priapism /prī″əpiz′əm/ [Gk, priapos, phallus] , an abnormal condition of prolonged or constant penile erection, often painful and seldom associated with sexual arousal. It may result from localized infection, a lesion in the penis or the central nervous system, or the use of medications or recreational drugs such as cocaine. It sometimes occurs in men who have acute leukemia or sickle cell anemia.
