The Management of Stuttering Priapism within a Specialist Unit—A 25-Year Experience

Abstract

Introduction: Stuttering priapism is a rare condition characterised by recurrent prolonged erections. The condition is common in patients with sickle cell disease although a significant proportion suffer from idiopathic stuttering priapism. The management of this condition is mainly through anecdotal reports. Methods: We have retrospectively reviewed 60 patients with this condition in a single centre over a 25-year period. Risk factors were identified and the outcomes of both pharmacological therapies and surgical interventions were recorded. Results: Erections were characteristically nocturnal and painful in nature and lasted up to 72h in some patients. Analysis of the outcomes of both medical and surgical interventions has shown that the use of hormone analogues such as cyproterone acetate is the most efficacious treatment option as it allows a successful control of their erections without a significant loss of libido in 86% of patients. The most successful surgical option was the insertion of a penile prosthesis. Conclusion: Due to the rarity of this condition, the management is variable and based on anecdotal evidence. This study has reported our experience of the most efficacious treatment options for this condition. We also discuss the potential therapeutic role of PDE-5 inhibitors in this condition.