It is only after 12 to 14 hours of ischaemic priapism that the trabecular smooth muscle cells show the beginning of focal cytoplasmic transformation, with the perinuclear cytoplasm, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, and Golgi apparatus exhibiting an increase in size.

What happens if you are erect for too long?

The blood trapped in the penis is deprived of oxygen. When an erection lasts for too long — usually more than four hours — this lack of oxygen can begin to damage or destroy tissues in the penis. Untreated priapism can cause erectile dysfunction.

Is priapism good or bad?

Types of Priapism

Both types cause a long-lasting erection, but one is significantly more dangerous than the other. High-flow priapism is caused by an injury that damages an artery supplying blood to the penis, causing it to be oversupplied with oxygen-rich blood. This type of priapism is rare and is not painful.