Is a prolonged erection a sign of COVID-19?

A prolonged erection, also known as priapism, is not a widely recognized sign of COVID-19. Priapism is a medical condition in which an erection lasts longer than four hours, usually without sexual arousal. This condition can be painful and can cause serious complications if left untreated.

Priapism can have a number of causes, including sickle cell anemia or other hematological disorders. Certain medications or drugs, including some antidepressants and blood thinners, can also cause priapism.

There is no direct evidence that COVID-19 causes priapism. However, COVID-19 can affect your health in a number of ways. Serious illnesses like COVID-19 can lead to decreased overall health and may affect sexual function, although this is indirect.

If you experience prolonged or painful erections, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Priapism can lead to serious complications, such as damage to the penile tissue, and often requires medical intervention to relieve the erection and treat the underlying cause.

Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735675720311918?via%3Dihub

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2022-12-01 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025