Intracavernosal injection of autologous platelet concentrates for managing erectile dysfunction: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials on platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin matrix.
Missy Savira, Ponco Birowo, Nur Rasyid et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed randomized placebo-controlled trials of intracavernosal platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) for erectile dysfunction in men. Six trials included 179 participants receiving PRP/PRFM and 180 receiving placebo. Compared with placebo, PRP/PRFM was associated with higher International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores at ≥6 months; subgroup analysis found this difference only for PRP, not PRFM. Satisfaction and penile Doppler measures were comparable between groups. The authors report that both treatments were well tolerated, while emphasizing caution because of small samples and variable injection protocols.
Key findings
- Across six randomized trials, 179 men received PRP/PRFM and 180 received placebo.
- PRP/PRFM was associated with higher IIEF scores than placebo at ≥6 months of follow-up.
- In subgroup analysis, end-of-follow-up IIEF scores differed significantly from placebo for PRP, but not PRFM.
- Sexual and overall satisfaction, peak systolic velocity, and end-diastolic velocity were comparable between groups.
Why it matters
The findings suggest a possible improvement in erectile-function scores with platelet concentrates, particularly PRP, but do not show consistent benefits across satisfaction or penile blood-flow measures. Distinguishing patient-reported functional outcomes from these other outcomes helps frame the evidence and its uncertainty when considering this emerging intervention.
What to keep in mind
The authors cite small sample size, variability in injection protocols, and indirect comparison between PRP and PRFM; these factors limit confidence in comparative conclusions.