Platelet rich plasma has been used for 20 years in the orthopoedic industry. Famous athletes like Tiger Woods and Rafael Nadal have been recipients of this technology. Platelets contain growth factors, cytokines and other proteins that signal repair, healing and collagen growth. There is new blood vessels and tissue growth along with nerve regeneration. This translates out to better turgor and flow in the penis.
Considering the options for erectile dysfunction, there are medications like Viagra and Cialis. For most, these medications are well tolerated. There are some serious side effects to consider, though rare. And, men who have a heart condition taking medications that interact with Viagra/Cialis, the penile PRP shot may be an option to consider. What differs about the penile PRP shot is the regenerative capacity to improve penile health–new blood vessels, nerves, tissue. This is safe, with no significant side effects and no down time.
The penile PRP shot involves drawing blood from the patient and then spinning it down in a FDA approved centrifuge for PRP. The platelets are then extracted and injected in several areas of the penis. With topical anaesthetic cream, this is a well tolerated procedure.
Indications include erectile dysfunction, Peryronie’s disease (scarring of the penis), post surgery erectile dysfunction from a prostatectomy due to Prostate Cancer and lichen sclerosus.
Usually the effects last 1 year or more. Some need a second shot within 2-3 months. Short term use of a penile pump after the procedure can augment the effects of the injection.
This is a non-insurance covered procedure.
References:
Gu X, Hua S, Ethan M, Zhong L, Long T, Clouse C, et al. Long-term therapeutic effect of cell therapy on improvement in erectile function in a rat model with pelvic neurovascular injury. BJU international. 2018.
Matz EL, Pearlman AM, Terlecki RP. Safety and feasibility of platelet rich fibrin matrix injections for treatment of common urologic conditions. Investigative and clinical urology. 2018;59(1):61–5
Wu CC, Wu YN, Ho HO, Chen KC, Sheu MT, Chiang HS. The neuroprotective effect of platelet-rich plasma on erectile function in bilateral cavernous nerve injury rat model. J Sex Med. 2012;9(11):2838–48.
Burnett AL, Nehra A, Breau RH, Culkin DJ, Faraday MM, Hakim LS, et al. Erectile dysfunction: AUA guideline. J Urol. 2018;200(3):633–41
Kirby M. The circle of lifestyle and erectile dysfunction. Sex Med Rev. 2015;3(3):169–82.