Priapism is a rare disease, characterized by a prolonged erection unrelated to sexual stimulus or desire. There are two distinct types of priapism with different etiologies, pathophysiology, treatment and complications. A better understanding of these two clinical entities brought about, in recent years, some progress in their treatment. The authors make a retrospective analysis of the 17 cases of priapism diagnosed in this centre in the last twelve years. From this experience they review the standard approach to this disease, both diagnostic and therapeutic.