PRP Therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma) | REVIVO

Mechanism of action

How does PRP work?

From a small amount of blood, platelets are concentrated. These platelets contain growth factors: VEGF, PDGF, FGF and EGF, which are injected under local anaesthesia into the penile tissue.

Neovascularisation

VEGF stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, structurally improving blood flow to the erectile tissue.

Stem cell activation

Growth factors mobilise endogenous stem cells to the treated area, contributing to tissue regeneration.

Vessel wall function

PDGF and FGF promote the integrity and elasticity of the vessel wall. Essential for adequate blood flow.

Smooth muscle tissue

EGF supports the repair of smooth muscle tissue in the corpora cavernosa, necessary for retaining blood during an erection.

The process

Four steps, one session

The complete PRP procedure takes place in a single visit. No hospital admission, no recovery period.

Blood draw

A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm, comparable to a standard blood test.

10 minutes

Centrifugation

From approximately 20 ml of blood, the platelets are concentrated through a double centrifuge process. After two spin sessions, roughly 2 ml of highly concentrated plasma remains, rich in thrombocytes and growth factors.

15 minutes

Injection

Under local anaesthesia, the PRP is injected precisely into the penile tissue. The physician performs this personally.

15-20 minutes

Going home

After a brief observation, you go home. No sexual activity, hot baths or heavy exercise for the first 24 hours. Mild sensitivity or slight swelling is normal and resolves on its own. After that, you resume your normal routine.

Immediately

Treatment protocol

Sessions and duration

The number of sessions depends on your indication and response. Every session is performed personally by the physician.

1-3

PRP sessions, depending on indication and response

Minutes per session, including preparation

Autologous

Your own blood. No allergic reaction possible

Safety

Minimal risks, maximum transparency

PRP is autologous: it is prepared from your own blood. This means there is no risk of allergic reaction or rejection.

Autologous material

No foreign material. Your own platelets, your own growth factors. No risk of allergic reaction or rejection.

Minimally invasive

Injection under local anaesthesia. No surgery, no general anaesthesia. You go home after the session with just 24 hours of rest.

Performed by the physician

The PRP injection is always performed personally by the registered physician. Not by a nurse or assistant.

Evidence

What the evidence says, honestly

We believe you should know the scientific state of affairs before making a decision.

69%

Improvement in the PRP group versus 27% in the placebo group. Poulios et al. (2021), the most cited study on PRP for erectile problems.

The EAU currently classifies PRP for ED as experimental. We treat it that way too.

Why is PRP still experimental?
There are promising results from smaller studies, but large, double-blind RCTs are still lacking. The EAU is waiting for more data before classifying PRP as proven.
Why do you offer it then?
Because the initial data are promising, the safety profile is favourable (autologous material), and some patients may benefit from a combined approach. But only after comprehensive informed consent and selective indication.
How do you know if it works for me?
We measure at baseline and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. With validated questionnaires and the same measurement criteria. If it doesn't work, we see that and act accordingly.

Indication

Who is PRP most suitable for?

PRP is not the right choice for everyone. We are selective in our indications.

Suitable candidates

Mild to moderate vasculogenic
SHIM score 8-21. The group for which the initial data are most promising.
Preferably under 45
Younger patients show a stronger response to PRP in the available studies.
Symptoms for less than 2 years
The earlier in the process, the greater the chance that regenerative therapy will be effective.

Less suitable

Severe ED (SHIM <8)
With very severe symptoms, the chance of clinically relevant improvement with PRP alone is too limited.
Neurogenic cause
If the erectile problems are primarily nerve-related, PRP is not the right indication.
Uncontrolled diabetes or post-prostatectomy
For uncontrolled diabetes or after a radical prostatectomy, the expected effect of PRP is insufficiently supported.

Frequently asked questions

What men ask about PRP therapy

The injection is administered under local anaesthesia. Most men experience slight pressure but no significant pain. After the session, you can go home right away.

The standard protocol includes 1 to 3 sessions, depending on your response and indication. Each session takes approximately 30 minutes. The physician determines after the first session whether continuation is worthwhile.

Because the European Association of Urology (EAU) classifies it that way. There are promising results, but the evidence is not yet sufficient for a definitive judgement. We believe you should know that before you decide.

Yes, and there is cautious evidence that the combination is more effective than either alone. Always under one physician. Read more on our combined treatment page.

No sexual activity, hot baths or saunas, and no heavy exercise for the first 24 hours after the injection. Mild sensitivity or slight swelling around the injection site is normal and resolves within one to two days. After that, you can resume everything.