Introducing the PRP Shot!
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a natural treatment that reinjects platelets and growth factors into your body, which have been gathered from a sample of your own blood. This produces a healing response in the body to repair and rejuvenate an area.
It has been used safely in many therapeutic areas such as sports medicine, dentistry, orthopedics, hair loss, and cosmetic medicine. PRP therapy for penile rejuvenation is a newer application of the PRP technique and is used to treat erectile dysfunction and to heighten sexual satisfaction.
Our bodies have a remarkable capacity to heal themselves. Regeneration of new tissue is accomplished by the natural production of stem cells. PRP is in the category of regenerative autologous treatments which involves concentrated platelets, rich in bioactive proteins, which release growth factors to stimulate cellular regeneration and accelerate tissue repair.
The technique makes use of the plasma (the liquid portion) of your blood, separating it from the suspended red blood cells, and injecting the platelets and their associated growth factors to help rejuvenate body tissues. Platelets are an important part of wound healing and tissue repair and this technique makes use of their natural ability to restore tissues.
PRP also contains pluripotent stem cells that have the potential to develop into several different cell types to replace those that may be lacking in number or function. It also contains Growth Factor Proteins (cytokines) that can stimulate cells to proliferate and repair tissue, increasing volume, blood supply, and rejuvenating tissue structure and function.
The potential benefits of PRP penile rejuvenation include:
Improved libido
Increased erection quality
Heightened sexual pleasure
Increased sexual stamina
Increased penile girth and length
Improved blood flow and circulation
To prepare the penis for PRP therapy, you will be asked to do some things before treatment starts including daily use of a vacuum erection device (VED) and low dose tadalafil. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire on sexual health at different time frames to assess and analyze the effectiveness of the treatment. Photographs may also be taken by the practitioner for a “before and after” comparison later, particularly if erectile problems or penile abnormalities are being treated.
The PRP injection is performed in the office. It should take about 40 – 60 minutes from start to finish. A numbing cream (topical local anesthetic) will be applied to the areas that are going to be injected. A small sample of blood is drawn (similar to a lab test sample) and placed in a centrifuge that spins the blood at high speeds, separating the platelets from the other components. The concentrated platelet-rich component is then injected into specific areas of the penis to restore erectile function.
The procedure is considered comfortable with a mild pinching or pressure sensation during treatment. There are generally no side effects from PRP treatment injected into the penis, but you can expect the effects of the numbing cream to last for 30 – 60 minutes after treatment, at which point you may notice mild soreness which can last for 24 hours or so. There may be redness or mild bleeding at the points of injection. You may drive yourself home after the procedure. Most people can resume normal exercise and activities, including sexual activity on the same day.
The PRP Shot is for more than sexual function!
Have you noticed a loss of size over the years? Penile shortening is a common occurrence as men age. The PRP Shot can actually increase both length and girth by over 1” in many cases. 40% of men experience an increase of 20% in length and girth, but results vary and often depend on size prior to treatment. Daily use of the pump provided after the procedure for a 6-week period greatly increases the likelihood of size increase.
The PRP Shot is also a great treatment option for Peyronie’s disease, which is a condition causing scarring inside the penis that leads to painful and curved erections. This issue can cause significant pain and bends in the penis that can worsen over time. When used to treat Peyronie’s disease, the PRP Shot provides a 75-80% success rate in straightening penile tissue, while also improving its circulation, health, and strength.
The PRP Shot is drug-free, surgery-free!
Your PRP Shot appointment is relatively quick and simple. You may feel mild discomfort, but otherwise, the procedure is relatively comfortable. Before injecting PRP in your penis, a local anesthetic is applied at the injection site. This ensures your comfort while getting your PRP Shot. Although some men notice immediate benefits after having the PRP Shot, it usually takes three to four weeks to see changes with maximum results around three months as healthy tissue returns to the area. Some patients may benefit most with a combination therapy of PRP Shot and shockwave treatments. Your consultation and treatment is one-on-one with your provider and kept in strict confidence. To see how the PRP Shot can help you, call Men’s Health or schedule an appointment online today.