What is PRP?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Your own blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and the concentrate is injected back into the penis. Some clinics market this as the “P-shot” and claim it repairs blood vessels, increases size or permanently improves erections.
The idea is that platelets contain growth factors that might help repair tissue, which sounds appealing. However, PRP for ED remains investigational, even though some studies suggest a possible benefit.[1]
Why balanced information matters
PRP is usually expensive and often requires several sessions. Many men with ED feel vulnerable and want a solution that means “no pills forever”, which makes persuasive marketing easy. Balanced information helps you decide on the basis of evidence rather than hope or sales pressure.[1]
There is also an opportunity cost. Time and money spent on an unproven treatment can delay treatments that work, and can mean missing the vascular disease or diabetes that often lies behind ED.
Widely offered, thinly supported
The number of clinics offering PRP does not establish that it works.[1] Studies so far use different patient groups, different preparation methods and different numbers of injections, which makes them hard to compare or combine.
The 2026 position statement of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) notes that only three randomised controlled trials exist, that preparation and injection methods are not standardised, and that no functional outcomes are reported beyond six months.[2]
The proposed mechanism versus what is proven
In theory, platelet growth factors could stimulate new blood vessels, repair the vessel lining and improve erectile tissue. This reparative role remains a hypothesis; meaningful clinical regeneration of blood vessels leading to better erections has not been demonstrated.[1],[2]
It is also worth remembering that most ED in middle-aged men comes from vascular disease throughout the body. Injecting one area of the penis does not address root causes such as diabetes, high blood pressure or smoking.
What to do before considering PRP
Before any treatment, the cause and severity of ED should be assessed, including history, examination, glucose, lipids and hormones where indicated.[1] Many men who have PRP have never tried standard treatment correctly, or have never been checked for related conditions.
It is worth asking yourself: have I used a PDE5 inhibitor correctly? Have I addressed lifestyle risks? Are there psychological or relationship factors that also need care?[1],[2]
Evidence-based options, and the position on PRP
Treatments with clear evidence include managing risk factors and lifestyle, PDE5 inhibitors, vacuum erection devices, penile injections and, when other options fail, a penile prosthesis. These should always be discussed first.[1]
The professional position on PRP. The SMSNA 2026 statement does not support PRP for ED, citing major methodological concerns and no convincing short-term benefit, and recommends that restorative therapies of this kind be used only within ethics-approved clinical trials.[2]
If you are considering a trial, researchers should explain clearly that benefit is uncertain, describe procedural risks such as bruising, pain or infection, and set out costs and follow-up.[1],[2]
How we care for you at Dr. Kris Clinic
We believe patients deserve straightforward information, and because current evidence does not support PRP for ED, we always recommend evidence-based treatment first. If you have already had PRP or are considering it, we are happy to talk it through without judgement, in English or Thai.
What we do is look thoroughly for the causes of ED, care for your vascular health and plan evidence-based treatment with you. If medication does not work, we refer you to a urologist to consider the next options.
Frequently asked questions
Can PRP increase penis size?
There is no reliable evidence that PRP increases penis size.
It's my own blood, so it must be safe, right?
Not necessarily. Every procedure carries risks such as bruising, pain or infection, and using your own blood does not guarantee benefit.
What about shockwave therapy?
The SMSNA 2026 statement also recommends against routine use of shockwave therapy for ED, while supporting further research.
Are there options that don't mean taking pills forever?
Yes. Lifestyle change, weight loss, exercise and control of related conditions allow some men to reduce or stop medication, and devices or surgery suit others.
PRP for ED remains investigational and should not be presented as a proven alternative.[1],[2] The best path is to identify the cause clearly and start with treatments supported by evidence.
Talk to a doctor about this
Confidential care in Surat Thani, the mainland gateway to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Tue–Fri 17:00–20:00 · Sat–Sun 10:00–15:00 (UTC+7)
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Dr. Krida Uakridathikarn (Dr. Kris)
Board-certified family physician with certificate training in clinical sexology and sexual medicine. He works at Suratthani Hospital and provides sexual health, hormone and LGBTQ+ inclusive care at Dr. Kris Clinic. Profile and CV
References
- EAU Guidelines 2026: Management of Erectile Dysfunction
- SMSNA 2026 position statement on restorative therapies for ED. AUA News
- Chung et al. USANZ/AChSHM ED guideline. Med J Aust. 2022;217:318–324. doi:10.5694/mja2.51694
Keep reading
Main guide: Men's sexual health
Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Causes, Tests and Treatments That Work
Erections and Heart Health: Why ED Can Be an Early Warning Sign
What Morning Erections Tell You About Your HealthThis article is general education, not personal medical advice or a promise of results. Diagnosis and treatment require assessment by a doctor. Content reflects the cited sources as of the update date.