Female clitoral priapism: an over-the-counter option for management

Female priapism is a rare condition that is not commonly described in the literature. There are many treatment strategies for the management of priapism, including conservative and safe over-the-counter options.

To describe a case of a woman who presented with clitoral priapism, who was managed conservatively with a simple over-the-counter treatment plan.

A 29-year-old gravida 0 para 0 presented to the emergency room with painful clitoral priapism lasting for 5 days. Despite cessation of the suspected causal agents, trazodone and wellbutrin, her symptoms persisted.

The patient was managed conservatively with analgesics and around-the-clock oral pseudoephedrine and experienced complete resolution of her symptoms.

Oral pseudoephedrine may be a reasonable option for certain patients, and may be considered as a first-line therapy and adjunct to conservative measures.