Is Platelet Rich Plasma Safe and Effective in Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction? Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections as a therapeutic modality for mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. MethodsA placebo-controlled study of 100 cases with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. Participants were allocated to 2 groups; the PRP group received 3 injections (3 mL each corpus) and the interval between injections was 15 days, while the Placebo (Saline) group received 6 mL saline injected intracavernous. Postinjection follow-up lasted 6 months. ResultsCompared to the placebo group, the PRP group demonstrated a significant improvement at the 1 and 3 months follow-up that slightly dropped at the 6 months follow-up (P <.001). The improvement was evident in the duplex parameters, International Index of Erectile Function Erectile Function (IIEF-EF), SEP Q2, and 3. At 1-month post-treatment follow-up (76%) patients in the PRP group had an improved IIEF-EF as they attained a minimal clinically important difference compared to (18%) in the saline group. At the 3-months post-treatment follow-up, (72%) patients achieved a minimal clinically important difference in the PRP group vs (16%) in saline group then dropped to (70%) in the PRP group vs (16%) in saline group at the 6-months post-treatment follow up. Patients’ overall and intercourse satisfaction levels were higher in the PRP group than the placebo group as demonstrated with the higher IIEF score Q6, 7, 8, and IIEF score Q13, 14 respectively with the maximum improvement reported at the 3 months follow-up. No reports of plaque formation, subcutaneous bruising, or any other major side effects among participants. ConclusionPRP is a safe and promising method for the improvement of mild to moderate erectile dysfunction.