Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments are becoming a popular option for giving a naturally based, biological boost to the healing process. Platelet cells in our circulation have the natural function of assisting the healing process by the release of biologically active substances, growth and tissue healing factors. Since platelets are utilized in this manner naturally throughout the body, a number of different areas of treatment have arisen as experience with treatments using PRP has grown. Platelet Rich Plasma treatments can be used successfully for female sexual dysfunction, stress incontinence, erectile dysfunction, hair restoration, and arthritis.
The PRP Process
Platelet Rich Plasma is produced from your own blood in an office setting. The blood is drawn in the same manner as when you have any general blood tests. The blood is then spun in a centrifuge with the purpose of separating and removing the platelets from the rest of the blood. The remaining blood is centrifuged again, to produce PRP that contains five to seven times the concentration of platelets normally present in the blood. Finally, this PRP with its richer complement of healing and growth factors is then injected back into the body in the area being treated. Because PRP is created directly from a patient’s own blood, neither allergic reactions nor rejection of the platelet cells can occur. This is a safe treatment that can be performed and completed in an office setting in approximately one hour from start to finish.
Female Sexuality: The O-Shot and Bladder Incontinence
Women’s sexuality difficulties are considerably more common than you might think with over half of women today struggling with some form of sexual dysfunction including: dyspareunia (uncomfortable or painful sex); decreased libido (lack of sex drive); and weak orgasm or difficulty achieving orgasm. Although causes may include psychological and medical reasons, these issues are commonly caused by age-related atrophy of tissue, decreased blood flow and other changes.
The O-Shot is a non-surgical, safe and simple procedure that uses the growth factors each woman has in her own body to stimulate vaginal and clitoral rejuvenation. Some women see an immediate increase in sexual desire and pleasure. In some patients, it may take several weeks to months. Results typically last an average of 12-18 months or more with one treatment. Occasionally patients may desire a second treatment within 6 to 12 months of initial treatment.
One of the greatest benefits of the O-Shot is that many women with urinary incontinence will see a near or complete resolution of symptoms for a long period of time (1 to 4 years) with only one treatment.
Male Sexuality: The Priapus Shot (P-Shot) For ED (Erectile Dysfunction)
Fifty percent of men between the ages of 35 and 65 will have a problem with erectile dysfunction, or other sexual wellness issues. The P-shot is a medical procedure that can effectively treat erectile dysfunction. Unlike other erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments, the P-shot delivers long-lasting results that you cannot achieve with pills, creams, or other male enhancement procedures. It is especially helpful for men who have lost erectile function due to prostate issues, Peyronie’s Disease treatment, the side effects from prescription drugs, or other medical conditions such as hypertension or diabetes.
Each person’s experience may differ, but most men report:
- Increased sensation and pleasure
- Increased erection and firmness
- Increased sexual ability and stamina
- Possible improvement in urinary incontinence and prostate issues
- Possible enhanced length, girth and appearance
- Reduce/remove plaque buildup in Peyronie’s Disease
After the P-Shot you can immediately resume normal physical exercise and sexual activity.
Hair Restoration
PRP Injection Therapy of the scalp helps hair follicles to activate, “wake up” and produce hair again. PRP is most effective in patients that possess functioning hair follicles, but are not keeping up with their hair loss, but will not be effective for those with entirely bald areas where there are no viable hair follicles remaining.
For patients with thinning hair, three PRP hair restoration injection treatments are performed 4-6 weeks apart. The results in the activated hair follicles begin to produce a fuller, thicker head of hair. The results may be maintained for as long as 3 years. Keeping your hair as thick as possible over time would be a simple matter of repeating the injection, the timing of which will vary from patient to patient based on individual need and desire. People who suffer with more aggressive hair loss do best with shorter treatment intervals (annually). Because pattern baldness is a dynamic process, periodic assessments are done to determine if any adjustments to your treatment protocol are needed to meet your expectations.
Orthopedics
The most well-known of these cutting edge PRP treatments have been in the field of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. This has resulted in significant attention from the media because of its use by the NFL, Major League Baseball, Tiger Woods, and other elite athletes. Interest in PRP is growing in part because traditional treatments for both arthritis and sports-related joint problems are often only marginally effective. Surgery may often be ineffective and can cause complications and further damage. Cortisone shots are effective in reducing pain for short periods of time, but they don’t address the underlying problem and may lead to joint damage if used repeatedly. Physical therapy is very helpful in some cases but ineffective for many. Sometimes not much more than an ice pack and anti-inflammatory medication is all that the patient is left with. More studies are underway to elucidate the benefits and prove the effectiveness of new PRP treatments and to research the best ways to standardize the treatment’s preparation and delivery. Among the conditions successfully treated are: rotator cuff tendinitis/ tears, shoulder joint arthritis, Epicondylitis-Tennis Elbow, Osteoarthritis, ligament tears, Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis and arthritis.
Submitted by Dr. Henry Sobo. For further information about Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) please see: http://drsobo.com/dr-sobos-prp-platelet-rich-plasma-program/.