Period lasting too long. Prolonged Menstrual Periods: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Medical Help

26.11.202215.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the common causes of prolonged menstrual periods. How can you manage extended menstruation at home. When should you consult a doctor for a long-lasting period. What treatments are available for menorrhagia.

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Understanding Prolonged Menstrual Periods: What’s Normal and What’s Not

Menstrual cycles typically last between three to seven days for most women. However, some individuals experience periods that extend beyond this normal range, a condition known as menorrhagia. Menorrhagia is defined as menstrual bleeding that lasts longer than seven days or involves unusually heavy blood loss during a shorter period.

Approximately 5% of women suffer from menorrhagia, which can significantly impact their quality of life and potentially indicate underlying health issues. If you’re experiencing prolonged menstrual bleeding, it’s crucial to understand the potential causes and know when to seek medical attention.

How long is too long for a period?

Any menstrual bleeding that persists for more than seven consecutive days is considered abnormally long. If you regularly experience periods lasting longer than a week, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out potential underlying conditions.

Common Causes of Extended Menstrual Bleeding

Several factors can contribute to prolonged menstrual periods. Understanding these potential causes can help you better manage your menstrual health and identify when medical intervention may be necessary.

Hormonal Imbalances and Ovulation Changes

Hormonal fluctuations are a common culprit behind extended periods. These imbalances can occur during various life stages, including:

Puberty
Perimenopause
Thyroid disorders
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

When hormone levels are irregular or ovulation doesn’t occur during a menstrual cycle, the uterine lining can become excessively thick. This can result in a longer-than-usual period when the body finally sheds the lining.

Medications and Their Impact on Menstrual Cycles

Certain medications can affect the duration and flow of your menstrual period. These may include:

Contraceptives (e.g., intrauterine devices and extended birth control pills)
Blood thinners like aspirin
Anti-inflammatory drugs

If you suspect that your medication is causing prolonged bleeding, consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your regimen.

Pregnancy-Related Bleeding

While not technically a menstrual period, extended vaginal bleeding during pregnancy can be a sign of potential complications, such as:

Ectopic pregnancy
Miscarriage
Placenta previa

If you experience vaginal bleeding after a positive pregnancy test, seek immediate medical attention to ensure the safety of both you and your baby.

Uterine Abnormalities and Their Effect on Menstrual Cycles

Structural changes within the uterus can lead to prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding. Two common uterine abnormalities associated with extended periods are:

Uterine Fibroids and Polyps

Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the uterine wall, while polyps are small, benign tumors that form in the uterus. Both conditions can cause prolonged and sometimes heavy menstrual bleeding.

Adenomyosis: When Uterine Lining Invades Muscle Tissue

Adenomyosis occurs when the endometrial tissue (uterine lining) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. This condition can lead to extended and heavy periods, often accompanied by painful cramping.

Medical Conditions That May Cause Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding

Several medical conditions can contribute to menorrhagia. Being aware of these potential causes can help you identify when to seek medical attention.

Thyroid Disorders and Menstrual Health

An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can lead to longer, heavier periods. Proper thyroid function is essential for maintaining regular menstrual cycles.

Bleeding Disorders and Their Impact on Menstruation

Conditions that affect blood clotting, such as hemophilia and von Willebrand’s disease, can result in prolonged menstrual bleeding. In some cases, an extended period may be the only noticeable symptom of these disorders.

Obesity and Its Effects on Menstrual Cycles

Excess body weight can lead to hormonal imbalances, particularly increased estrogen production. This excess estrogen can cause changes in your menstrual cycle, including longer periods.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and Menstrual Irregularities

PID is a bacterial infection of the reproductive organs that can cause changes in menstrual patterns, including prolonged bleeding. Other symptoms may include abnormal vaginal discharge and pelvic pain.

The Link Between Prolonged Periods and Cancer Risk

While less common, extended menstrual bleeding can sometimes be an early warning sign of certain cancers. It’s crucial to be aware of this possibility and seek prompt medical evaluation if you experience persistent, unexplained changes in your menstrual cycle.

Uterine and Cervical Cancer: When to Be Concerned

Prolonged periods may be an early symptom of uterine or cervical cancer in some women. While this doesn’t mean that every instance of extended bleeding is cancerous, it’s essential to have any persistent changes evaluated by a healthcare professional.

