Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a component of blood that’s thought to promote healing and generate healthy tissue in your body. PRP therapy is currently used to treat joints, tendon or muscle injuries, stimulate hair growth, and even speed recovery from surgery.
It’s also used as an experimental or alternative treatment option for:
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Peyronie’s disease
• Penis enlargement and male sexual performance
• Female sexual orgasmic disorders ( O-Shot )
How does it work?
Our blood is made of four different components: red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets.
Plasma ( mostly contains salt and water ) is the liquid part of your blood and makes up about half of its volume. Platelets are tiny cells critical for helping your blood clot after an injury. It is now being discovered that platelets also contain large amount of proteins called growth factors that help speed up healing and regenerate tissues damaged by trauma or aging.
The theoretical benefit of PRP for ED is to make the spongy tissue and blood vessels in the penis ( corpora ) healthier and easier to dilate. A healthier corpora increases blood flow and renders the penis harder and larger.
To prepare PRP, a trained medical professional takes a small sample of your blood and spins it in a machine called a centrifuge. The centrifuge separates the plasma and platelets from the other parts of your blood.
The resulting PRP mixture has a much higher concentration of platelets than regular blood. Once the PRP mixture is properly prepared , it’s directly injected into your penis by a health professional. This is commonly called the Priapus Shot, or P-Shot.
The P-Shot is a quick procedure, and you’ll likely be able to leave the clinic in about an hour or less . You also don’t have to do anything to prepare in advance for the procedure. You may drive home yourself .
Using PRP for ED is promising but remains experimental, and its effectiveness is still under scientific review.
A 2020 review Trusted Source looked at all the research available to date on PRP therapy for male sexual dysfunction. The review looked at three animal studies and two human studies for ED. The studies didn’t report any major adverse reactions to PRP therapy.
The researchers concluded that PRP has the potential to be a useful treatment option for ED. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the studies had many limitations. More research is needed to better understand the benefits of PRP treatment
How does PRP compare to other ED treatments?
Traditional treatment options might be a better alternative until more research is available.
Many people with ED have success with traditional treatment options, which usually target the underlying cause of ED. Your doctor can evaluate you for potential causes of ED, such as heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes, and recommend the best treatment option for you.
Common ED treatments include:
• Medications. ED medications allow the blood vessels in the penis to dilate and increase blood flow. Example Sildenafil ( Viagra ),Tadalafil ( Cialis )
• Lifestyle changes. Becoming more physically active, eating a healthier diet, and quitting smoking all have the potential to improve ED.
• Vacuum Erection Devices : Vacuum pumps
• Vasoactive penile Injections : Trimix and Prostaglandin
• Implant of Penile Prosthesis: As surgical procedure
How much does PRP cost?
Few insurance plans currently cover PRP because it’s still considered an experimental treatment and its not yet FDA approved for ED . The cost of the P-Shot can range widely among clinics. According to some studies, the P-Shot procedure costs about $1,800. However, some clinics may charge up to $2,200 for treatment.
If you’re interested in having PRP treatment for ED, talk to your doctor. They can answer your questions about PRP and refer you to a specialist like Dr Angelo Gousse who performs the treatment. Globally, there are at least 683 registered clinics that can administer PRP for ED. Registered PRP clinics tend to provide superior results.
PRP is usually performed by a doctor or surgeon. However, laws on who can perform the treatment may vary between states and countries.
Risks and side effects
The 2020 review mentioned earlier found no major PRP adverse effects in the study participants.
As of now, there have been few clinical trials, and the sample sizes have been too small to reach any definite conclusions.
PRP is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction or blood borne transmission since the substance being injected is coming from your body. However, as with any type of injection, there’s always a small risk of complications.
If you’re having trouble getting an erection, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. You might have an underlying medical or psychologic cause. Do not suffer in silence with ED. Get the proper help. Consider new and non-invasive options. They might change your life.
Angelo E. Gousse, MD
Clinical Professor of Urology – Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine – FIU
Voluntary Professor of Urology – University of Miami , Miller School of Medicine
Director of Fellowship:Female Urology,Voiding Dysfunction, Reconstruction
Memorial Hospital Miramar, South Broward Hospital District
1951 SW 172 Avenue, Suite 305,
Miramar, FL, 33029 Tel: 954-362-2720