What is the O-Shot?

The O-Shot, or “orgasm shot,” is a relatively new treatment that is used to promote sensitivity in the vaginal canal and to help in achieving orgasm. It is a new procedure and the data on it is very limited. There has been one study which included only 11 women. However, anecdotally, women claim to have been helped by the O-Shot and there is currently a larger study underway, with a placebo component, to see if more objective data bears out its anecdotal effectiveness.

In the O-Shot, blood is drawn from the patient’s arm.  Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is extracted from this blood and injected into an area near the clitoris and inside the vagina. The goal is to stimulate the growth of new cells and make the injected areas more sensitive. The developer of the O-Shot claims that only a single shot is necessary and that its effects last for 1-3 years. Again, this has not yet been proven.

How Does the O-Shot Work?

The O-Shot is based on other treatments that use platelet-rich plasma, commonly referred to as “PRP”, for treatment of injuries.  PRP is a part of whole human blood. When blood is spun down, the different components are separated out and one portion contains a concentration of platelets above normal values. Platelets are the clotting cells in our blood, but they also have potential to enhance healing of muscle, tendon, and ligaments.

Studies suggest that growth factors released by platelets recruit reparative cells and these cells may in turn augment tissue repair and accelerate soft tissue healing. PRP has been used in the past for orthopedic injuries. 

The theory of the O-Shot proposed by the inventor, Charles Runels, MD, is that, just as it can do when injected into other tissues, PRP can “generate healthier and more functional tissue in the areas of sexual response in the vagina (G-Spot, O-Spot, Skene’s Glands, urethra vaginal wall).” .

In addition to claiming to improve your sex life, there are also claims that the he O-Shot can help with urinary incontinence (accidental leakage when laughing, coughing or exercising). Again, there is only anecdotal data to support this claim.

What is Involved in Getting an O-Shot?

The O-Shot is performed in our office.  A patient has a small amount of blood taken from her arm, the same way it would be taken for a blood test. The blood is then centrifuged, which allows the platelet-rich plasma to be separated out. This process takes approximately 20 minutes in our laboratory. The PRP is then re-injected into an area near the clitoris and inside the vagina. Patients report that there is limited discomfort with the procedure. Again, the goal is to stimulate the growth of new cells and make the injected areas more sensitive.

What else is PRP used for?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) extraction has been approved by the FDA for a variety of orthopedic uses, but the FDA has not yet evaluated PRP use in the vagina.

Is it safe / Are there any side effects?

Fortunately, there have been no significant side effects reported in all the countries where the O-Shot is performed.  Potential side effects include temporary minimal vaginal spotting of blood, hypersensitivity or excessive orgasms, yeast infection and urinary tract infection. The claims made are that the procedure works about 80% of the time. . 

How many treatments do I need?

There is little research, but anecdotal evidence suggests that after only one O-Shot treatment, you’ll notice full results in 2 weeks, and that the effects can last up to 3 years.

Does the treatment hurt?

Although it is difficult to believe, the O-Shot is painless. Lidocaine is used topically to numb the first lidocaine injection (near, but not into the clitoris) which then completely numbs the PRP injections. Most patients find that the blood draw from your arm (which must be done in order to obtain the PRP for the O-Shot) is the most uncomfortable part of the procedure.

What are my next steps?

Contact us for a free consultation.