What condition is characterized by prolonged erections typically lasting 4 to 6 hours?

Priapism is the condition characterized by prolonged, often painful, erections that can persist for an extended period, typically lasting 4 to 6 hours, or even longer. This condition occurs when blood becomes trapped in the erectile tissue of the penis and is not released after sexual arousal has ended, leading to an erection that can develop without any sexual stimulus.

Priapism can result from several factors, including certain medical conditions (such as sickle cell disease), medications, or spinal cord injuries. It requires prompt medical attention to prevent complications such as tissue damage or erectile dysfunction.

In contrast to other conditions listed, phimosis refers to the inability to retract the foreskin over the glans penis, which does not involve prolonged erections. Epispadias and hypospadias are congenital conditions related to the abnormal positioning of the urethral opening and are unrelated to the duration of erections. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why priapism is the specific concern represented in this question.