Is platelet rich plasma a promising treatment for erectile dysfunction? the first 2-year follow up randomized controlled study

AIMS OF STUDY: To evaluate the therapeutic potential and safety of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in patients with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction, with a prospective observational follow-up of two years. STUDY DESIGN, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction, based on the IIEF-EF score, received three injections of autologous PRP (3 mL per corpus), administered two weeks apart. Patients were evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months, and then every 6 months for two years. After six months, the PRP group (18 patients) continued to receive maintenance PRP injections every six months, while the saline group (17 patients) received placebo injections at the same intervals. A total of 35 patients were categorized into two groups: 18 received PRP treatment, while 17 were assigned to the saline group. As we were conducting a 2-year follow up of the patients who have achieved satisfactory results upon receiving 3 doses of PRP . During the first 6 months following the initial three injections, no significant differences were observed between the two groups. However, after 6 months, the PRP group showed continuous improvement in all parameters regarding cavernousal artery diameter, peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity, IIEF-EF, SEP Q3, IIEF intercourse satisfaction Q6, 7,8 and IIEF overall satisfaction Q13, 14 up to 2 years of follow up, while the saline group exhibited a gradual decline in all parameters, although still better than baseline. None of the patients exhibited plaque formation, subcutaneous bruising, or any other significant adverse effects. : CONCLUDING MESSAGE: Platelet-Rich Plasma appears to be a reliable long-term treatment option for improving erectile dysfunction, with satisfactory outcomes and no serious adverse events. However, larger multicenter studies with extended follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.