A Pilot Study of the Effect of Localized Injections of Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for the Treatment of Female Sexual Dysfunction

Abstract

Currently, accepted treatments for Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) are limited to psychological, behavioral, hormonal and psychopharmacologic interventions. Because of the complex and multifactorial nature of FSD, current therapeutic options may leave a subset of women suffering with sexual dysfunction without clinical improvement. As a simple, safe, and natural alternative therapeutic option for treating female sexual dysfunction, a pilot study was undertaken to test the effect, if any, of vaginal and clitoral injections of autologous Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) on women desiring treatment for painful intercourse or anorgasmia. Two standardized sexuality tests, the Female Sexual Function Index and the Female Sexual Distress Scale, were administered before and after treatment and were used to measure the response to this therapeutic intervention. Our data indicated some degree of improvement in FSD, including positive changes in isolated sexual difficulties and in the reduction of levels of sexual distress. However, the limited number of participants in this pilot study restricts conclusions. Our initial observations do suggest that further investigation of PRP therapy for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction is indicated.

Platelet-rich plasma administration to the lower anterior vaginal wall to improve female sexuality satisfaction

“…PRP is based on the separation of a small amount of blood taken from the patient into a special tube, after which centrifugation is performed and the obtained "PRP" is returned to the same patient by injection. PRP has been used in many areas such as cosmetic use, wound healing, and urologic and orthopedic applications (1)(2)(3) . In many medical diseases, it is becoming increasingly popular among minimally invasive methods with a wide area of use.…”

“…Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment aims to increase the self-healing ability of the human body by increasing neovascularization and collagen formation through the effect of high concentration autologous growth factors administered to the tissue (1) . The most important advantages are it being autologous and reliable (2,3) . Case series, pilot studies, and case reports related to gynecologic use of PRP are observed in the literature (2,3) .…”

“…The most important advantages are it being autologous and reliable (2,3) . Case series, pilot studies, and case reports related to gynecologic use of PRP are observed in the literature (2,3) . PRP has been used in atrophic diseases such as lichen sclerosis in the vagina, stress urinary incontinence, episiotomy scars, and lubrication disorders in the vagina (2) .…”

“…PRP has been used in atrophic diseases such as lichen sclerosis in the vagina, stress urinary incontinence, episiotomy scars, and lubrication disorders in the vagina (2) . The first use for sexual dysfunction in women was performed by Charles Runels under the name of O-Shot (3) . Improvement of sexual functions was reported with PRP administration to the G-spot.…”

O-Shot: Platelets Rich Plasma in Intimate Female Treatment

“…There are several growth factors and cytokines [5,6] in the platelets that are released to cellular damage starting to work together stimulating process of fibroblast collagen synthesis. This pilot study measures the responses of women with stress incontinence, overactive bladder, varying degrees of sexual dysfunction (libido, orgasm, and dyspareunia) and lack lubrication.…”