What is priapism characterized by?

Priapism is a medical condition characterized by a prolonged, often painful erection that persists beyond or is unrelated to sexual stimulation. This condition occurs due to inadequate blood drainage from the penis, which leads to stagnant blood. The trapped blood can result in increased pressure and pain in the penile area, highlighting the involuntary and painful nature of the erection.

In the context of the other options:

The inability to produce semen relates to different reproductive issues, while the growth of abnormal tissue refers to conditions such as penile tumors or fibrous tissue overgrowth, and infected foreskin describes a condition known as balanitis or posthitis, which does not pertain to the definition of priapism. These conditions differ significantly from priapism, underscoring that the defining feature of priapism is the painful, spontaneous erection associated with stagnant blood accumulation.