When to Seek Medical Help for Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding

Recognizing when to consult a doctor about extended menstrual bleeding is crucial for maintaining your overall health and well-being. Here are some guidelines to help you determine when medical attention is necessary:

Red Flags: Symptoms That Warrant Immediate Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms alongside prolonged menstrual bleeding:

Fever
Unusually heavy blood loss (changing pads or tampons every 1-2 hours for several consecutive hours)
Passing large blood clots
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy

The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Don’t ignore persistent changes in your menstrual cycle. Early diagnosis and treatment of underlying conditions can prevent potential complications and improve your overall quality of life. Delaying medical evaluation may lead to worsening of the underlying cause of extended bleeding.

Diagnostic Approaches for Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding

When you consult a healthcare provider about extended menstrual bleeding, they will likely begin with a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause. This diagnostic process may include:

Initial Assessment: Questions Your Doctor May Ask

Be prepared to answer questions about your menstrual history and current symptoms, such as:

When did your period start?
How many pads or tampons have you used in the last day?
Have you been sexually active recently?
Are you experiencing any pain or other symptoms?
Have you noticed any changes in your weight or diet?

Physical Examination and Diagnostic Tests

Your healthcare provider may perform a physical examination and order various tests to determine the cause of your prolonged bleeding. These may include:

Pelvic examination
Blood tests to check hormone levels and screen for anemia
Ultrasound or other imaging studies
Endometrial biopsy (if cancer is suspected)

Treatment Options for Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding

The treatment for extended menstrual bleeding depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of the following approaches:

Medications to Regulate Menstrual Flow

Various medications can help manage prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding, including:

Hormonal birth control (pills, patches, or intrauterine devices)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Tranexamic acid
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists

Surgical Interventions for Persistent Menorrhagia

In some cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to address the underlying cause of prolonged menstrual bleeding. These may include:

Dilation and curettage (D&C)
Endometrial ablation
Uterine artery embolization (for fibroids)
Hysterectomy (as a last resort)

Lifestyle Changes to Support Menstrual Health

In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle modifications may help manage prolonged menstrual bleeding:

Maintaining a healthy weight
Regular exercise
Stress reduction techniques
Eating a balanced diet rich in iron and other essential nutrients

Coping with Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding: Self-Care Strategies

While seeking medical attention is crucial for addressing the underlying cause of extended periods, there are several self-care strategies you can employ to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life:

Managing Heavy Flow and Discomfort

To cope with heavy menstrual flow and associated discomfort:

Use high-absorbency menstrual products or period underwear
Change menstrual products frequently to prevent leaks and reduce infection risk
Apply heat to your lower abdomen to alleviate cramps
Take over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your healthcare provider

Preventing and Addressing Anemia

Prolonged, heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to iron-deficiency anemia. To prevent or address this condition:

Consume iron-rich foods (e.g., lean meats, leafy greens, legumes)
Consider taking an iron supplement (consult your doctor first)
Pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C sources to enhance absorption

Emotional Well-being and Support

Dealing with prolonged menstrual bleeding can be emotionally challenging. Consider these strategies to support your mental health:

Join support groups or online communities for women with similar experiences
Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
Communicate openly with friends, family, or a therapist about your concerns
Educate yourself about your condition to feel more in control

Preventing Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding: Is It Possible?

While not all causes of extended menstrual bleeding are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and maintain overall menstrual health:

Maintaining Hormonal Balance

To support hormonal balance and regular menstrual cycles:

Maintain a healthy weight
Engage in regular physical activity
Manage stress through relaxation techniques or counseling
Consider discussing hormone-regulating medications with your healthcare provider

Regular Health Check-ups and Screenings

Routine medical check-ups can help detect potential issues before they lead to prolonged menstrual bleeding:

Schedule annual gynecological exams
Undergo recommended cancer screenings (e.g., Pap smears, mammograms)
Discuss any changes in your menstrual cycle with your healthcare provider promptly

Addressing Underlying Health Conditions

Managing existing health conditions can help prevent or minimize menstrual irregularities:

Follow treatment plans for conditions like thyroid disorders or PCOS
Monitor and control chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension
Discuss potential medication side effects with your healthcare provider

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for prolonged menstrual bleeding, you can take proactive steps to manage your menstrual health and overall well-being. Remember that open communication with your healthcare provider is key to addressing any concerns and ensuring timely intervention when necessary.

