Erectile dysfunction is common in post-priapism patients with sickle cell disease. Evidence has shown that sickle cell anemia has been linked to several reproductive problems, such as low sperm counts and decreased testosterone levels. This can create challenges between the client and the nurse. Sickle cell patients are already facing a debilitating chronic disease. The nurse must be knowledgeable and provide culturally competent care when dealing with these clients. Sickle cell disease can cause severe hemolytic anemia resulting from inheritance of the sickle hemoglobin (HbS) gene, which causes the defect in the hemoglobin molecule. HbS acquires a crystal-like formation when exposed to low oxygen tension. The oxygen level in the venous blood may be low enough to cause this change; as a result, the HbS-containing erythrocyte loses its round, flexible, biconcave disk shape and becomes dehydrated, rigid, and sickle-shaped. These long, stiff erythrocytes can adhere to the endothelium of small vessels; when they stick together, blood flow to a region or organ may be reduced. If ischemia or infarction occurs, the patient may experience pain, swelling, and fever. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Sickle cell anemia is characterized by a painful vaso-occlusive crisis when sickle-shaped erythrocytes block blood flow to tissues, bones, cells, and organs. Therefore, causing ischemia, infarction, necrosis and inflammation. Sickle cell anemia is a debilitating disease. When perfusion resumes, substances (eg, free radicals, free plasma hemoglobin) are released that cause oxidative damage to the vessel. In turn, the endothelium of the vessel becomes dysfunctional and a vasculopathy develops. The shedding of blood cells causes a reduction in blood flow to the penis. Reduced blood flow will lead to vascular thrombosis and priapism may develop. Priapism is a prolonged erection. This condition can lead to erectile dysfunction by causing edema, necrosis, and fibrosis if left untreated. Frequent episodes of priapism can also contribute to significant pain, decreased libido, and impotence. These problems can be a source of extreme embarrassment and depression. Male patients may develop sudden painful episodes of priapism. The patient is taught to empty the bladder at the onset of the attack, to exercise, and to take a warm bath. If an episode persists for more than 3 hours, medical intervention is recommended, which consists of intravenous hydration, administration of analgesic agents and possible intracavernous aspiration of the penis. If this condition persists, extensive vascular thrombosis and scarring will develop. The client will become impotent, a phenomenon also called erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is a man's inability to keep his penis erect. Other features include soft erection, rapid sag of the penis, reduced sexual desire and frequency of erections. The physiology of erection and ejaculation is complex and involves parasympathetic and sympathetic components. An erection involves the release of nitric oxide in the corpora cavernosa during sexual stimulation. Its release activates cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), causing smooth muscle relaxation. This allows blood to flow into the corpora cavernosa, resulting in an erection. Current treatment for erectile dysfunction includes drug therapy, surgical implants, injections into the.