Using PRP in gynecology and urogynecology is a wide-spread practice that brings effective results for thousands of people in the US. PRP was first medically used by orthopedic surgeons beginning about 10 years ago. They injected it into the post-surgical area to enhance the healing process after orthopedic joint surgery. Their efforts resulted in elite athletes healing from joint surgery in 6-8 weeks rather than 6-8 months.
PRP is all about the isolation of growth factors. PRP induces new collagen, fibroblastic activity, and healthy blood vessels. It can be used to increase sensation and diminish scar formation.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a specific “fraction” of human blood with special growth factors and healing-inducing properties. This portion of the blood is devoid of red blood cells but contains blood serum. It is what’s responsible for blood clotting and tissue healing. In addition to speeding healing, platelet-rich plasma also contains a significant array of growth factors that make it an enhancer of the function of the tissue areas that it comes into contact with.
PRP can be isolated from one’s own blood and re-injected into an area of the body where it may induce healing or growth-enhancing properties including cell growth, new tissue generation, and repair, as well as the formation of new blood vessels and collagen production. These effects are similar in many aspects to those seen from human stem cells.
PRP is created in the office. We use your own blood via a process that involves having a small amount of your blood drawn, similar to that performed in the lab during a routine venipuncture. After being drawn, the growth factors are isolated from the blood plasma via centrifugation in a special tube. Then it is mixed with calcium chloride or calcium gluconate to initiate the activation process.
PRP for Women’s Orgasm
Several years ago, a gynecologist from Fairhope, Alabama, Charles Runels MD, also became interested in gynecologic and sexual uses for PRP and perform the first injection in the vaginal G spot and clitoral areas. This is how the PRP procedure for women has appeared.
The results were reproducible: orgasms — both clitoral and vaginally activated — were both easier to accomplish and enhanced in quality, amplitude, and frequency. Unexpectedly, a secondary benefit was noticed. Many of the women who received the PRP shot had also been cured of the symptoms of occasional bothersome urinary incontinence.
So, why PRP helps with incontinence?! It may be that PRP leads to new cellular and vascular growth of tissues in the area. There is also the possibility that because the tissue planes under the upper vaginal wall allow for the free flow of the PRP around the urethra and around the base of the bladder and the tissues of the bladder base and the urethral sphincter muscles are strengthened.
The PRP injection has found other gynecologic uses. Lichen sclerosis is a debilitating and progressive skin disorder of the vulva that can cause significant itching and eventually severe atrophy. In some cases, it can lead to deformities of the vulvar clitoral and labial structures. Some experts in vulvar disorders started using PRP by placing it under the skin in areas of lichenoid changes and are having success with previously recalcitrant cases.
Additionally, some genital plastic surgeons are using PRP by injecting it into areas of dissection in the difficult clitoral hood and labial reductions to aid in healing.
The sexual improvements noted with the PRP and improvements in stress urinary incontinence are documented and the information is currently being collected by PRP researchers to produce evidence-based data.
Is the PRP for women safe?
The risks of injecting one’s own PRP into the body have been discussed, but no actual issues or significant complications have been reported. The PRP injection for women involves re-injecting a fraction of one’s own blood back into the body, albeit a highly processed and select portion of the blood.
How is the PRP for women provided?
After numbing the area with the numbing cream, a small amount of your blood is withdrawn via venipuncture. The blood is then processed (“spun down”) utilizing special tubes and a centrifuge used specifically for this procedure. When the PRP has been enhanced and withdrawn into a syringe, ice is applied to your clitoris for additional numbing.
Then a small amount (1cc) of your own processed PRP is injected directly into your clitoral glans, and the remainder (about 4-5 cc’s) is injected under the skin, vaginally, in the area of your G-spot. The entire process lasts about 1 minute and has been described as either painless or, in the words of one patient, “…I felt a small sensation, perhaps very slight pain, for an instant…”
A majority of women feel significantly improved in sexual arousal and orgasmic intensity within several days to up to 3 weeks after injection. The full effect should be noticeable by 3 months. If no improvement is noted, the injection may be repeated later.
Sexual function improvements from the PRP shot have been reported in an estimated 75-95% of women. Effects appear to last between 1 to 4 years, with 2 to 3 years to be the median. When improvements wane, the shot can be repeated.
The PRP in our clinic can help:
- increase sexual arousal and lubrication;
- decrease painful intercourse;
- increase frequency and strength of orgasms;
- obtain an orgasm in women who have never had an orgasm;
- decrease urinary incontinence;
- treat sexual disorders such as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
Our doctors and their physician assistants have undergone special training to be able to provide the procedure professionally. The PRP procedure uses the power of the patient’s own blood and the stem cells to release growth factors to stimulate rejuvenation.
How does the PRP shot work?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) platelet growth factors are released for up to seven days, supporting collagen production and increased vascularization, which results in overall skin improvements.
Where is the PRP actually injected?
The PRP is injected into two areas: the clitoris and vagina.
Clitoris: The first area is just to the side of the clitoris and the PRP spreads under the skin to have effects on the entire clitoris, most of which is buried under the skin but plays an important part in sexual stimulation and clitoral orgasms.
Vagina: The second area is just within the vagina, along the front side. PRP injected in this area stimulates some of the glands that lubricate the vagina. The PRP also spreads to the G spot, which is responsible for vaginal orgasms.
What are the steps in the PRP shot?
- Explain the PRP procedure and benefits; sign consent.
- Apply topical numbing medication to the clitoris and just inside the vagina along the front wall.
- Draw the patient’s blood and process for PRP.
- Perform clitoral block with the injection of lidocaine.
- Using a tiny needle, PRP is injected into the vaginal wall.
- The clitoris is iced and then PRP is also injected into the clitoris.
How long does the PRP injection procedure take?
The entire PRP treatment takes about 30-40 minutes to draw the patient’s blood, numb the area, and perform the PRP injection.
Is the PRP procedure painful?
The PRP shot is quick with minimal pain. We use a strong topical numbing medication before we then inject some lidocaine under the clitoris. An ice pack is then used on the clitoris just before the PRP is injected.
What is the recovery after the PRP injection?
There is minimal recovery or limitations after the PRP shot. The clitoral and labial area can be numb for a few hours after treatment from the lidocaine. You can resume normal physical activity and exercise the day after the treatment. We advise patients to avoid manipulating or pressing on the treated area for 48 hours. We also ask that patients wait 48 hours after treatment to resume sexual activity or use tampons. There are no restrictions on showering, bathing, or swimming.
How long do the effects from the PRP shot last?
The effects from the PRP shot lasts between 1 year and 18 months but vary from patient to patient.
Is the PRP injection safe?
The PRP shot is very safe since it contains no chemicals, medications, or synthetic substances, just your body’s own plasma and growth factors in a concentrated injection. The most common side effects are mild swelling and bruising.
To ask more questions and get more replies be sure to contact us for a free consultation.
