By Dr. Angelo Gousse
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a component of blood that has been shown to promote healing and generate healthy tissue in the human body. PRP therapy is currently used to treat joints, tendon or muscle injuries, stimulate hair growth, recover facial health, lift breast and even speed recovery from surgery. PRP helps repair injuries and rejuvenate tissues, slowing the aging process.
In sexual medicine, PRP P- Shot® is also used as an 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, nutrients, 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 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, Dr Gousse takes a small sample of your blood (similar to a regular phlebotomy – blood draw) 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 whole blood. We are now concentrating platelets up to 6 times (6X) the normal whole blood concentration in our PRP mixtures. Once the PRP mixture is properly prepared, it’s directly injected into your anesthetized penis by Dr Gousse (A Board-certified Urologist). The injections are virtually painless. This is commonly called the Priapus Shot, or P- Shot®.
The P- Shot®is a quick procedure (less than 5 minutes), 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. You can return to work immediately. It can even be done during lunch time. The procedure is very discrete. No scars are created, and minimal penile swelling is noted on the day of the procedure.
Using PRP for ED is very promising – It has a very strong scientific basis – currently it is under scientific review and many peer reviewed articles have been published on the subject.
So far, the scientific studies have not reported any major adverse reactions to PRP therapy.
The researchers concluded that PRP has the potential to be a useful treatment option for ED.
Common Current 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
No insurance plans currently cover PRP- It is considered cosmetic treatment. The cost of the P- Shot® can range widely among clinics. Gousse Urology charges $ 1900.00 for the P- Shot® treatment. This is consistent with national rates and Cellular Medicine Association (CMA) recommendations.
Risks and side effects
The 2020 review mentioned earlier found no major PRP adverse effects in the study participants.
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 such as P- Shot®. They might change your life.
Angelo E. Gousse, MD
Professor and Chairman of Urology, Larkin Health System, ACGME Accredited Urology Residency Training Program
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
Address: 1951 SW 172 Av, Ste 305, Miramar, FL, 33029
Phone: 954-362-2720 Fax: 954-362-2762
Website: www.gousseurology.com
