PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) for erectile dysfunction

Treatments with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) have been carried out in my practice for around ten years. I use this treatment mainly for people with male-pattern hair loss (which occurs in both men and women): androgenetic alopecia. But also as a way to stimulate the slackening, thinning skin beneath the eyes; fine lines can soften, the skin looks less dull and dark circles can lighten.

Recently I began looking into other indications, including erection problems, or erectile dysfunction. It is by no means a new indication, but when I read the scientific literature on the subject I became enthusiastic and started offering this treatment as well.

Some background

Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is a term for problems with getting or keeping the penis erect. The firmness may be reduced, or it may not last long enough to engage in the desired sexual activity.

There are various causes. These include reduced blood flow to the penis as a result of ageing, damage to small blood vessels and nerves in diabetes, side effects of medication, and psychological factors such as performance anxiety or stress.

What is a PRP treatment?

This treatment, sometimes called the P-Shot (Priapus Shot), though that term isn’t necessarily my preference, uses Platelet Rich Plasma, which is packed with stimulating and growth factors. PRP is obtained from your own blood and is rich in natural substances that stimulate tissue repair and blood flow. The treatment aims to improve circulation and activate cell renewal in the penile tissue. This can help with a range of complaints, such as reduced erectile capacity, diminished sensitivity, and an erection that is less firm or too short-lived.

When is PRP effective for erectile dysfunction?

This treatment is particularly effective for erectile dysfunction with a vascular or tissue-related cause. It works best in men with early-stage vascular erectile dysfunction, meaning reduced blood flow to the penis, which inevitably occurs with age. The growth factors in the plasma stimulate the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), which improves the natural blood flow.

Erectile dysfunction related to diabetes is also a good indication. The damage to small blood vessels and nerves can be repaired by the treatment; regeneration takes place.

How does the PRP treatment work?

Before the treatment, the penis is numbed locally with a cream, which needs about an hour to take effect. The treatment begins by drawing a tube of blood. This blood is processed in a centrifuge, which separates the PRP from the other cells and concentrates it. The plasma obtained is then carefully injected into the erectile bodies of the penis using a very fine needle. Most men experience only minor discomfort during the injections. What men often mention is that the idea of injections in the penis was the unpleasant part, but that in the end it was far more bearable than expected. After the treatment it may feel a little tender, and some swelling and redness can appear. Understandably, there is also a chance of minor bruising, as with any treatment involving a needle, but this always fades in time.

When will you notice results?

Some men notice an improvement within a few weeks, but the effect usually builds gradually over a period of several months. This is because the body needs time to produce new cells and blood vessels. The nice thing about a PRP treatment is that it is beneficial by definition, regardless of the visible result. After all, stimulating tissue with your own growth factors is always worthwhile and can never be harmful or trigger an allergic reaction.

How many treatments are needed?

We always start with a course of four treatments, each about a month apart. Repeating the treatment is advised in order to maintain the result. The frequency varies from person to person and depends on factors such as age, lifestyle and the severity of the complaints.

Who is this treatment suitable for?

This PRP treatment is suitable for men who want to improve their sexual function in a natural way, without using medication such as erection pills. It is particularly worthwhile for men with mild to moderate erection problems caused by age or by circulation problems of another origin. It is less suitable for men whose erection problems are caused by serious underlying medical conditions. If the complaints are caused by nerve damage, for example following a spinal cord injury or previous prostate surgery, PRP is not expected to produce a satisfactory effect. And naturally, this treatment does not resolve stress or performance anxiety, though it may contribute to a more confident feeling, which in turn can help it take effect.

During a consultation we always assess whether the treatment is appropriate and whether realistic results can be expected. Safety and medical suitability are, of course, central to this.