The P-Shot and PRP Therapy for ED: What You Need to Know

9 min read
The P-Shot and PRP Therapy for ED: What You Need to Know

Healthy erectile function is something that many people take for granted, that is until they experience problems. Without a firm erection, it can make sex difficult or even impossible. If you aren’t able to maintain a firm erection for long enough to be able to enjoy sex, it’s possible that you have the sexual dysfunction known as erectile dysfunction (ED).

Erectile dysfunction can have a number of causes, ranging from health conditions to lifestyle choices. Given the significant impact it can have on a person’s sex life, people may try a number of treatments to restore healthy erectile function.

One of the ways people are trying to treat ED is via an emerging therapy known as the P-Shot or PRP therapy. In this article, we’ll be exploring what P-Shot therapy involves, what the existing research says about the procedure, and the potential side effects of the treatment.

TL;DR Summary:

  • The P-Shot is an experimental treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) that involves injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the penis.
  • Research on the effectiveness of the P-Shot for ED is limited, and there is a lack of firm evidence to support its efficacy.
  • Men consider PRP therapy for ED due to its potential applications and the increasing popularity of the procedure.
  • The P-Shot procedure involves extracting blood, separating PRP, and injecting it into the penis to increase blood flow.
  • Potential side effects of the P-Shot include swelling, bruising, and infection, but further research is needed to fully understand the risks.
  • It is important to consult a doctor for a professional diagnosis and advice on ED treatment options. Experimental treatments should be approached with caution.

What is the P-Shot?

The P-Shot is considered a nonsurgical procedure in which Palet-rich plasma (PRP) is injected into the penis in an attempt to address sexual issues. Despite a lack of research into the P-Shot, it’s increasingly recommended as a treatment (by clinics rather than traditional doctors) for sexual dysfunctions. Although the P-Shot is considered an experimental treatment, it does seem to be growing in popularity.

A large number of clinics across the US (and worldwide) offer the P-Shot as a treatment option for ED.

The P-Shot name is thought to originate from Greek mythology and is shorthand for the Priapus-Shot. Priapus is a Greek god of fertility and is associated with the growth of vegetables and livestock. In pictures, Priapus is presented with a large oversized erection – exactly what many of the men seeking out the procedure are looking for.

About Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

Although this article refers to PRP in the context of penile injections, it’s important to note that the procedure has been used in other areas including dermatology to address conditions including alopecia and facial skin rejuvenation. PRP is extracted from a person's blood and administered back into their body via an injection.

Is there any research about PRP?

Although there is some research on the topic, the research into Platelet-rich plasma is somewhat limited. Given that PRP has a number of applications, research exists in some of these areas. However, at the time of writing, research into the use of PRP for addressing penile issues and its use in the P-Shot is sparse.

A clinical trial notes promise for the procedure in ED treatment but acknowledges that it lacks external validity and mentions the need for further extensive research. A literature review concluded that the number of clinics offering the P-Shot for erectile dysfunction is increasing at a fast pace. The literature review also noted that despite the wide promotion of the therapy, there’s a lack of firm evidence to support the treatment's efficacy.

Why do men consider PRP therapy?

Despite the P-Shot being an emerging concept that is increasing in popularity, the lack of research makes it a questionable one. Concerns arise when men are willing to undergo treatment in such a sensitive part of their body with very little scientific research to back up its effectiveness.

Despite the P-Shot being an emerging concept that is increasing in popularity, the lack of research makes it a questionable one

So why do men consider PRP therapy despite knowing so little about the procedure? The answer is for a number of reasons. PRP therapy has a variety of applications, including non-sexual treatments. We’ve explored some of the reasons men consider PRP therapy below.

ED

Erectile dysfunction is a sexual disorder that can be brought on by a number of health conditions (both physical and mental) as well as lifestyle habits. ED is very common and affects roughly 30 million men in the US alone. The condition can have a significant impact on an individual, their partner, and their overall quality of life.

Due to the negative effects of erectile dysfunction on a person’s life, a natural reaction is to attempt to address the issue and eradicate ED’s symptoms. Given that the popularity of the P-Shot seems to be rising, it may draw attention from men who have tried to treat their erectile dysfunction using other methods but haven’t found a successful treatment option as of yet.

Other Uses

As we previously mentioned, PRP has been widely used away from male sexual health, with most of the existing research-based around non-sexual application. Platelet-rich plasma may be used for muscle recovery, with research suggesting that it can reduce pain, swelling and recovery times. 

Another application for PRP is hair regrowth. Hair loss affects a number of men and can have a significant impact on their self-esteem and potentially cause mental health conditions such as depression. One study found that PRP can have a positive effect on male androgenic alopecia without the presence of significant side effects.

How does the procedure work?

Before explaining how the procedure works, we should reiterate that the P-Shot is an experimental treatment option. There is little scientific research into its effectiveness or safety when used for treating erectile dysfunction.

The information on the procedure is offered by the clinics that provide the therapy – not from peer-reviewed studies or medical best practices. Despite reviewing the advice offered by such clinics, we have not included links to their websites in our content as we don’t want to endorse the clinics or the procedure.

