01The basics
What is the O-Shot, and what is it offered for?
A little of your blood is taken from your arm and spun to separate the platelet-rich plasma, which is then injected. O-Shot is a trade name; the treatment is PRP.
- What it is offered for
- