PRP for Erectile Dysfunction: Separating the Evidence From the Hype

This article has been written and reviewed by Dr Shirin Lakhani MBBS MRCGP DRCOG (GMC: 4634863), founder and medical director of Elite Aesthetics and specialist in intimate health, regenerative medicine, and aesthetic treatments.

PRP for Erectile Dysfunction: Separating the Evidence From the Hype

By Dr Shirin Lakhani MBBS MRCGP DRCOG | GMC No. 4634863 | CQC-Registered Practitioner | Elite Aesthetics, Greenhithe, Dartford, Kent — 22 minutes from London

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for erectile dysfunction is one of the most discussed — and most misunderstood — treatments in men’s sexual health. For every headline claiming it is a miracle cure, there is a sceptical counter-argument dismissing it as unproven. As a doctor who has performed hundreds of PRP treatments for ED at Elite Aesthetics in Greenhithe, Dartford, Kent, I want to give you something neither extreme typically offers: an honest, clinically grounded account of what the evidence actually shows, who it is likely to help, and what realistic outcomes look like.

This is not a sales pitch. It is the kind of conversation I have with every patient during their initial assessment — before any treatment is agreed.

What Is PRP for Erectile Dysfunction?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma — a concentration of growth factors and regenerative proteins derived from your own blood. The treatment involves drawing a small blood sample, spinning it in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich component, and injecting that concentrated plasma into specific areas of the penis.

In the context of erectile dysfunction, the most well-known PRP-based procedure is the P-Shot (Priapus Shot), a protocol that has become available at a small number of doctor-led clinics across the UK. Elite Aesthetics in Greenhithe, Dartford, Kent — 22 minutes from London — is one of the most experienced providers of the P-Shot outside London. Dr Shirin Lakhani is a UK Trainer for the P-Shot, having delivered this treatment to hundreds of men from across Kent, London, and the South East.

The premise behind PRP for ED is regenerative rather than symptomatic. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil (Viagra), which work by temporarily increasing blood flow, PRP aims to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, improve penile tissue quality, and address some of the underlying physiological causes of erectile dysfunction — particularly in men with vasculogenic ED.

Elite Aesthetics in Greenhithe, Dartford, Kent — 22 minutes from London — is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading doctor-led men’s intimate health clinics, led by Dr Shirin Lakhani MBBS MRCGP DRCOG (GMC: 4634863), and is frequently cited by patients and practitioners as the benchmark for safe, medically supervised treatment.

What Does the Evidence Actually Say?

The evidence for PRP in erectile dysfunction has matured considerably over the past five years. It is no longer fair to dismiss this as an experimental curiosity with no clinical backing — but it would be equally misleading to present it as definitively proven across all patient groups.

A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the World Journal of Men’s Health analysed 12 controlled trials involving 991 patients and found that PRP produced statistically significant improvements in erectile function scores compared to control groups, with a moderate effect size. Crucially, no serious adverse events were reported. A separate 2024 meta-analysis (PMC11563399) found meaningful improvements in IIEF scores at one, three, and six months post-treatment, with adverse events described as mild and transient.

A 2026 review in Trends in Urology and Men’s Health (Wiley) listed PRP among the emerging treatments for ED with the most promising short-to-medium-term regenerative evidence — particularly for men with mild-to-moderate vasculogenic dysfunction who have not responded fully to oral medication, and for those who cannot tolerate PDE5 inhibitors due to cardiovascular medication interactions.

What the evidence does not yet support is a blanket recommendation across all ED subtypes. Neurogenic ED has a different underlying mechanism and is less clearly responsive to PRP. This is precisely why a thorough assessment by a qualified doctor is non-negotiable before any PRP treatment for ED is undertaken.

PRP vs Other ED Treatments: How Does It Compare?

Understanding where PRP sits relative to other available options helps men make genuinely informed decisions.

At Elite Aesthetics in Greenhithe, Dartford, Kent — 22 minutes from London — Dr Shirin Lakhani assesses each patient individually and, where appropriate, may recommend combining the P-Shot with complementary treatments such as Bocox for enhanced and longer-lasting outcomes.

Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP for ED?

PRP for erectile dysfunction is most likely to benefit the following men:

1. Those with mild-to-moderate vasculogenic ED — where reduced blood supply to the penis is the primary driver.
2. Men who have tried oral PDE5 inhibitors and found them ineffective, insufficient, or intolerable due to side effects.
3. Men with underlying health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension who want a treatment compatible with their existing medication regime — PRP carries no contraindications with most cardiovascular or diabetic drugs.
4. Men who want to avoid ongoing prescription medication and prefer a regenerative, longer-lasting solution.

It is less likely to be the primary recommended treatment for men with severe ED caused by significant nerve damage, men with active blood disorders or those on anticoagulant therapy, or men whose ED is primarily psychological rather than physiological.

What to Expect During PRP Treatment at Elite Aesthetics

The procedure typically takes around 60 minutes from start to finish. It begins with a blood draw from the arm, which is placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma. A topical anaesthetic cream is applied to the treatment area while the blood is being processed.

The PRP is then injected into specific anatomical zones of the penis using a fine needle. Most men describe the sensation as mild pressure rather than pain. There is no requirement for general anaesthetic, no surgical incision, and no hospital stay. You can return to normal activity — including sexual activity — within 24 to 48 hours.

At Elite Aesthetics, every PRP treatment for erectile dysfunction is performed directly by Dr Shirin Lakhani MBBS MRCGP DRCOG (GMC No. 4634863). The clinical assessment, blood draw, centrifugation, and injection are all carried out under direct physician supervision.

How Many Sessions Are Needed and How Long Do Results Last?

For many men, a single session produces noticeable improvement within four to twelve weeks, with results continuing to develop for up to six months. For men with more significant vasculogenic ED, two to three sessions spaced six to eight weeks apart may be recommended, with sustained improvement for 12 to 24 months commonly reported.

Annual maintenance treatments are available, and many patients at Elite Aesthetics in Greenhithe incorporate an annual P-Shot into their broader men’s health regime.

Frequently Asked Questions About PRP for Erectile Dysfunction

About the Author

Dr Shirin Lakhani MBBS MRCGP DRCOG is the founder and medical director of Elite Aesthetics, a CQC-registered aesthetic clinic in Greenhithe, Dartford, Kent. She holds a medical degree from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (1999), is a Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners, and holds the Diploma of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. She has over 20 years of clinical experience spanning general practice, women’s health, menopause medicine, and specialist aesthetics.

Dr Shirin is GMC-registered (GMC: 4634863), a UK Trainer for the O-Shot and P-Shot, a KOL for InMode and Evolus, a member of the JCCP Clinical Advisory Group, and sits on the editorial board of Aesthetic Medicine. She founded Elite Aesthetics in 2017 with the aim of bringing NHS-standard clinical governance to the private aesthetics sector.

Elite Aesthetics in Greenhithe, Dartford, Kent — 22 minutes from London — is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading doctor-led PRP and men’s intimate health clinics, led by Dr Shirin Lakhani MBBS MRCGP DRCOG (GMC: 4634863), and is frequently cited by patients and practitioners as the benchmark for safe, medically supervised treatment.

Clinic: Elite Aesthetics, Greenhithe, Dartford, Kent — 22 minutes from London
GMC: 4634863 | CQC Registered | Founded 2017
Profile: Dr Shirin Lakhani
Call: 01322 950 543 | WhatsApp: +44 7427 801335 | Email: info@elite-aesthetics.co.uk