A common question in regenerative medicine is whether Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) should be activated before injection — particularly in procedures such as the Alpha Shot (for male sexual health).
The answer?
Research and clinical experience suggest that activation plays a significant role in how effectively PRP releases its healing growth factors and how well the treatment performs overall.
What Does “Activation” Mean?
When PRP is prepared, it contains concentrated platelets suspended in plasma. These platelets hold growth factors — the natural proteins that signal the body to repair and regenerate tissue.
Activation refers to the process of stimulating those platelets to release their growth factors.
This can be achieved in several ways:
• Calcium chloride or calcium gluconate
• Thrombin (an enzyme that helps clotting)
• Or specialized devices that use mechanical activation or vacuum systems
Once activated, the PRP begins forming a platelet-rich fibrin matrix, a gel-like structure that holds growth factors in place and allows for sustained release and tissue regeneration.
Why Activation Makes a Difference
Laboratory studies consistently show that activated PRP releases a broader and more potent range of growth factors than non-activated PRP.
This difference can significantly affect outcomes — especially in targeted procedures like the Alpha Shot, where precise tissue regeneration is desired.
Practitioners who omit activation may still see results, but they are often less predictable and less consistent. The activation process helps stabilize the PRP, allowing it to stay where it’s needed rather than diffusing too quickly through surrounding tissues.
When Activation Matters Most
• In sexual health procedures such as the Alpha Shot, activation ensures the growth factors are released exactly where they’re needed — improving tissue response and overall results.
• In facial or scalp treatments, some clinicians skip activation to reduce discomfort, since activated PRP can cause more local inflammation and stinging when injected.
• In joint or orthopedic applications, activation is generally recommended to maximize healing response.
Clinical Caution and Best Practices
While there are many emerging technologies in regenerative medicine — including stem cells and exosome-based therapies — PRP remains one of the most clinically proven and transparent options.
At BioMed, we prioritize evidence-based approaches that can be openly discussed, ethically practiced, and safely documented.
Patients are always informed that results can vary, and treatments are performed within established safety and compliance guidelines.
The Takeaway
• Activated PRP tends to deliver stronger, more reliable results due to its enhanced release of growth factors.
• Calcium-based activators and thrombin are among the most widely used and well-studied methods.
• Proper activation helps localize and prolong the regenerative effects — particularly beneficial in Alpha Shot and other focused procedures.
At BioMed Natural Health, we combine scientific evidence, clinical experience, and ethical practice to ensure that every regenerative procedure — from joint therapy to aesthetic and sexual wellness treatments — is performed with the highest level of precision, care, and transparency.
