do now

  1. Go to A&E now if:
    • the erection has lasted more than 3 to 4 hours, or
    • you have sickle cell disease and a painful erection lasting more than 1 hour.
      Ask someone to take you. If you’re alone, too unwell to travel, or the pain is severe, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
  2. On the way / while waiting, note the key details (you can put this in your phone):
    • When the erection started (approximate time)
    • Whether it’s painful and how severe
    • Any trigger: erectile dysfunction tablets, penile injection therapy, drugs/alcohol, recent injury, new medication
    • Any conditions like sickle cell disease
  3. Bring what clinicians will need quickly (if it’s easy to grab):
    • A list of medications (or the boxes/blister packs), including any ED meds or injections
    • Allergy information
  4. When you arrive, say this plainly at reception/triage: “I have a painful erection that has lasted several hours and won’t go away (possible priapism).”
    If you have sickle cell disease, say that immediately.
  5. If you can’t face talking in public, use your phone: show the triage desk the sentence above. Ask for privacy.

What can wait

  • You do not need to figure out the cause right now.
  • You do not need to decide whether you’ll see a specialist later or change medications — the priority is urgent assessment and treatment.
  • You do not need to try multiple home remedies — getting to A&E promptly matters more.

Important reassurance

This is a known medical emergency that hospitals see and treat. Feeling embarrassed or frozen is common — but you’re not wasting anyone’s time. Getting help quickly is the best way to protect your health.

Scope note

This guide covers first steps for the first hours. After urgent treatment, you may be advised about follow-up, medication changes, or preventing recurrence.

Important note

This is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. If you have a painful erection lasting several hours, or an erection lasting more than 3 to 4 hours (or more than 1 hour if you have sickle cell disease), seek urgent emergency care.

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