Erection lasting four hours or longer
This can be ischemic priapism. It needs immediate medical treatment to protect tissue and function.
Source: American Urological Association ↗Urgent warning signs
Know when not to wait.
If any sign below is happening now, contact local emergency services or go to an emergency department. This page cannot assess severity or arrange care.
A pop or snap with sudden pain, swelling, bruising, or loss of erection
A penile fracture is a urologic emergency. Do not bend, massage, wrap tightly, or try to test the erection.
Source: American Urological Association ↗You cannot urinate at all
Complete urinary retention needs medical help right away, especially with pain, swelling, injury, fever, or blood.
Source: NIDDK ↗Retracted foreskin is stuck behind the head, with swelling or pain
Paraphimosis can restrict blood flow. Do not wait or repeatedly force it.
Source: NHS ↗Uncontrolled bleeding, open wound, embedded object, or blood at the urinary opening after injury
Get emergency care. Do not remove an embedded object or attempt repair.
Source: NIDDK ↗Sudden severe testicle pain or swelling
This is adjacent to penile health but time-sensitive. Emergency assessment is needed to rule out testicular torsion.
Source: NIDDK ↗Immediate danger, assault, or severe distress
If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services. In the United States, the 988 Lifeline supports suicidal or mental-health crisis, and RAINN provides confidential sexual-assault support. These services are independent of Penis.how.
If none of these signs applies, the navigator can help distinguish prompt, routine, and educational next steps.
Use the Concern Navigator →