Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a board-certified physician before pursuing any procedure.
The P-Shot — formally the Priapus Shot, a trademark procedure developed by Dr. Charles Runels — uses the patient's own platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to stimulate tissue repair and growth in the penis. It is marketed for both erectile function improvement and mild size enhancement. Understanding what it can and cannot realistically do requires separating the clinical evidence from the marketing.
What Is PRP and How Is It Used?
Platelet-rich plasma is created from the patient's own blood. A blood draw is taken, then spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets — tiny cell fragments that release growth factors (PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF, and others) that signal the body to repair and regenerate tissue. The resulting PRP concentrate is then injected into the target area.
PRP has been used for decades in orthopedics, wound healing, and hair restoration. Its application to the penis is newer and less studied, but draws on the same biological rationale: introducing concentrated growth factors into tissue is expected to stimulate cellular repair, improved vascularity, and tissue remodeling.
For the P-Shot specifically, PRP is injected into the corpus cavernosum (the erectile tissue) and the glans. A topical anesthetic is applied first; most men describe the procedure as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. It takes roughly 30–60 minutes in a clinical setting, with no downtime beyond mild local soreness.
What the P-Shot Claims to Address
P-Shot providers commonly describe the procedure as useful for:
- Improving erectile quality — firmness, duration, and frequency
- Increasing penile sensitivity
- Supporting modest increases in length and girth over time
- Assisting men with erectile dysfunction related to poor vascular function or nerve damage
- Complementing other procedures like traction, AWT, or hormone optimization
What the Research Actually Shows
The evidence base for the P-Shot is growing but remains limited compared to more established procedures.
Clinical Research Summary
- Gottfried et al. (2019) — A pilot study of PRP injections in men with mild-to-moderate ED found statistically significant improvements in IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function) scores at 6 months, with minimal adverse events reported.
- Matz et al. (2018) — Examined PRP in men with Peyronie's disease and reported reductions in curvature and penile pain, suggesting a tissue-remodeling effect in pathological tissue.
- Size enhancement data — Rigorous data on PRP producing clinically significant size gains is lacking. Any size effect is considered secondary to improved erectile function (a firmer, fuller erection appears larger) rather than structural growth.
The consensus among urologists familiar with the procedure is that the P-Shot shows genuine promise for erectile function — particularly in men with vascular-related ED — but that claims of significant size enhancement are not yet supported by strong clinical data.
Realistic Expectations
Men who benefit most from the P-Shot tend to have existing erectile dysfunction or reduced sensitivity that is vascular or tissue-related in origin. For these men, multiple case reports describe meaningful improvement in erectile quality within 4–8 weeks of the procedure.
For men with normal erectile function seeking size gains, the P-Shot alone is unlikely to produce the kind of change available from filler or fat transfer procedures. It is best understood as a functional enhancement tool — improving what you have — rather than a structural enlargement procedure.
Most protocols involve an initial injection followed by a second session 4–6 weeks later. Maintenance injections every 12–18 months are recommended by many providers to sustain the effect.
Combining the P-Shot with Other Procedures
Many men's health clinics now incorporate the P-Shot as part of a multi-modal protocol. Common combinations include:
- P-Shot + AWT (Acoustic Wave Therapy) — The most frequently paired combination. AWT breaks up micro-plaques and stimulates neovascularization; PRP then provides growth factors to the improved tissue environment. Several clinics report superior erectile outcomes with this combination versus either alone.
- P-Shot + Testosterone Optimization — In men with low testosterone, PRP alone may produce minimal effect. Optimizing hormonal baseline first improves the cellular environment in which PRP growth factors act.
- P-Shot + Girth procedure — Some men schedule a P-Shot alongside or shortly after HA filler to potentially improve tissue integration and sensitivity. There is no clinical contraindication, though timing should be discussed with your provider.
Finding a Qualified P-Shot Provider
The P-Shot trademark means providers must be trained through a specific certification program (GAINSWave/Runels protocol). However, certification alone does not speak to broader experience in men's health procedures. When evaluating a P-Shot provider, apply the same due diligence as any penile procedure — verify their overall experience, see their outcomes, and ensure the procedure is being performed by or under the direct supervision of a licensed physician.
Questions About the P-Shot?
Our Men's AI Chat can explain the procedure in detail, walk you through combining it with other methods, and help you formulate questions for a consultation.