Causes, When to Seek Help, Treatment, and More

If you experience periods that last longer than seven days, see your doctor. It may be a sign of a serious underlying health condition that needs to be addressed.

Generally, a period lasts between three to seven days. A menstrual period that lasts longer than seven days is considered a long period.

Your doctor may refer to a period that lasts longer than a week as menorrhagia. You may also be diagnosed with menorrhagia if you experience unusually heavy bleeding that lasts less than a week. Five percent of women have menorrhagia.

A long period may be a sign of a serious underlying health condition, such as:

hormone irregularities
uterine abnormalities
cancer

It’s important to see your doctor if you experience a long or heavy period so they can identify the underlying cause or rule out more serious possible causes.

Menorrhagia can cause discomfort during your period as well as disrupt your regular routine. You may find that the bleeding affects your activities or your sleep. You may also experience iron deficiency anemia if you regularly experience long menstrual periods, especially if they’re heavy.

Read on to learn more about long periods, including possible causes and what you can do to manage this symptom.

Long periods can be caused by a wide range of underlying conditions.

Hormone and ovulation changes

Changes to your hormones or ovulation may cause a long period. You may notice hormonal changes when you first get your period during puberty or in perimenopause. You may also experience a hormonal imbalance from different health conditions, such as thyroid disorders or polycystic ovary syndrome.

If your hormones aren’t at a normal level or if your body doesn’t ovulate during your menstrual cycle, the uterine lining can become very thick. When your body finally sheds the lining, you may experience a period that’s longer than normal.

Medications

You may experience long periods because of medications you take. These can include:

contraceptives, such as intrauterine devices and extended birth control pills
aspirin and other blood thinners
anti-inflammatories

Pregnancy

While not actually a period, extended vaginal bleeding may be a sign of an unsafe or nonviable pregnancy, such as an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage.

You may also have extended bleeding in pregnancy if you have a condition like placenta previa.

If you’ve had a pregnancy test come back positive and you’re experiencing vaginal bleeding, see your healthcare provider.

Uterine fibroids or polyps

Uterine fibroids and polyps can lead to extended, and sometimes heavy, bleeding.

Fibroids occur when muscle tissue begins to grown in the wall of the uterus.

Polyps are also the result of irregular tissue growth in the uterus and cause small tumors to grow.

Generally, neither fibroids or polyps are cancerous.

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is another type of tissue buildup. The condition occurs when your endometrium, or uterine lining, embeds itself into the muscles of your uterus. This can lead to a long or heavy period.

Thyroid condition

You may have a long period if your thyroid is underperforming. This condition is known as hypothyroidism.

Bleeding condition

You may have a condition that affects your body’s ability to clot blood, causing your long periods. Two of these conditions are hemophilia and von Willebrand’s disease.

A long period may be the only sign of one of these conditions, or you may have other symptoms.

Obesity

Excess weight may cause long periods. That’s because fatty tissue can cause your body to produce more estrogen. This excess estrogen can lead to a change in your period.

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) occurs when bacteria infect your reproductive organs. In addition to changes to your menstrual cycle, PID can also lead to abnormal vaginal discharge among other symptoms.

Cancer

A prolonged period may the sign of cancer in your uterus or cervix. For some women, this may be one of the earliest symptoms of either of these cancers.

Don’t ignore a long period. It’s important to see your doctor to discuss why you might be experiencing this symptom. Delaying your diagnosis and treatment could lead to a worsening of the underlying condition responsible for the extended bleeding.

You may want to seek immediate care with a long period if you spike a fever or are losing an abnormally heavy amount of blood or large blood clots. A sign that you’re losing a lot of blood is if you need to change a pad or tampon one to two times per hour for several hours. You may also begin to feel lightheaded if you’re losing a lot of blood.

There are many causes for a long period, so your doctor will likely begin your appointment by asking you some questions. These may include:

when your period started
how many pads and tampons you’ve used in the last day
your sexual activity
other symptoms you’re experiencing
your medical and relevant family histories

They may also do a physical exam that includes a pelvic exam and measuring your vital signs.

