A Really Long Lasting Erection Almost Kills a Man

A 55-year-old Indian businessman, whose name has not been published for privacy, had a 21 day lasting erection, which doctors say could have killed him. The man was very lucky to get medical attention at the last minute.

This health condition is known as priapism, which happens when the erect penis does not return to its flaccid state after the stimulant that caused the erection is gone. In this condition, the blood (that flowed into the penis to make it erect) stays trapped into the penis causing it to remain “up”. If the erection lasts for more than 4 hours, it can cause serious problems including: permanent impotence, death of the penis (which may require amputation of the organ), and even death of the patient.

Priapism can be caused by other health problems, or as a reaction to the use of ED drugs (like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra). In this man’s case, doctors believe that the erection was triggered by a neurological disorder, and that the patient did not use Viagra or any other medication for impotence. Unfortunately and ironically, the man will be impotent for the rest of his life as a result of the surgical operation that saved his life.

The FDA and ED drug manufacturers persistently advice patients who take prescription ED medications (i.e. Viagra, Cialis and Levitra) to seek immediate medical care, or see their doctor, if an erection lasts for more than 4 hours. Otherwise, the price can be as high as the patient’s life.