If you've had an erection for longer than 4 hours....?

[Binary_Illusion]

I think we've all seen those commercials warning you to seek professional medical help if you've had an erection for longer than 4 hours when using their product(Viagra, Cialis, Levitra). But what really happens? Is there a medical procedure they have to do? What if you have an erection for longer than 4 hours without any drugs? Do the drugs take blood away from the rest of your body, and redirect it to your penis? I doubt that much blood can be redirected. Just wondering. Not sure why having an erection for longer than 4 hours requires professional medical help.

[Anonymous]

oh, I can explain that.

The firmness of an erection is achieved by trapping blood in the penis. Well, the cells in your penis need blood like any other cells, for oxygen and nutrients. If circulation in your penis comes to a stanstill for to long--which is basically what an erection is, blood trapped in your penis--then cells start to die from lack of oxygen. Obviously, circulation in the erect penis isn't zero, or you would be in trouble a lot sooner than 4 hours. But circulation in an erect penis is sub optimal.

[Binary_Illusion]

Okay.... So what, they inject you with an anti-coagulant? or something to get the blood flowing again? I saw something on TV, but I think it was a comedy so I don't think it's real... at least I hope not.

[Opinion Owner]

Oh, I am not certain of the treatment. My medical training wa sas a vet, and we don't give animals viagra. So I wouldn't kow the sntidote, lol

[jacquesvol]

Complications Potential complications include ischemia, clotting of the blood retained in the penis (thrombosis), and damage to the blood vessels of the penis which may result in an impaired erectile function or impotence. In serious cases, the ischemia may result in gangrene, which could necessitate penis removal. [edit] Treatment Medical advice should be sought immediately for cases of erection beyond four hours. Generally, this is done at an emergency department. The therapy at this stag

[jacquesvol]

The above comes from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priapism#

[Opinion Owner]

Are in human medicine, Jack? I try to offer a little knowledge form my vet background now and again....by and large, human and vet med are very similar.

[Binary_Illusion]

Ouch... So the movie was correct :( Yeah in the movie the guy went into the back of an ambulance, and the medic pulled out a needle, and all you heard was a scream of pain. I guess they put you under anesthetic. So thanks Jacquesvol. Your always a heap of information :)

[Gorce]

My buddy made me laugh one time while we were talking about viagra commercials. He said if I have an erection that last for more than four hours I'm not calling my f***ing doctor, he's a guy!...I am going to call maria, sarah, betty, Joanne, cynthia, lucinda, mary and jennifer.

[Binary_Illusion]

Lol. Yeah xD My doctors a women tough :S Might be a little awkward...

[adorkabletmtm]

Is it bad to have an erection for 4 hours?

[Honest-Matt]

It could EXPLODE MAN!

[lefthand]

Eventually, oxygen starts to run out and ischemic damage to the tissue. The general cure is to simply evacuate the blood from the glands via puncture (you know, a big needle).

[Binary_Illusion]

Does this happen often? I would hate that to happen. Not that I've taken, or need Viagra.

[lefthand]

Rare side effect but it is one that you should take to the hospital

[Binary_Illusion]

Um....You were around in the 70's right? You know those implants that were inserted so you couldn't go flaccid, as a way to treat erectile dysfunction? How did those work? Since the penis isn't exactly a muscle, wouldn't it have to restrict some amount of blood?

[lefthand]

I was 4 but yes.. So would a regular erection. That is why an erection lasting more than 4 hours is a problem. The tissue can make due on the restricted blood flow for a considerable period of time but eventually needs to go back to flaccid.