Your doctor may also recommend any of the following tests to help them make a diagnosis:

blood tests to check hormone levels and also to look for signs of an iron deficiency
pap smear
biopsy
abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound
hysteroscopy
dilation and curettage

Treatment methods for a long period can vary. Your doctor will treat the underlying cause. They may also recommend a treatment to reduce your current bleeding, regulate your period, or relieve any discomfort.

Hormonal birth control may regulate your period and shorten it in the future. This medication can be administered as:

a pill
an intrauterine device
a shot
a vaginal ring

Your doctor also may advise you to take medication that reduces pain or discomfort you experience from the prolonged period. These medications may include over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, such as Advil or Motrin.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure to alleviate long periods.

Dilation and curettage can thin the layer of your uterus and reduce how much you bleed during your period.

If you’re no longer considering having children, you may undergo endometrial ablation, resection, or a hysterectomy. These procedures can relieve the long periods, but they may also eliminate the possibility of getting pregnant.

Delaying a diagnosis could result in a more invasive procedure or intensive treatment for the underlying cause.

Additionally, if your long period causes heavier blood loss, you could be at risk of developing anemia. This may contribute to feelings of tiredness and weakness.

Your doctor can use results from a blood test to diagnose anemia. If your iron levels are low, your doctor may recommend boosting your diet with iron-rich foods and a possible iron supplement to get your levels back to normal.

Long periods may also be painful and interfere with your well-being and quality of life. You may miss days of school or work, or withdraw from activities you enjoy because of your long period.

There are many reasons you may have a period that’s longer than normal. Long periods can get in the way of your normal life, and they may also be a sign of an underlying condition that requires treatment.

See your doctor to find out the cause of your long period so you can begin to treat it. Delaying treatment may cause complications and lead to more invasive treatments in the future.

How Long Does Your Period Last? Menstruation FAQ

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Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Ana Gotter — Updated on April 2, 2019

Overview

Menstruation typically works on a monthly cycle. It’s the process a woman’s body goes through as it prepares for possible pregnancy. During this process, an egg will be released from the ovaries. If that egg isn’t fertilized, the lining of the uterus is shed through the vagina during a woman’s menstrual period.

Your period, also known as menstruation, typically lasts anywhere from two to eight days.

Many women experience symptoms during their period. Certain symptoms like cramping or mood changes can begin before the actual period. This is often called premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. Most women’s menstrual symptoms resolve after the period is over.

The full menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. It typically lasts between 21 and 35 days. There are different stages within the menstrual cycle. These include:

The follicular phase

The follicular phase starts on the first day of menstruation and ends when ovulation begins. During this stage, the ovaries produce follicles, which then house eggs. This stimulates the thickening of the uterus’s lining. There’s an increase in estrogen during this time.

Ovulation

The mature egg is released into the fallopian tube and then the uterus. This typically occurs about two weeks into a woman’s cycle, or about midway.

The luteal phase

The body maintains its preparation for pregnancy. This includes an increase of progesterone and a small amount of estrogen. If a fertilized egg doesn’t implant in the uterus, this phase will end and menstruation will begin. In a 28-day cycle, this phase ends around day 22.

Menstruation

During this stage, the thickened lining of the uterus is shed during a woman’s period.

Many women will experience irregular periods at some point in their lives. It’s particularly common for young women to experience highly irregular periods — including very long periods — during their first few years of menstruation. Their periods will often shorten and stabilize between one and three years after menstruation begins.

Irregular periods include periods that are lighter, heavier, arrive unpredictably, or last longer or shorter than the average. According to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, it’s estimated that between 14 to 25 percent of women have what are classified to be “irregular” cycles.

That being said, if your periods are less than 21 days apart or more than 35 days apart, there could be an underlying cause that’s making you more irregular. If this is the case, make an appointment with your doctor.

There are a number of different factors that affect your cycle. As you get older, for example, your period will get lighter and become more regular.

Using a new contraceptive, including birth control pills, vaginal rings, and IUDs, can make you irregular at first. Many birth control methods can cause long, symptomatic periods for the first one to three months after you start taking them, but these even out over time.

Other factors that can make you irregular, or cause changes to your menstrual cycle, include:

extreme weight loss
excessive exercising
infections to the reproductive organs, like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
increased stress
changes in diet

Many women prefer to regulate their menstrual cycle. Doctors may even recommend it for women whose periods are consistently irregular.

