Sickle Cell Disease: Home Treatment for Priapism

Topic Overview

Home treatment for sickle cell disease includes steps you can take to control some of the complications caused by the disease. Develop a plan with your doctor for home treatment of symptoms, and follow this plan as symptoms occur.

Priapism is a condition in which the penis stays erect without sexual stimulation. Priapism is usually painful. If priapism occurs, remember these home treatment tips:1

  • Urinate often to avoid feeling the need to urinate. Don't wait until you feel the need.
  • Take medicine to relieve pain.
  • Drink extra fluids.
  • Seek emergency treatment, if the pain is especially severe or the problem doesn't go away in 2 to 3 hours. Treatment may include fluids (hydration), pain medicines, and blood transfusions.

Related Information

References

Citations

  1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health (2002). The Management of Sickle Cell Disease (NIH Publication No. 02-2117). Available online: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/prof/blood/sickle/.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerMartin Steinberg, MD - Hematology
Last RevisedOctober 1, 2012
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: October 1, 2012
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Martin Steinberg, MD - Hematology

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