P Shot vs Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
Written by Dr Shirin Lakhani, Elite Aesthetics Medical Director
MBBS, MRCGP, DRCOG · GMC 4634863
If you are researching P Shot vs shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction, you may have seen both described as regenerative treatments. They are different procedures, and neither is the right answer for every man.
The P Shot uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) prepared from your own blood and injected into penile tissue. Low-intensity shockwave therapy delivers acoustic energy through a device applied to the skin. Shockwave has a larger evidence base for selected men with blood-flow-related erectile dysfunction; PRP remains an emerging treatment with limited evidence.
Choosing treatment starts with understanding your symptoms, medical history and goals. This guide explains what to compare before making that decision.
Have a question about the P Shot?
Arrange a free 15-minute chat with our patient coordinator. We can explain the appointment process and help you take the next step towards a medical assessment.
P Shot vs shockwave: what are the key differences?
On a small screen, swipe across the table to read all columns.
| What to compare | P Shot / PRP | Low-intensity shockwave |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure | A blood sample is processed, followed by PRP injections. | A device delivers acoustic energy externally. |
| Needles | Yes; anaesthesia is used for comfort. | No injections during the shockwave procedure. |
| Appointments | The plan depends on assessment; follow-up matters. | Usually offered as a course; protocols vary. |
| Evidence | Emerging and insufficient for a routine guideline recommendation. | More established for selected vasculogenic ED, with a weak guideline recommendation. |
| Main question | Is an emerging PRP option appropriate for my circumstances? | Is my ED related to blood flow, and is this device and protocol appropriate? |
What is the P Shot?
The P Shot, also called the Priapus Shot®, is a PRP injection procedure. A small sample of blood is taken from your arm and processed in a centrifuge to separate a platelet-rich preparation. This is then injected into selected areas of penile tissue.
Platelets contain growth factors involved in the body’s repair processes. Using them in penile tissue is being studied, but a proposed biological mechanism is not proof that treatment will restore erections in an individual patient.
At Elite Aesthetics, treatment is doctor-led and a nerve block is used for comfort. The PRP preparation method and injection technique should be explained before you agree to treatment. Read our P Shot treatment guide for the clinic’s procedure and follow-up information.
What is shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction?
Low-intensity shockwave therapy involves placing a treatment device against the penis to deliver acoustic energy. It does not require a blood sample or PRP injections.
Ask a provider which device they use and whether it delivers focused shockwaves or radial pressure waves. These should not be treated as interchangeable when discussing clinical research. Also ask how many visits are included and how improvement will be measured.
Which treatment has stronger evidence?
Current European Association of Urology guidance gives low-intensity shockwave a weak recommendation for selected men with vasculogenic ED. For penile PRP injections, it considers the evidence insufficient to recommend routine use.
This does not establish that shockwave will work for you or that PRP is superior. Results from different studies and treatment protocols cannot be compared as though they were a direct head-to-head trial. Be cautious about universal success rates.
How do you know which treatment is suitable?
An assessment should come before a package purchase. Tell your doctor when symptoms started, whether you still have morning erections, what medication you take, and whether pain, curvature, reduced desire or anxiety are involved.
ED can have several contributing causes. A treatment focused on penile tissue may not address the main problem. Your doctor may recommend investigations, a different treatment or specialist referral before discussing PRP or shockwave.
A useful consultation should leave you understanding the likely cause, the alternatives, the uncertainty and the total cost. You should also know what happens if there is no improvement.
Can the P Shot or shockwave treat Peyronie’s disease?
Peyronie’s disease needs a separate assessment, particularly if curvature is changing or intercourse is painful. Shockwave may help pain during the active phase, but guideline evidence does not support it for correcting curvature or reducing plaque size.
At Elite Aesthetics, selected Peyronie’s cases may be considered for PRP with plaque needling following medical assessment. This approach should be discussed with its evidence limits; it must not be presented as a proven way to straighten the penis. The doctor should explain established alternatives and whether urology review is appropriate.
Which treatment is more comfortable?
