PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Female Genital Injection
Many women, even in a time when discussing sexuality has become so open and accepted, still are reluctant to bring up these issues with their doctors. Decreased sexual pleasure for a woman can stem from poor lubrication, pain with intercourse, the vaginal canal being too loose (less sensation) or too tight (discomfort), and difficulty or inability achieving an orgasm. Certainly, a low sex drive, or libido, can also occur, or even develop, alongside the other physical issues. These issues can greatly affect a woman’s self-esteem and thus result in significant stress between partners.
Our bodies have a remarkable capacity to heal themselves. Regeneration of new tissue is accomplished by the natural production of stem cells. PRP involves concentrated platelets, rich in bioactive proteins, which release growth factors to stimulate cellular regeneration and accelerate tissue repair. The benefits of PRP were initially used in wound healing, dentistry and the treatment of sports injuries, but now have evolved to address aesthetic concerns, sexual wellness/dysfunction, overactive bladder and urinary incontinence. PRP is one of the most advanced, effective natural treatments for cellular repair AND rejuvenation throughout the body.
What Does PRP Stand For?
PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma.
What Is PRP?
PRP is in the category of regenerative autologous treatments, which mean it comes from your own blood and can stimulate cellular regeneration and tissue repair. Platelets are one of the cells in our blood and when activated, they can release growth factors and other proteins.
What Benefits Can a Woman Have from the O-Shot®?
- Decreased or completely resolved pain during sex (known as dyspareunia)
- Increased ability to have vaginal orgasms
- Greater arousal from clitoral stimulation
- A tighter vaginal canal (if felt to be too loose prior)
- A more elastic vaginal canal (if felt to be too tight prior, usually after menopause)
- Younger, smoother skin externally (lips of the vagina)
- Decreased or resolved overactive bladder and/or urinary incontinence
- Stronger and more frequent orgasms
- Increased vaginal lubrication
How Does the O-Shot® Work?
The growth factors & proteins released by the high concentration of platelets in PRP in turn activate stems cells and stimulate cellular repair and regeneration wherever they are applied in the body. In addition, collagen production and the formation of new blood vessels occurs and further aids in tissue repair.
How Is the PRP for the O-Shot® Acquired?
A small amount of blood is drawn in the office at the time of the procedure. Your blood is then spun in a specially designed centrifuge which separates the platelets and plasma from the rest of the blood. The platelets are isolated and then injected back into the body wherever their benefits are needed. Since a numbing cream is applied to the skin long before the injection, there is no pain during the procedure.
How Long Does the O-Shot® Procedure Take to Perform?
The O-Shot® is performed in our office. It should take about 60 minutes from start to finish but we do usually allow a little extra time. You may drive yourself home after the procedure.
Is There Anything Else That I Will Need to Do After the O-Shot®?
Yes. Using an Apex M or Intensity pelvic floor muscle stimulation device, is vital for achieving optimal success from the procedure. This is usually done twice daily. It requires only a few minutes of your time and without it, success rates are usually lower. We will walk you through it the first time.
When Can I Resume Sexual Activity After the O-Shot®?
You may resume sexual activity about 4 hours after procedure on the same day. An increase in sexual response can be seen within days of the procedure.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of the O-Shot®?
Since PRP is extracted from your own blood, there are few and only minor potential side effects. These include minor bleeding or bruising, swelling, and very rarely infection.
Are All Centrifuges the Same? Which One Do You Use?
We use the Emcyte Pure PRP® system. It extracts the highest concentrations of platelets on the market while simultaneously removing 99% of red blood cells (RBC’s) which can hinder the regenerative process. Many other PRP systems fall short of delivering a final injectable that can be considered platelet-rich. Unlike many other systems, Emcyte is a completely closed system throughout all steps of the processing that meets the highest sterility standards. So, if you are going to have a PRP injection, start with the best equipment to give you the highest quality product and maximize your success.
What should you ask your O-Shot® doctor about getting the shot?
At the Broward urology center, we believe that this procedure is best performed by a board-certified urologist who is a genito-urinary surgical subspecialist. A urologist has gone through a minimum of 5 years of training to learn the anatomy of the female and male genital and urinary systems and surgeries and procedures relating to them. A brief training course can never replace this level of experience.
