PRP FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Using PRP to treat conditions of the male and female urogenital systems is not new. The treatment was introduced in the United States about 20 years ago.Recent studies have shown, for example, that injecting platelet-rich plasma directly into the pelvic area may improve blood flow to the corpora cavernosa in patients with erectile dysfunction due to reduced blood supply.The range of urological and andrological conditions that may be treated with this method is much broader:Erectile dysfunction due to physiological factors such as high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, or partial or complete removal of the prostate due to cancer;Peyronie’s disease, whose symptoms include pain during an erection followed by the formation of fibrous plaques on the surface of the corpora cavernosa. These progressively curve the penis and may eventually make penetration impossible;Chronic pelvic pain due to prostatitis, an enlarged prostate or chronic cystitis, associated with dyspareunia in women (pain during sexual intercourse);Stress urinary incontinence in both men and women.

The stated effectiveness of PRP treatment for erectile dysfunction is closely linked to the platelet concentrate being infused directly into the corpora cavernosa, where it is said to strongly stimulate regeneration throughout the penile vascular system and promote immediate revascularization.The bioactive proteins in the injected platelets may also stimulate repair of damaged tissue and support cell regeneration. These effects may:Increase blood circulation in the penis;Improve erections;Increase sensitivity and the perception of pleasure;Eliminate chronic pain, plaque formation and curvature caused by Peyronie’s disease;Improve urinary incontinence.These results are described as confirmed by numerous studies involving patients with erectile dysfunction and other urinary disorders.

PRP treatment for erectile dysfunction involves injecting about 5–6 ml of platelet-rich plasma into the corpora cavernosa at least once a week (or once every two weeks) for about 40–45 days.After the injection, a band is placed at the base of the penis to keep the PRP circulating within it.The first results are expected to appear after the initial applications, with functional recovery reported to exceed 77% by the end of treatment.

PRP treatment for erectile dysfunction is recommended for people whose impotence is mainly due to reduced vascular function.Since circulatory disorders account for about 70% of the main causes of impotence, this type of treatment may have significant potential for future development, alongside other recently introduced approaches to conditions affecting the male pelvic area, such as penile shockwave therapy.These two treatments therefore represent a new frontier in treating erectile dysfunction, particularly for patients who cannot or do not wish to undergo drug therapy with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors.

PRP treatment has no notable adverse effects or contraindications. The therapy is approved by the Italian Ministry of Health, provided it is performed by registered doctors at authorized facilities.The only side effect is mild soreness at the injection site after the local anesthetic used during the procedure wears off.Patients interested in this procedure can ask their doctor, who will assess their general health and may request tests such as a complete blood count and urinalysis.The treatment takes about 20 minutes from the time the blood is drawn. It should be repeated at least three or four times, once a week or every two weeks, depending on symptom severity and/or the doctor’s advice.

Since PRP treatment is not yet included among the services covered by the national health system for treating erectile dysfunction, the full cost is paid by the patient.Please note that, as this is an innovative therapy performed only at specialist medical centres, each session costs €300.