Shockwave avoids injections. You may feel tapping or discomfort from the device, and comfort varies with settings and individual sensitivity.
The P Shot involves a blood draw and injections. Our nerve block aims to make the procedure more comfortable, although the anaesthetic itself can cause brief discomfort. Bruising, swelling, tenderness and infection are possible risks. Ask for the full consent and aftercare information before treatment.
For more information, read P Shot side effects and safety.
How much do the P Shot and shockwave cost?
At Elite Aesthetics, the P Shot starts from £995. P Shot Plus with double-spin PRP is £1,350. Both include two follow-up appointments. Your recommended option and the full price should be confirmed before treatment.
Shockwave prices vary between providers and courses. Compare the complete course cost, medical assessment, device, number of sessions and follow-up, rather than a headline price per session.
Our P Shot cost guide explains what to ask when comparing clinic prices.
How quickly will you know whether treatment has helped?
Neither option should be sold as an instant, guaranteed fix. Agree how your symptoms will be recorded before treatment and when they will be reviewed afterwards. Comparing erection quality, confidence and medication use over time is more useful than relying on a single good or difficult day.
At our clinic, two follow-ups are included with the P Shot. These provide an opportunity to discuss progress, concerns and next steps. Additional treatment should depend on reassessment, rather than an automatic promise that more sessions will produce a result.
Can you still use Viagra or Cialis?
Tell your doctor about sildenafil, tadalafil and any other prescribed or non-prescribed products you use. Do not stop prescribed medication because you have arranged PRP or shockwave treatment.
Some men continue medication as part of an agreed plan. Whether a dose should change is a medical decision. Neither treatment guarantees that tablets will no longer be needed.
Should you combine the P Shot with shockwave?
There is no universal requirement to combine them. Offering two procedures together does not, by itself, establish that the combination will give better results.
Shockwave is not part of our standard P Shot protocol at Elite Aesthetics. Our recommendation is based on your assessment, with the proposed procedure, alternatives and uncertainties explained before treatment.
Why discuss your options with Dr Shirin Lakhani?
Intimate health concerns can be difficult to talk about. Our aim is to give you time to explain what is happening and ask questions without embarrassment or pressure.
Dr Shirin Lakhani is a GMC-registered doctor with a background in general practice and anaesthesia. Elite Aesthetics is a CQC-registered clinic in Greenhithe, Kent, welcoming patients from London, Dartford, Gravesend and across the UK. The clinic offers discreet appointments and free parking.
Doctor-led assessment, anaesthesia and follow-up are practical factors to compare alongside price. Read our P Shot London guide if you are considering travelling to the clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Is the P Shot better than shockwave?
There is no single winner for every patient. Shockwave has a stronger evidence base for selected vasculogenic ED, while PRP remains an emerging option. Your diagnosis and the evidence for the proposed protocol should guide the discussion.
Are PRP and the P Shot the same thing?
PRP describes the platelet-rich preparation made from blood. The P Shot is a branded penile PRP procedure. Not every clinic uses the same preparation system or injection protocol, so ask what your treatment involves.
Does the P Shot include shockwave at Elite Aesthetics?
No. Shockwave is not included in our standard P Shot protocol. The P Shot and P Shot Plus both include two follow-up appointments.
Can either treatment guarantee a cure for ED?
No. Avoid a provider who guarantees a cure or promises that you will never need medication again. Treatment response varies and further assessment may be needed.
What should I ask before paying for treatment?
Ask about your diagnosis, the evidence for the proposed treatment, risks, anaesthesia, total cost, follow-up and alternatives. Also ask who performs the procedure and what happens if your symptoms do not improve.
How can you take the next step?
Ask us a question about the P Shot.
Start with a free 15-minute chat with our patient coordinator. This is an introductory chat, not a medical consultation. A doctor will assess suitability before treatment.
Clinical references: European Association of Urology, Sexual and Reproductive Health Guidelines 2026 — Management of Erectile Dysfunction and Penile Curvature. This article provides general information; treatment decisions require an individual medical assessment.
