A man in Spain has been awarded £41,000 in compensation after a medical emergency left him with a prolonged and dangerous erection lasting more than 30 hours. His wife, who supported him throughout the ordeal, will receive an additional £4,200.

The 36-year-old first sought help four hours after noticing that his condition was not resolving on its own. Doctors at a local clinic diagnosed priapism, a painful state in which blood becomes trapped in the penis. This condition can occur with or without sexual arousal and, if left untreated, may cause permanent damage.

After receiving the diagnosis, he went to Ontinyent Hospital near Valencia. However, he later claimed that essential treatment was delayed. Twenty hours into the emergency, he returned with his distressed wife, only to be told he would need to wait for a specialist appointment.

The couple pressed for help, and he was eventually transferred to another hospital. By then, he had developed a fever, signalling possible infection. Doctors drained the trapped blood and later fitted a malleable penile implant. Unfortunately, the device was improperly positioned and required a second surgery.

Investigators later determined that the man did not receive adequate care and was left with ongoing pain and difficulty achieving erections. These findings led to the regional government being ordered to pay compensation.

A urologist not involved in the case explained that priapism can cause tissue damage within hours. Without prompt treatment, patients may lose natural erectile function and require implants.

The ruling brings an end to what the couple described as a long and exhausting process.