With that considered, the idea behind the procedure involves extracting blood from the patient and separating the PRP from the rest of the blood.

The PRP is then injected into the penis in an attempt to increase blood flow and reduce the effects of ED.

Preparing for the injections

Individuals who undergo P-Shot therapy may be expected to take certain precautions before the procedure. Most of the information surrounding the precautions seems to be on offer from the clinics offering the treatment. After exploring some of the precautionary advice advertised by such clinics, it seems that recommendations aren’t consistent and vary from provider to provider.

One common piece of advice seems to be avoiding the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) prior to treatment. Examples of these include drugs such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin. This may be due to the fact that NSAIDs may have an effect on platelet function.

If you have any concerns about a clinic's recommendations you should seek independent medical advice from a doctor.

If you are considering the therapy, it’s vital that you understand the steps required prior to the treatment and should discuss these with your clinic if you don’t. If you have any concerns about a clinic's recommendations you should seek independent medical advice from a doctor.

Penile Injection for Erectile Dysfunction Illustration

What happens after the procedure

Once the procedure is over, the clinic offering the treatment should advise on the next steps. Some mention that individuals may experience temporary discomfort and bruising around the injection site. Providers advertising the treatment often note that it is short in nature (typically under an hour), with some even claiming that it’s possible for the patient to go back to work after the procedure is complete.

Again, the advice from clinics on post-procedure care varies across providers.

However, NSAIDs seem to be a common theme, with patients advised to avoid using them after treatment. Other recommendations for recovery can vary, ranging from staying hydrated, making dietary adjustments, and booking follow-up appointments.

Use a Penis Pump

A penis pump is a tool that’s often used to draw blood into the penis and create an erection. Clinics seem to recommend the use of a penis pump post-treatment in order to optimize the effectiveness of the procedure. They may recommend using a penis pump daily post-treatment for a number of days and seem to provide patients with the pump as well as specific recommendations for its use.

Tips for finding a provider

If you’re looking for a provider of P-Shot or PRP therapy, you should always take careful consideration before doing so. Although we do not endorse the treatment, if you are seeking out a clinic here are some steps that may help you find a reputable one.

1. Make sure they’re certified

Certification alone isn’t a guarantee that you will have a positive experience with the provider, but it may indicate that the provider has undergone training in PRP therapy.

Consider asking for a second opinion

Asking for a second opinion can be a useful way to verify the information you’ve received from a provider. Don’t be afraid to ask multiple people the same questions.

2. Consult with a doctor that won’t profit off the operation

An unbiased opinion can be invaluable, but also difficult to get from someone who is set to profit from your procedure. Seek independent professional advice before making your decision.

3. Prepare for your first appointment

Preparing for your initial consultation is vital for setting the tone moving forwards. You should prepare questions that query your concerns about the procedure and that allow you to get a clear understanding of the process.

Are there any risks or side effects?

It should be noted that many of the known side effects are advertised by the clinics offering the procedure. This may mean that there are potential side effects or other risks that are yet to be uncovered by scientific research, this should factor into an individual's decision before undergoing the treatment. Here are some of the potential side effects of P-Shot therapy.

RISK NOTES
Swelling and redness Swelling is one of the possible results of the procedure. If you have any concerns about the severity of the swelling be sure to contact the clinic for advice or seek medical attention if necessary.
Bruising The possibility of bruising is commonly acknowledged by clinics offering the procedure, with some even suggesting measures for reducing its occurrence.
Infection Like with any injection, there’s a possibility that the injection site may become infected. If infection occurs you should seek the appropriate medical advice.

P-Shot FAQs

How common are the side effects of P-Shot therapy?

Given the procedure is relatively new, there are limited data on the subject. However, one research study found that among 17 men who underwent the procedure, 3 experienced mild side effects including bruising and pain at the injection site. It should be noted that knowledge of other side effects may arise when there is further research into the procedure.

Is P-Shot therapy safe?

Despite many clinics reporting effective results, the simple answer is we don’t know how safe the procedure is. Due to the fact that there’s not a widely reviewed scientific consensus on the therapy's efficiency in treating erectile dysfunction, question marks exist surrounding the safety of the procedure.

Who offers P-Shot therapy for ED?

At the time of writing, P-Shot therapy is offered by private clinics. There is little scientific research into the efficacy of the treatment option or the long-term implications of the procedure.

It’s important to remember that the clinics offering P-Shot therapy financially benefit from offering you the treatment. You should consult a professional independent doctor for advice on treating ED before seeking out experimental treatments.

Summary

Although the P-shot procedure seems to be an emerging form of treatment for addressing penile issues, it’s important to note that it’s an experimental treatment for erectile dysfunction. There is little research into the effectiveness of the treatment as well as the risks of undergoing the procedure.

Despite some promising clinical trials, further research into the P-Shot is needed.

If you believe you have ED you should always seek out a doctor for a professional diagnosis. They can discuss the best treatment options for you based on your medical history. If you are considering undergoing any medical procedure from a clinic always consult an independent doctor to get a non-biased opinion before committing. Although this article is intended to be informative it cannot be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.

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