SALM TEAM 
Nearly half of men are unhappy about the size of their penis, and about a third experience erectile dysfunction. Yet many men are unaware that regenerative penile injections (p-shots) using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) therapy can help restore vitality and self-confidence, improving sexual function, sensation, erection quality, and – according to some patients – a noticeable increase in length and girth.
Dr Reza Mia of Anti-Aging Art in Johannesburg emphasises that discomfort and anxiety around penile health can be a serious and often overlooked concern, with tangible mental health consequences.
“While most men don’t share these anxieties with their partners, many still feel embarrassed, frustrated, or fear ridicule, and may even avoid discussing these worries with a medical professional,” he explains.
“These insecurities can severely impact sexual self-esteem and contribute to ongoing sexual difficulties. If there is no underlying medical condition, I encourage men to start by addressing emotional or confidence-related factors—potentially with the support of a mental health professional. But where the need remains, a PRF p-shot is a safe, natural, and minimally invasive option to support enhancement, performance, sexual vitality, and even orgasm quality.”
Changing the narrative and breaking stigma
PRF treatments are both powerful and safe. The process uses a concentration of the patient’s own platelets and growth factors to repair tissue, improve blood flow, and support nerve function. Blood is drawn and processed in a centrifuge to separate platelets and fibrin, which are then injected into targeted areas to stimulate healing and cellular regeneration. Because PRF is derived entirely from the patient’s own blood, the body recognises it as its own, making the treatment low-risk with minimal chance of complications.
PRF differs from traditional platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments in how growth factors are released. While PRP delivers a rapid effect, PRF releases healing factors more slowly, providing longer-lasting tissue support. Because the procedure requires a high degree of technical precision, outcomes depend heavily on the skill and experience of the practitioner—underscoring why PRF should always be regarded as a medical treatment.
“We are working with complex cellular mechanisms that, when applied correctly, can be life-changing for some patients by encouraging tissue repair and improving vascular function,” says Dr Mia.
He adds that stigma and misconceptions around penile health are gradually diminishing, with more men taking their mental wellbeing seriously and addressing long-held insecurities. “Men are realising they don’t have to struggle in silence. They are also becoming more open to treatments that genuinely improve quality of life.
“However, many first lose time and money on gimmicky lifestyle changes, supplements, or medication with limited results. Increasingly, men are looking for solutions that are natural, based on their own biology, and not dependent on chronic medication. PRF penile injections remain one of the most effective long-term options to achieve this.”
Treatment is more accessible than many people think
Cost is a common barrier, but one that is often misunderstood. A full PRF p-shot package can cost roughly the same as a high-end smartphone, a major household appliance, or a short local getaway.
“When you buy a device, you get an object. When you buy a holiday, you get memories. When you invest in a p-shot, you are paying for a medical procedure that includes sterile equipment, specialised laboratory processing, direct clinical oversight, and the opportunity to address a deeply personal health concern. It is more comparable to a dental implant or a structured physiotherapy programme than a discretionary luxury purchase.”
Some men worry about side effects, interactions with chronic medication, or whether results will diminish over time. PRF p-shots differ from pharmaceutical approaches in that they promote natural tissue repair rather than relying on synthetic chemicals. Others delay treatment out of fear of judgment, awkward conversations, or being dismissed by healthcare providers. In these cases, clear, confidential consultations are often key. Once men understand the procedure, expected outcomes, and limitations, hesitation typically subsides.
“Ultimately, I want men to know that they have options,” Dr Mia says. “They do not have to accept decline as inevitable. They do not have to choose between doing nothing and relying on long-term medication. They can pursue treatments grounded in science, performed safely, and designed to improve both function and confidence.”
Diana Kinyanjui 
