Man Experiences Prolonged Erection for 7 Days After Taking Unknown Potency Drug
A 38-year-old man from Guangzhou, identified as Mr. Li, faced a **severe medical condition** after consuming an unidentified "miracle" potency drug. His **erection lasted for an astonishing seven days**, leading to severe complications that nearly resulted in tissue necrosis.
The Incident During a Holiday Trip
While vacationing in Guangxi during the May Day holiday, Mr. Li was introduced to a local "special" potency drug by a friend. He began taking it before engaging in sexual activity, and he was **initially pleased** with the drug’s effectiveness. However, two weeks later, after taking the pill one evening, he woke up the next morning still experiencing an erection. At first, he was surprised, but as the day progressed, he began to feel discomfort and pain.
Feeling embarrassed, Mr. Li avoided seeking medical help and resorted to using ice packs to alleviate the pain. It wasn’t until the seventh day, when the situation became unbearable, that he sought urgent medical attention.
Medical Intervention and Treatment
Upon arriving at the hospital, doctors attempted various treatments, such as **irrigation and arterial decompression**, but with little success. The persistent erection continued to be a problem. Eventually, he underwent an **embolization procedure**, where the arteries supplying blood to the affected area were blocked to reduce blood flow, allowing his condition to finally improve.
Understanding Prolonged Erections (Priapism)
Normal erections occur in response to sexual arousal, but prolonged erections—lasting over four hours—without sexual stimuli are considered pathological. The incidence of priapism is about one in 100,000, and cases like Mr. Li's, lasting over 140 hours, are exceptionally rare.
Types of Priapism
Priapism can be classified into three categories: **high-flow (non-ischemic)**, **low-flow (ischemic)**, and **mixed** types. Ischemic priapism occurs in about 30% of cases related to blood disorders. High-flow priapism typically does not involve pain, whereas low-flow priapism is often excruciating.
In high-flow cases, the skin of the genital area typically appears normal, maintaining elasticity and color. On the other hand, low-flow patients exhibit **bluish-gray discoloration** of the skin, extreme rigidity, and debilitating pain, necessitating immediate medical attention.
Treatment Guidelines for Priapism
Seeking Early Intervention
It is critical for patients experiencing prolonged erections to seek medical attention without delay to prevent lasting damage. The longer the erection persists, the greater the risk of tissue damage and potential complications.
Conservative Treatment for Early Cases
For patients with a shorter duration of priapism, **conservative therapies** are recommended. This may include injections of vasoconstrictors, such as **phenylephrine**, into the corpus cavernosum to reduce swelling and promote drainage of excess blood. If symptoms do not improve with conservative approaches, **minimally invasive interventions** may be necessary.
Invasive Procedures as Last Resort
Invasive surgical options are reserved for severe and persistent cases. These may involve creating a shunt between the corporal bodies and the venous system to facilitate blood drainage. It is important to note that many patients who undergo invasive procedures may experience **erectile dysfunction (ED)** as a side effect.
Conclusion
Mr. Li's case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unregulated potency drugs. Anyone experiencing similar symptoms should prioritize their health and **seek urgent medical assistance**. Awareness and early intervention are crucial in preventing serious complications associated with prolonged erections.