Erectile dysfunction is common in post-priapism clients with sickle cell disease. Evidence has shown that sickle cell disease is linked to several reproductive problems, such as low sperm count and decreased testosterone levels. This can create challenges between the client and nurse. Clients with sickle cell disease are already dealing with a debilitating chronic illness. The nurse must be knowledgeable and provide culturally competent care when caring for these clients. Sickle cell disease can cause severe hemolytic anemia resulting from inheritance of the sickle cell hemoglobin (HbS) gene, which results in a defect in the hemoglobin molecule. HbS acquires crystalline formation when exposed to low oxygen tension. The oxygen level in venous blood may be low enough to cause this change; therefore, the HbS-containing erythrocyte loses its round, soft, biconcave disc shape and becomes dehydrated, rigid, and sickle-shaped. These long and rigid erythrocytes can adhere to the endothelium of small vessels; when they adhere to each other, 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 should not be banned”?Get the original essay Sickle cell disease is characterized by a painful vaso-occlusive crisis when sickle-shaped erythrocytes block blood flow to the tissues, bones, cells and organs. Thus, causing ischemia, infarction, necrosis and inflammation. Sickle cell disease is a debilitating disease. When perfusion resumes, substances are released (e.g., free radicals, free plasma hemoglobin) that cause oxidative damage in the vessel. In turn, the vessel endothelium becomes dysfunctional and vasculopathy develops. Sickle cell disease results in reduced 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 his bladder at the start of the attack, exercise and take a warm bath. If an episode persists for more than 3 hours, medical care, including IV hydration, administration of analgesic agents, and possible intracavernosal aspiration of the penis, is recommended. If this condition persists, extensive vascular thrombosis and scarring will develop. The client will become impotent, also known as erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is a man's inability to keep an erect penis. Other features include mild erection, rapid weakening of the penis, reduced libido and frequency of erections. The physiology of erection and ejaculation is complex and involves parasympathetic and sympathetic components. Erection involves the release of nitric oxide into the corpora cavernosa during sexual stimulation. Its release activates cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), causing smooth muscle relaxation. This allows blood to flow through the corpora cavernosa,.