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Priapism of the Penis: Treatment of Penis Erection that Would Not Go Away in New York City

by Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-5747.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients

We offer affordable prices for treatment by a top urologist with or without insurance.


What is Priapism and Who is at Risk? 

Symptoms of  Priapism

Priapism is a prolonged, persistent erection of the penis that does not go away on its own.  Typically, an erection lasting more than 1-2 hours is of concern and requires URGENT TREATMENT, as delay in treatment can lead to penile damage after 4-6 hours, which may be irreversible and may cause erectile dysfunction as well as scarring in the penis.

Who is at Risk for Priapism?

Men who use injectable medications to create erections (Trimix, etc.) are at the greatest risk.  Among men using penile injections for treatment of erectile dysfunction, as many as 20% of men will develop an episode of priapism. 

Men with sickle cell disease and other blood disorders, as well as those with leukemia, may experience priapism.

Many men have no identifiable risk factors for priapism.

How Can Priapism be Diagnosed?

Priapism is diagnosed by the persistent presence of an erection that lasts more than 1-2 hours without stimulation.

Treatment of priapism

Idiopathic priapism requires emergent treatment.  Most commonly, this involves draining blood from the penis, usually using a small needle and a syringe.  Phenylephrine injections administered under very controlled conditions are also safe and effective.  For persistent priapism, a distal corpora-glandular shunt may be performed in the office or operating room.  More proximal penile shunts may need to be performed if the distal penile shunt does not resolve priapism.  Penile shunts are associated with a risk of erectile dysfunction.

Sudafed is not effective in the treatment of priapism and should not be used, as it only delays the necessary treatment.

For idiopathic recurrent priapism, a number of treatment options have been shown to be effective.  A low dose of oral PDE5-inhibitor on a daily basis may decrease the frequency of priapism episodes.  Medications that decrease circulating testosterone levels or block testosterone effects on tissue have been shown to be effective in preventing recurrent priapism episodes.  Patients can be taught to self-administer phenylephrine injections. 

Priapism and ED

There is a high risk of developing erectile dysfunction after prolonged low-flow priapism.  If medications are not effective, a penile implant may be a good long-term solution.

Did you know?  Dr. Shteynshlyuger has performed over 1,000 penile surgeries, including penile implants, correction of Peyronie’s disease, circumcisions, circumcision revisions, frenuloplasty, and congenital penile curvature.  He performs 150-200 penile surgeries a year.

Where to Get Treatment for Priapism in NYC?

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer specialized treatment for priapism and its complications for men. Same-day virtual video appointments and in-person appointments are available.

Call/text today: 1-646-663-5747 or make an appointment online.  

We treat sexual and erection problems and perform penile surgery. We offer comprehensive testing for infections.  We treat penile problems in men, including phimosis, balanitis, penile irritation, and penile redness. We perform cosmetic circumcision, circumcision revision, penile frenuloplasty, penoscrotal web repair, penile cyst removal, and penile skin bridge removal. We offer confidential appointments.

Our appointment costs are affordable with or without insurance.  We offer free insurance verification.

Read Real Stories of Men Who Underwent Treatment for Penis Problems at New York Urology Specialists.

We offer treatment for penile problems, including ED, Peyronie’s disease, foreskin irritation, penile cysts, skin bridges, and other problems to patients within driving distance to our offices as well as from other states and countries.  Our patients come from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and over 70 countries worldwide.

What do Penile Problems Look Like?

You can find pictures of penile problems, including before and after treatment images, in our image gallery.

What You Need to Know:

Cost of Treatment and Insurance

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer affordable treatment for men. Our prices are low for patients without insurance and for those who have high insurance copays, high deductibles, or insurance plans that do not cover treatment costs. 

We accept many health insurance plans.  We would be happy to verify your eligibility and benefits and to provide you with detailed information on your health plan’s coverage.  Financing options and credit options are available to help you pay for medical care.

Why Choose New York Urology Specialists for Treatment of Priapism and Prolonged Erection Problems?

  • All treatment is performed by a board-certified urologist experienced in treating men with penile problems, symptoms of ED, premature ejaculation, and other sexual problems using medical therapy, minimally invasive therapies, lasers, and surgery.
  • We are one of the few practices in the region to offer a full range of options for the treatment of sexual, penile, and erection problems in men.
  • We offer diagnostic testing in our office, which avoids hospital costs.
  • We offer treatment options for balanitis, genital warts, phimosis, Peyronie’s disease, and penile cysts in our office, which avoids the risks, costs, and recovery from general anesthesia.  
  • Extensive Experience: Thousands of men have been treated successfully using medical therapy, penis surgery, penile injections with Trimix, penile plication, plaque excision, grafting, and penile implant surgery.
  • Confidential and Understanding Care. We understand that most of our patients desire privacy.  We see patients with a variety of urological problems. Your reason for visiting us is entirely confidential.
  • We are conveniently located within a 30-60 minute commute to men who are seeking ED treatment in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester, Long Island, Bronx, and New Jersey.

Scheduling Appointments for Priapism Treatment at New York Urology Specialists


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-5747.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients

We offer affordable prices for treatment by a top urologist with or without insurance.


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Penile Problems are Treatable in Nearly Every Man

Excellence-Urology_Care-banner2At New York Urology Specialists, our urologists are specially trained in the evaluation and treatment of penile problems and erectile dysfunction.  We understand the challenges that penile problems create for our patients, their relationships, and their self-esteem.  We help you find a treatment for erectile dysfunction that fits your needs, lifestyle, and preferences.

Urologists are doctors specializing in the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction. By virtue of our experience and skill, we can offer an effective treatment option for nearly every man who desires an effective treatment for penile problems. We specialize in minimally invasive, highly effective treatment for symptoms of penile pain, urethral burning, foreskin inflammation, and penile cancer. Many treatment procedures are performed in the convenience and privacy of office settings under local anesthesia.  We offer medical and surgical treatment for erectile dysfunction.

We Treat Some of the Most Complex ED problems, including:

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Shteynshlyuger:

Call/text today: 1-646-663-5747 or make an appointment online

Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger is a fellowship-trained, board-certified urologist with expertise in the evaluation and treatment of penis problems, including sexual and erection problems in men, using modern, effective, and proven treatment methods.  We offer inflatable penile implants, shockwave therapy for ED, and treatment for Peyronie’s disease.  We perform circumcision, circumcision revision, penile frenuloplasty, penoscrotal web repair, testicular implants, penile cancer treatment,

He has successfully treated thousands of men of all ages with penile problems, including irritation and inflammation of the penis, bent penis, and weak erections. 

He is highly recommended by top primary care physicians in the New York area. If you or someone you know has been experiencing urological symptoms, make an appointment to take advantage of Dr. Shteynshlyuger’s expert advice. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation, please contact us or call/text: 1-646-663-5747.

We have excellent reviews from patients and their partners.  Information for out-of-state and international patients

We offer affordable prices for treatment by a top urologist with or without insurance.

We offer weekday, weekend, and evening office hours.