PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Penile Injection
Most men will tell you that their penis is the most important organ in his body. Of course, while this is not exactly true for everyday physiologic survival, proper and reliable function of the penis plays a large role in intimate relationships. Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection and/or concerns about penile size, shape and curvature, with or without pain, can affect one’s self-esteem and create significant stress between partners.
Our bodies have a remarkable capacity to heal themselves. Regeneration of new tissue is accomplished by the natural production of stem cells. PRP involves concentrated platelets, rich in bioactive proteins, which release growth factors to stimulate cellular regeneration and accelerate tissue repair. The benefits of PRP were initially used in wound healing, dentistry and the treatment of sports injuries, but now have evolved to address aesthetic concerns and sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s Disease for men). PRP is one of the most advanced, effective natural treatments for cellular repair AND rejuvenation throughout the body.
What Does PRP Stand For?
PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma.
What Is PRP?
PRP is in the category of regenerative autologous treatments, which means it comes from your own blood and can stimulate cellular regeneration and tissue repair. Platelets are one of the cells in our blood and when activated, they can release growth factors and other proteins.
Where Did the Name P-Shot® Come From?
The name P-Shot® is actually a shortened version for the Priapus Shot®. It was coined by Dr. Charles Runels after he first injected his own penis. He felt that Priapus, the Greek god of male regenerative power, perfectly represented what he was trying to achieve.
What Benefits Can a Man Have from the P-Shot®?
- Stronger, firmer erections
- Easier to achieve and maintain erections (i.e., improved sexual stamina)
- Increased penile length and girth
- Improvement in or resolution of penile curvature from Peyronie’s Disease
- Resolution of penile pain with erection
- Increased sensitivity in the penis
- Better overall blood flow to the penis
Is the P-Shot® the Same Thing as Trimix Injections?
No. TriMix is a shot to produce an erection for a brief period of time and must be given every time you wish to have an erection; however, the P-Shot® is a treatment that revives and enhances your natural erections.
How Does the P-Shot® Work?
The growth factors & proteins released by the high concentration of platelets in PRP in turn activate stems cells and stimulate cellular repair and regeneration wherever they are applied in the body. In addition, collagen production and the formation of new blood vessels occurs and further aids in tissue repair.
How Is PRP for the P-Shot® Acquired?
A small amount of blood is drawn in the office at the time of the procedure. Your blood is then spun in a specially designed centrifuge which separates the platelets and plasma from the rest of the blood. The platelets are isolated and then injected back into the body wherever their benefits are needed. Along with numbing cream on the skin, a block is performed on the penis, so there is no pain.
How Long Does the P-Shot® Procedure Take to Perform?
The PRP injection is performed in our office. It should take about 60 minutes from start to finish but we do usually allow a little extra time. You may drive yourself home after the procedure.
Is There Anything Else That I Will Need to Do After the Procedure?
Yes. Using a VED, or Vacuum Erection Device, is essential for achieving optimal success from the procedure. This is usually done twice daily. It requires only a few minutes of your time and without it, success rates are usually lower. We will walk you through it the first time.
When Can I Resume Sexual Activity After the P-Shot® Procedure?
You may resume sexual activity about 4 hours after procedure on the same day.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of the P-Shot®?
Since PRP is extracted from your own blood, there are few and only minor potential side effects. These include minor bleeding or bruising, swelling, and very rarely infection.
Are All Centrifuges the Same? Which One Do You Use?
We use the Emcyte Pure PRP® system. It extracts the highest concentrations of platelets on the market while simultaneously removing 99% of red blood cells (RBC’s) which can hinder the regenerative process. Many other PRP systems fall short of delivering a final injectable that can be considered platelet-rich. Unlike many other systems, Emcyte is a completely closed system throughout all steps of the processing that meets the highest sterility standards. So, if you are going to have a PRP injection, start with the best equipment to give you the highest quality product and maximize your success.
What should you ask your P-Shot® doctor about getting the shot?
At the Center For Advanced Urology, we believe that this procedure is best performed by a board-certified urologist who is a genito-urinary surgical subspecialist. A urologist has gone through at least 5 years of training to learn the anatomy of the penis and ALL of the surgeries and procedures relating to it. A brief training course can never replace this level of experience.