Regulating the menstrual cycle focuses on strategies and treatments to ensure that a woman’s period comes within a set frame of time and lasts for a time frame between the “normal” two to eight days.

The most common way to regulate your menstrual cycle is through birth control pills, or other similar hormonal contraceptives like the patch or the NuvaRing. Some of these contraceptive methods will trigger a woman’s period once a month, while others may only give her a period once every three or six months.

Other methods of regulating the menstrual cycle could involve treatment for eating disorders that are causing severe weight loss, or modifying diet and lifestyle. If you’re able to reduce stress, that could also reduce irregularity of your period, too.

While every woman is a little different and her “normal” will be unique, there are symptoms that indicate it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider. These symptoms include:

Your period becomes irregular after it’s been steady and predictable for a long time.
Your periods suddenly stop for 90 days or more and you aren’t pregnant.
You think you may be pregnant.
Your period lasts for more than eight days.
You bleed much more heavily than usual.
You soak through more than one tampon or pad every two hours.
You suddenly begin spotting.
You develop severe pain during your period.
Your periods are more than 35 days apart, or less than 21 days apart.

If you suddenly get a fever and experience flu-like symptoms after using tampons, seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms could indicate a dangerous complication called toxic shock syndrome.

When asking how long your period lasts, it’s easy for women to want a definitive answer. Each woman is different, however, and she’ll have her own normal. Tracking your unique cycle each month will help you detect trends and patterns, so you’ll notice any changes as soon as they happen.

If you’re experiencing any sudden changes in your period that you don’t believe are stress-related, especially alongside other new symptoms, you can always make an appointment with your gynecologist to double check.

Last medically reviewed on September 29, 2017

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014). Menstrual cramps: Definition.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/basics/definition/con-20025447
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2016). Women’s health: Menstrual cycle: What’s normal, what’s not.
mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/menstrual-cycle/art-20047186
Menstruation and the menstrual cycle. (2017).
womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/menstruation-and-menstrual-cycle
What are menstrual irregularities? (n.d.).
nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/menstruation/conditioninfo/Pages/irregularities.aspx

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Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Ana Gotter — Updated on April 2, 2019

Why does time either fly quickly or drag on slowly? | Eternal questions | Question-Answer

24.01.2014 17:37

Elena Slobodyan

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

59138

Category:
Psychology

Why does time either fly quickly or drag on slowly?

The way we experience the duration of time within ourselves, independent of external indicators such as clocks or calendars, is what psychologists call subjective or experienced time. This sense of time may differ from the actual course of time. If we are in a good mood or are engaged in the usual business, time flies faster, but if a person is immersed in depression or is hard at mastering a new business, his time can drag on very slowly.

How mood affects the perception of time

The most common point of view is that a good mood speeds up time (that is, our subjective time turns out to be less than real, “external” time), and a bad mood stretches it. If you experience joyful moments in life or communicate with people who are pleasant to you, then time flies by unnoticed – as you know, “happy hours are not watched.” The same applies to work: when we are passionate about work, striving for success, then time flies by unnoticed, and if work drags on for a depressingly long time, this is a symptom of a weak interest in our work.

Depression and illness make us perceive the passage of time as painfully long. The same applies to communicating with people unpleasant to us – everyone is familiar with the awkward state when you wait and can’t wait for the person you don’t like to leave you.

Efforts to gain new experience also affect the perception of time: if we do our usual business, then time flies by unnoticed, but mastering a new subject is given to us with difficulty, which is reflected in subjectively longer time. For example, driving home from work in your hometown will seem shorter in time than the same journey that you make in an unfamiliar area.

How events and information affect the passage of time

Another important factor is the number of events that a person perceives – they are also called cognitive markers. When a person’s consciousness is saturated with a mass of events – these can be both external events in which we participate and a large flow of information being assimilated – then we get a feeling of great speed of time: a stream of cognitive markers rushes by like telegraph poles outside the window of a fast moving train.

If there are few events or interesting information, then time seems to freeze – the human consciousness has nothing to grab onto in order to feel its progress. By the way, this can also explain why the perception of time by modern man has accelerated significantly compared to the measured life of people in the pre-industrial era. Today, we make more decisions, travel more, meet more people, or learn more from books and media in a year than, for example, an 18th-century peasant would in his entire life.

