The Priapus Shot, often called the P-Shot, is a treatment in which platelet-rich plasma (PRP) prepared from a man's own blood is injected into the penis. Platelets carry growth factors that play a part in tissue repair, and the idea behind the treatment is that concentrating them and placing them in the erectile tissue may support blood flow and tissue health. It is done in the office, takes well under an hour, and has no real downtime.
We offer the P-Shot at NYMD Center, and we are also straightforward about it. Patients commonly report firmer, more reliable erections, and some notice a small change in size. The scientific evidence, however, is limited and the results we see are modest. It is not a replacement for a proper evaluation of erectile dysfunction, and it is not a cure. For men who understand that and want a low-risk option, it can be a reasonable choice. Our fuller discussion of the treatment is on our penile PRP page.
Who considers the P-Shot
Most men who ask about the P-Shot have mild to moderate erectile dysfunction, erections that are less firm or less reliable than they used to be, or a sense that pills are working less well over time. Others come after prostate treatment or with diabetes and want to add something to their current regimen. Some ask specifically about size. We listen to what each man hopes for and tell him plainly whether PRP is likely to meet that goal.
PRP is less likely to help when ED is severe, when the erectile tissue has already lost its ability to hold blood, or when the main problem is low testosterone, a medication side effect or an untreated medical condition. In those situations we would rather address the cause than sell a procedure.
How we evaluate you at NYMD Center
A P-Shot starts with the same evaluation we give any man with erectile concerns. We take a detailed history of erections, libido, medications and cardiovascular risk, and perform a physical exam of the penis and testicles. Blood work usually includes morning testosterone, blood sugar or hemoglobin A1c and a lipid panel. ED is often an early sign of vascular disease, so we look at blood pressure and heart risk and can perform an ECG on site when it is warranted. If we find low testosterone, diabetes or another driver, treating it may do more than any injection.
Treatment options, least invasive first
For each option we describe what it costs you in time, discomfort and risk before we talk about how well it works. Starting low on that ladder closes no doors.
Lifestyle and oral medication
Exercise, weight loss, sleep, stopping smoking and control of blood sugar and blood pressure help erections and overall health. Tablets such as sildenafil or tadalafil carry little risk for most men and remain the first prescription for ED.
PRP (the P-Shot)
The P-Shot costs you a blood draw, a numbed injection and perhaps some mild soreness or bruising for a day or two. Because the material comes from your own blood, allergic reactions are not expected, and serious complications are uncommon. The trade-off is uncertainty. Cleveland Clinic describes PRP research as still at a relatively early stage with mixed results, partly because preparation methods are not standardized. Some men notice a clear improvement, others little change, and any benefit may fade over time. It is paid out of pocket and is not covered by insurance.
PRP combined with shockwave therapy
Many of our patients pair PRP with low-intensity shockwave therapy, a noninvasive treatment that uses sound waves aimed at improving blood flow in the penis. The two are often scheduled as a series. Neither requires recovery time, and the combination is a common choice for men who want to try a regenerative approach before injections or surgery.
Trimix injections and penile implants
When pills and regenerative treatments are not enough, trimix injections produce an erection by relaxing the erectile tissue directly and work for many men who do not respond to tablets. For men whose tissue no longer responds to medication, a penile implant is surgery with a recovery period, but it gives a dependable result. PRP does not rule out either option.
A note on size and fat transfer
Some men come to us hoping for girth. PRP may produce a small change that some patients notice, but it is not an enlargement procedure. We do not recommend fat transfer to the penis for girth. In our experience it tends to look puffy and unnatural, and the fat can be absorbed unevenly. We would rather give you an honest answer than a result you regret.
What to expect at your visit
On the day of treatment, a numbing cream is applied to the penis, and a small amount of blood is drawn from your arm, as in a routine blood test. The blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelet-rich plasma. After the numbing has taken effect, the PRP is injected into the shaft with a very fine needle. The whole visit usually takes less than an hour. Most men return to normal activity the same day, and sexual activity can typically resume within a day or two, according to your physician's instructions. Any change tends to develop gradually over the following weeks rather than immediately, and some men choose additional sessions.
When to call us
Call the office if you notice significant swelling, spreading bruising, fever, discharge or increasing pain after treatment. If you also use trimix or another injected ED medicine, the usual rule still applies: an erection that lasts four hours is an emergency and needs immediate care.
Questions patients ask
Does the Priapus Shot really work?
Patients commonly report firmer, more reliable erections and sometimes a small change in size, but the research on PRP for erectile dysfunction is limited and results are modest and variable. Some men notice a clear improvement and others notice little. We recommend it as a low-risk option for men who understand that uncertainty, not as a replacement for proven ED treatments or a proper medical evaluation.
Is the P-Shot painful?
Most men find it very tolerable. A numbing cream is applied to the penis before the injection, and the needle is very fine. The blood draw from the arm feels like any routine blood test. Mild soreness or bruising for a day or two is common afterward. Most men return to normal activities the same day.
Will the Priapus Shot make my penis bigger?
Some men notice a small change in size after PRP, but it is not an enlargement procedure and should not be chosen for that reason alone. We do not recommend fat transfer to the penis for girth because, in our experience, it tends to look puffy and unnatural. Your physician will discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.
Is the P-Shot covered by insurance?
No. PRP for erectile concerns is considered elective and is paid out of pocket. The medical evaluation that comes before it, including blood work and cardiovascular screening, may be covered by your insurance. Our staff can explain the costs involved before you decide whether to proceed.
Can the P-Shot be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Many men combine PRP with low-intensity shockwave therapy, and some continue to use oral ED medication. PRP does not interfere with later options such as trimix injections or a penile implant. If you use trimix, remember that any erection lasting four hours is an emergency that needs immediate care.