A 42-year-old sickle cell patient, Stephen Danquah, is grappling with priapism, a rare and distressing condition causing a prolonged and painful erection for two days without sexual stimulation.

Danquah, unable to urinate or find relief, expressed his agony to Accra-based TV3, contemplating suicide due to the unbearable pain.

Neglected by fearful family members, Mr Danquah struggles to raise funds for medication and surgery advised by Korle Bu Teaching Hospital doctors, warning of potential life-threatening consequences if untreated.

“I have an erection which has not been able to go down for two days. Then also I am suffering with my scrotum and my penis. I am not able to pass urine or even get to sleep. I have been crying since.

“Even my family members don't want to come closer to me because of my condition. As a result, I have been struggling to get money to take care of myself, get medications or go for a review. I was told by the hospital, Korle Bu, to at least try and get the surgery done otherwise, I would lose my life.

“... Because of the pain I am going through, sometimes, I get the urge to take my life because I am in pain. At the moment, I am not bothered about where to sleep, I am only concerned about how to get this off me,” he explained.

Facing immense pain, Danquah has contemplated suicide, prioritizing treatment over basic needs.

A urologist highlighted priapism's impact on sickle cell patients, emphasizing its concern for both short and long-term effects on their lives.

Priapism is a medical emergency, trapping blood in the penis and causing prolonged and painful erections. If untreated, it can lead to severe complications, including permanent damage, erectile dysfunction, or gangrene.

A male sickle cell patient is battling with priapism, enduring severe pains for days as his conditions worsen.Godwin Asediba tells the story of Stephen Danquah who is struggling with prolonged erection.#TV3GH #News360 pic.twitter.com/zrzUBgl20F— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) February 5, 2024