PRP Therapy (P-Shot) for Erectile Dysfunction
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy is a supportive method in erectile dysfunction based on injecting plasma rich in growth factors, obtained from the patient’s own blood, into penile tissue. It is also known as the P-Shot (Priapus Shot). On this page I explain how it works, who it suits and what its real effectiveness is, in honest terms.
What Is PRP (P-Shot)?
PRP is obtained by taking the person’s own blood and enriching it in platelets and growth factors by centrifugation. When this enriched plasma is injected into penile tissue, the growth factors it contains (such as PDGF, VEGF and TGF) stimulate repair and renewal processes in the tissue. Because it is prepared from the person’s own blood (autologous), the risk of allergy or rejection is very low.
How Does It Work? Growth Factors
Platelets contain a high concentration of growth factors that initiate repair in injured tissue. With PRP these factors are brought together in penile tissue at high concentration. This supports cell repair, healing of the inner lining of the vessels (endothelium) and the formation of new vessels (neovascularisation). The aim is thereby to improve penile blood flow and tissue health. This mechanism contributes to a similar repair goal as shockwave therapy, by a different route.
How Is It Applied?
A small amount of blood is first taken from the patient and the PRP is separated by centrifugation. Local anaesthesia is then applied to the area and the PRP is injected into penile tissue with a fine needle. The procedure usually takes a short time and the patient returns to daily life the same day.
Who Is PRP Therapy Suitable For?
PRP may be considered in men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction who are looking for a natural (autologous) supportive treatment outside medication, or who wish to strengthen their existing treatment. It may also be considered as a supportive option in Peyronie’s disease in some patients. In conditions such as active infection or a bleeding disorder, suitability is assessed by the physician.
Effectiveness and Durability
Data indicating that PRP can improve erectile function are increasing; a randomised, placebo-controlled trial reported significant improvement in erectile function scores. Nevertheless the level of evidence is still developing and the effect varies between individuals. Results are not permanent; more than one session and, where appropriate, combined treatment (for example together with shockwave therapy) generally gives better results. Realistic expectations matter.
Side Effects and Safety
Because PRP is prepared from the person’s own blood, the risk of allergy and rejection is very low. Temporary swelling, bruising or mild pain may occur after application; these resolve spontaneously within a short time.
Key points
- PRP (P-Shot): injection into the penis of plasma rich in growth factors obtained from your own blood.
- Mechanism: growth factors → tissue repair and new vessel formation → blood flow.
- Being autologous, the risk of allergy or rejection is very low.
- Procedure: blood draw, centrifugation, injection under local anaesthesia; normal life the same day.
- Evidence still developing; the effect is not permanent, repeat or combination may be needed.
- Results may be strengthened by combining with shockwave therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions About PRP Therapy
Does PRP (P-Shot) help erectile dysfunction?
PRP supports repair and new vessel formation in penile tissue using growth factors obtained from your own blood. A randomised placebo-controlled trial reported significant improvement in erectile function scores; however, the level of evidence is still developing and PRP is generally considered together with methods such as shockwave therapy.
What is the P-Shot?
P-Shot (Priapus Shot) is the popular name for the injection of platelet-rich plasma into the penis. The aim is to improve erection quality by supporting tissue renewal and blood flow.
How long does the effect last?
The effect varies between individuals and is not permanent; repeat treatment may be required over time. The best results are usually obtained with more than one session and, where appropriate, in combination with shockwave therapy.
Is PRP safe and does it have side effects?
Because PRP is prepared from the person’s own blood (autologous), the risk of allergy or rejection is very low. Temporary swelling, bruising or mild pain may occur after the procedure and resolve within a short time.
How much does PRP therapy cost?
Cost varies with the number of sessions, the combination applied and the individual situation, and under Turkish healthcare regulations fixed prices cannot be published. For current information you may contact the clinic.
How many sessions are needed?
More than one session, a few weeks apart, is usually planned. The number of sessions is determined by the individual response and the treatment plan.
Can PRP and shockwave therapy be combined?
Yes. Because PRP and shockwave therapy support tissue repair through different mechanisms, they can be applied together in suitable patients and may strengthen the results.
Whether PRP suits you, and which combination would give the best result, is determined by examination. Get in touch for an assessment or an appointment.
Scientific References
- Poulios E, Mykoniatis I, Pyrgidis N, et al. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Improves Erectile Function: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. J Sex Med. 2021;18(5):926–935.
- Epifanova MV, Gvasalia BR, Durashov MA, Artemenko SA. Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Male Sexual Dysfunction: Myth or Reality? Sex Med Rev. 2020;8(1):106–113.
- European Association of Urology (EAU). Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health — Erectile Dysfunction. 2024.
This content is for general information only and does not replace examination by a specialist. The evidence for the effectiveness of PRP is still developing; results vary between individuals. For diagnosis and treatment, please consult a specialist physician.