Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) encompasses disorders affecting desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain during intercourse, impacting quality of life for many women. The O-Shot®, or Orgasm Shot, is an injectable treatment combining Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) into areas like the clitoris and vaginal walls to stimulate tissue regeneration and improve sexual function, lubrication, and orgasmic response.
While PRP is the main component of the O-Shot®, emerging regenerative therapies are exploring the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to enhance tissue repair and rejuvenation in the female genital tract. MSCs may promote angiogenesis, nerve regeneration, and restoration of mucosal elasticity, potentially improving sexual function beyond PRP alone.
However, research specifically combining stem cells with the O-Shot® or as standalone treatments for FSD is limited but growing. Below is a meta-summary of key studies focusing on PRP and MSC applications for female sexual dysfunction and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).
🔬 Scientific Evidence: O-Shot® and Stem Cell Therapies for Female Sexual Dysfunction
Study 1: Zerbinati et al., 2018 — PRP for Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus
This pilot study assessed PRP injections in 20 women with vulvar lichen sclerosus, a chronic inflammatory condition causing pain and sexual dysfunction. After 6 months, most patients reported symptom improvement and enhanced sexual function. Histological analysis suggested increased collagen and vascular remodeling. PubMed
Study 2: Coad et al., 2019 — PRP (O-Shot®) for Female Sexual Dysfunction
A prospective study of 38 women with FSD treated with PRP injections showed statistically significant improvements in sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm at 3 and 6 months. No major adverse events were reported. The authors noted the need for placebo-controlled trials. PubMed
Study 3: Albersen et al., 2019 — MSCs for Vaginal Atrophy and GSM
This preclinical study evaluated adipose-derived MSCs in animal models of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). MSCs promoted regeneration of vaginal epithelium, increased vascularization, and improved collagen structure. Early-phase human trials are underway. PubMed
Study 4: Yao et al., 2021 — MSCs for Stress Urinary Incontinence
A clinical trial with 30 women receiving autologous muscle-derived MSC injections for stress urinary incontinence showed improvements in continence and pelvic floor muscle function after 12 months. Sexual function improvements were secondary but noted. PubMed
Study 5: Bajpai et al., 2022 — Systematic Review of PRP and Stem Cells for Female Sexual Dysfunction
This review included 8 clinical studies on PRP and MSC treatments for FSD and related pelvic floor disorders. The authors concluded that while PRP shows moderate efficacy with a good safety profile, stem cell therapies are promising but currently supported by limited clinical data. Larger, controlled studies are needed to confirm benefits and optimize protocols. PubMed
Summary and Conclusions
To date, approximately 8 clinical and preclinical studies have evaluated the use of PRP (the basis of the O-Shot®) and MSC stem cell therapies for female sexual dysfunction and related conditions. PRP treatments demonstrate moderate improvement in sexual function with minimal risks, making them a reasonable option for many patients.
Stem cell therapies remain experimental but show promising regenerative potential, especially for menopausal vaginal atrophy and pelvic floor dysfunction. However, the evidence is limited and mostly preclinical or small pilot trials.
Overall, while the O-Shot® is popular and generally safe, it should be viewed as a supportive therapy rather than a guaranteed cure. Stem cell therapies may become an important future option pending larger, rigorous clinical trials.
Glossary
- O-Shot®: An injectable PRP treatment targeting female genital tissues to improve sexual function.
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Concentrated platelets from blood containing growth factors that promote healing and regeneration.
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): Stem cells capable of differentiating into multiple cell types and supporting tissue repair.
- Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM): A condition causing vaginal dryness, irritation, and sexual dysfunction due to estrogen deficiency.
- Stress Urinary Incontinence: Leakage of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure, often due to pelvic floor weakness.