Another interesting phenomenon is that the monotonous period is extended for a long time only in the present, i.e. when we experience it. But as soon as he finds himself in the past, i.e. when you remember this period, it will seem surprisingly short. The reason is that a series of monotonous events is recorded in memory as one event, as one experience.

How does age affect the perception of time

Age also affects the perception of time. The time of a child is more eventful and emotional than the time of an elderly person – therefore, a week or a year for a child lasts much longer than for an adult, and even more so for an elderly person. There is an interesting point of view that the “proportionality” effect affects the perception of time: for a 5-year-old child, one year is 20% of his life, and for a 33-year-old adult, only 3%. Therefore, in the perception of a child and an adult, this year takes a different amount of time.

Affects with age and accumulated experience, including emotional. With age, we do not perceive different events so dramatically, we better understand ourselves and those around us – therefore, a number of researchers believe that life satisfaction, mood in older people improves compared to younger years. Experience also means less effort that needs to be put in to get results at work. All this leads to the fact that with age, time begins to fly by unnoticed.

Priapism (too long erection) | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Time to read:
Approximately 2 min.

This information will help you understand what to do if you develop priapism.

Information about priapism

Priapism is an erection that lasts too long. Priapism can occur outside of sexual arousal and does not stop after orgasm. There is a risk of developing priapism after penile injection therapy.

When there is a full erection, no new blood enters the penis. Consequently, the penis does not receive oxygen, which can cause tissue damage and lead to permanent erectile dysfunction (ED).

Information about Pseudoephedrine HCl (Sudafed®)

Figure 1. Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (Sudafed)

Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (Sudafed ^® ) may help if you have priapism. You can buy it at your local pharmacy without a prescription, but the drug packs are kept behind the pharmacy counter.

To buy pseudoephedrine HCL, take the pseudoephedrine HCL card on the shelf to your pharmacist (see Figure 1). You will have to show a photo ID before the pharmacist will sell you a package of this drug. Do not buy pseudoephedrine hydrochloride on the shelf. This is phenylephrine and is not suitable for the treatment of priapism.

If you have heart problems, ask your cardiologist if it is safe for you to take pseudoephedrine hydrochloride.

If you are being treated with penile injections, be sure to carry pseudoephedrine HCL with you throughout your treatment.

If you develop priapism

If you have an erection hard enough to penetrate (6 or higher on the erection hardness scale) that lasts 2 hours, take 4 (30 mg) pseudoephedrine hydrochloride tablets (Sudafed).
Do not take sustained release or long acting tablets such as Sudafed 12 hour. If you have any questions, please contact your pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional. Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride is shipped in a vial with syringes from your Rx pharmacy, or you can buy it from your local pharmacy.
- If your erection is weaker than needed for penetration within an hour of taking pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, call your healthcare provider’s office the next day to speak to a qualified healthcare professional. You should not continue to inject at the same dosage if you are taking pseudoephedrine hydrochloride for prolonged erections. Your qualified health care provider will change the dose of the medicine used for penile injection therapy.
  Do not inject again until you have contacted your health care provider.

If your erection lasts 3 hours (erection does not go away 1 hour after taking pseudoephedrine HCl), call your top pharmacist.
- Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, call a qualified health care provider.
- Between 5:00 pm and 9:00 am, and on weekends and holidays, call 212-639-2000 and ask to speak to the urologist on call.
- Call the MSK Emergency Center at Memorial Hospital (1275 York Avenue, between East 67th Street and East 68th Street) if you can get there in less than 30 minutes. A qualified health worker will call the Emergency Center to make sure they are waiting for you. During the call, you will receive additional instructions from a qualified healthcare provider.

If your erection lasts 4 hours and you haven’t seen a qualified healthcare professional, it’s considered an emergency. You must act as quickly as if you had a heart attack. An erection lasting more than 4 hours can lead to irreversible damage to the erectile tissue.
- Call the MSK Emergency Center if you can get there in less than 30 minutes. Ask the guard at the entrance to the hospital how to get to this center.
- Go to your nearest emergency room if it takes more than 30 minutes to get to Memorial Hospital.
- Tell the emergency center or emergency room that you have an erection for 4 hours. A medical officer should examine you immediately. If you don’t get medical attention right away, you may develop permanent erectile dysfunction.