Most of the time, the cause of priapism is unknown. However, several factors and conditions can increase the risk, including:

Blood disorders (blood disorders are conditions that affect how your blood works):
- Sickle cell disease: A condition where the red blood cells are shaped abnormally, causing pain and other health problems.
- Thalassemia: A genetic disorder where the body doesn’t make enough healthy red blood cells, leading to anaemia.
- Infections: Some infections can affect the blood, causing problems like low red blood cell count or clotting issues.
Medications and drugs, such as:
- Recreational drugs: Alcohol, marijuana, cocaine.
- Prescription medications: Certain antidepressants, blood thinners, and blood pressure medicines.
Nerve-related conditions, like:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Stroke
- Brain tumours
- Spinal anaesthesia: A type of anaesthesia used to numb the lower half of the body for surgery or medical procedures).
- Neoplasms: Growths or tumours that spread to other parts of the body.
Metabolic disorders (a metabolic disorder is a health condition where the body has trouble processing and using nutrients like sugars, fats, and proteins):
- Amyloidosis: A condition where abnormal proteins build up in the body’s organs and tissues, affecting their normal function.
- Fabry disease: A genetic disorder that causes a buildup of fatty substances in the body's cells, leading to pain, kidney problems, and other issues.
- Gout: A type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, often in the big toe.

Which applies to you?