Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common problems in both young and aging men. Although studies show a consistent prevalence of the condition in aging men, medical experts are now also seeing an increasing number of younger men complaining of erectile dysfunction.[1]
With the growing cases of erectile dysfunction, there has also been a continuous pursuit of different treatment options for men going through this problem, one of which is PRP for erectile dysfunction.
What Is PRP for Erectile Dysfunction?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is essentially a blood component that promotes tissue regeneration and healing. PRP therapy has been used widely to help with hair growth, facilitate faster recovery from surgery, and treat tendon or muscle injuries.
But recent studies have suggested that autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections an already be used as a form of regenerative medicine despite limited scientific evidence on its benefits in treating erectile dysfunction.[2]
How Does PRP Therapy Work?
The concept behind PRP for erectile dysfunction is to supply plasma to the blood vessels and tissue of the penis to make it healthier, thus allowing for consistent and long-lasting erections. PRP is harvested from blood drawn at the time of treatment.
A 30cc venous blood draw will yield 3-5 cc of PRP [3], but this depends on several factors, including the technique, the device, and the baseline platelet count of the patient. The sample is then placed in a centrifuge to separate the plasma and platelet from other blood components.
The PRP mixture also called the Priapus, or P-shot is injected into the penis. This type of therapy works by stimulating growth factors that help increase the production of reparative cells in the body, which is an excellent solution to erectile dysfunction.
The procedure takes less than an hour to complete, and you will not be required any preparations before the injections.
What Are the Benefits of PRP therapy?
A lot of men who have undergone PRP for erectile dysfunction have reported stronger, firmer, and more consistent erections. Some also said that they had better sensitivity and less pain in the penile area.
The effectiveness of PRP therapy is still up for debate, however, because trials are still underway, and a lot of factors have to be considered before giving this form of treatment to a patient.
This is when it’s imperative to consult a doctor for a thorough assessment of your condition to identify underlying health problems like diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension.
By knowing the potential causes of your erectile dysfunction, a doctor can create the right treatment plan for you, including some lifestyle changes, addressing underlying health conditions, medications, and even PRP therapy.
Is PRP for Erectile Dysfunction Effective?
A lot of doctors have reported clients experiencing better erections after getting PRP injections, but there are still no scientific studies to back these claims for now. A review analyzing four pre-clinical and six clinical trials showed that while there have been no proven adverse reactions with PRP treatment, it still shows a lot of potential for treating erectile dysfunction and maybe useful andrology.[4]
Some doctors recommend PRP therapy along with other treatment options for erectile dysfunction such as talk therapy for psychological issues, erectile dysfunction medications like tadalafil and sildenafil [5], and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, exercising and eating better.
What Are the Common Side Effects to PRP Therapy?
There have been no reported significant side effects to PRP therapy in men with erectile dysfunction, especially because the plasma mixture that’s being injected comes right from their body. However, there are still some risks for complications with injection therapy, including infection, pain, bruising, and nerve and tissue damage.
How Much Does PRP Therapy Cost?
PRP for erectile dysfunction usually costs around $1,900, but some clinics can charge up to $2,200 for the P-shot alone. You may need to pay an average of $683 for the doctor’s fee. Only a few insurance plans cover PRP treatments because they’re still considered experimental.
The Takeaway
Although PRP for erectile dysfunction is still in its experimental stage, a lot of men who tried the P-shot have reported better sexual performance, which helped rebuild their confidence and improve their relationships. The important thing here is to always talk to your doctor before getting any treatments for erectile dysfunction.
[1] Rastrelli, Giulia, Maggi, Mario. Erectile Dysfunction in Fit and Healthy Young Men: Psychological or Pathological? 2017 February 6. PMID: 28217453. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5313296/
[2] Scott,S., Roberts, M., Chung, E. Platelet-Rich Plasma and Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: Critical Review of Literature and Global Trends in Platelet-Rich Plasma Clinics. 2019 April 7. PMID: 30833169. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30833169
[3] Dhurat, Rachita, Sukesh MS. Principles and Methods of Preparation of Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Review and Author’s Perspective. 2014. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25722595
[4] Epifanova, MV., Gvasalia, BR., Durashov, MA., Artemenko, SA. Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Male Sexual Dysfunction: Myth or Reality? 2020 January 8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30898594
[5] Patel, Chintan K., Bennett, Nelson. Advances in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: What’s New and Upcoming? 2016. PMID: 27516878. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4979545/
