How to Help Blocked Penile Veins

Blocked penile veins result in abnormal blood flow into and out of the penis. As a result, blood often becomes trapped in the penis, resulting in veno-occlusive priapism. This is a condition of a prolonged and painful erection resulting from obstructed veins in the penis. Unfortunately, you will be unable to treat blocked penile veins at home. If you suspect you have this condition, it is important to speak with your doctor immediately to receive the proper care and treatment you need.

Visit your doctor to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Before attempting to treat your condition, it is important to visit your doctor. Although your symptoms may indicate that you have a blocked penile vein, it could indicate a more serious or underlying medical condition. When speaking to your doctor, explain your symptoms and history as accurately as possible. Your doctor will do a physical examination of the penis. An angiography will likely be used to locate the blocked penile veins, while a Doppler sonogram will be used to detect abnormal blood flow.

Apply ice to the penis to reduce swelling. When the veins in the penis become blocked, blood is unable to drain from the penis. As a result, the shaft of the penis commonly becomes rigid and swollen, resulting in a painful and persistent erection. To help with this swelling, apply an ice pack to the shaft of the penis. Because the penis skin is so delicate, wrap the ice pack in a thin towel before applying it to the skin. Ice the area for 15 to 20 minutes every 3 to 4 hours.

Engage in light exercise, which may help divert the blood flow to other areas of the body. The exercise should not be vigorous or extensive. For example, try walking up and down a few flights of stairs. Or, take a short walk around the block. If the pain becomes worse with movement, do not attempt to exercise.

Remove the blood from the penis with aspiration. For this procedure, your doctor will begin by numbing the penis. Then, he will insert a needle into the shaft and drain the blocked blood from the penis. Although will probably not correct the blockage, it will reduce the swelling and pressure.

Surgically correct the blockages, depending on your individual situation. If you are suffering from a ruptured artery or vein, your doctor will use surgical ligation to correct the problem. The artery or vein that has ruptured will be tied off, which allows for blood flow to return to its normal state. If the artery or vein has not ruptured, your doctor will likely insert a shunt into the blocked vein. This shunt will allow blood to bypass the blockage, returning circulation to normal.

Warnings

If you suspect you have a blocked penile vein, it is important that you seek medical attention immediately. Do not attempt to treat the condition yourself, as you may cause the condition to become worse. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the longer that medical attention is delayed, the greater the risk for permanent dysfunction of the penis.