Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an inability to attain or maintain adequate penile erection for successful vaginal intercourse, leading to sexual and relationship dissatisfaction.

To combat ED, various surgical and non-surgical approaches have been developed in the past to restore erectile functions. These therapeutic interventions exhibit significant impact in providing relief to patients; however, due to their associated adverse effects and lack of long-term efficacy, newer modalities such as regenerative therapeutics have gained attention due to their safe and prolonged efficacy.

Stem cells and platelet-derived biomaterials contained in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are thriving as some of the major therapeutic regenerative agents. Being rich in growth factors, chemokines, and angiogenic factors, both stem cells and PRP play a crucial role in regenerating nerve cells, myelination of axons, homing and migration of progenitor cells, and anti-fibrosis and anti-apoptosis of damaged cavernous nerve in corporal tissues.

Blood-derived platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been considered as a potential regenerative material to overcome various disorders including musculoskeletal and wound disorders. Platelets are actively involved in homeostasis, tissue regeneration, vascularization, and wound healing through their releasates, which are characterized as adhesive proteins, angiogenic factors, growth factors, chemokines, clotting factors and inhibitors.

A clinical study evidenced that PRP containing Platelet derived growth factor(PDGF) in the largest amount facilitated recovery in erectile function when injected in the corpus cavernosum of rats with bilateral cavernous injury. Initially, the concentration gradients of Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and PDGF promoted wound healing and also triggered the release of other growth factors and the production of extracellular matrix.

The current treatment options to overcome ED have enormously improved the sexual life of males and therefore play a crucial role in restoring confidence and relationships. However, these treatments could only provide limited recovery. Current studies in regenerative therapies including both PRP and stem cells have increased therapeutic expectations. These therapies have shown to have significant improvements in terms of restoring erectile functions. 

At Zignagenix we offer a combined therapy for ED, that includes an intravenous infusion of mesenchymal stem cells and a local injection (P-Shot), that includes mesenchymal stem cells and PRP directly into the cavernous bodies of the penis and the glans. 

The localized injection helps by increasing the quantity of growth factors, chemokines and angiogenic factors that play a crucial role in regenerating damaged cells in the nerve cells and in the corporal tissues of the penis. P-Shot is a quick procedure and you don’t need any type of preparation previous to your treatment. 

Sources: 

Liu MC, Chang ML, Wang YC, Chen WH, Wu CC, Yeh SD. Revisiting the Regenerative Therapeutic Advances Towards Erectile Dysfunction. Cells. 2020 May 19;9(5):1250. doi: 10.3390/cells9051250. PMID: 32438565; PMCID: PMC7290763.

Raheem OA, Natale C, Dick B, Reddy AG, Yousif A, Khera M, Baum N. Novel Treatments of Erectile Dysfunction: Review of the Current Literature. Sex Med Rev. 2021 Jan;9(1):123-132. doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2020.03.005. Epub 2020 Jul 4. PMID: 32631812.

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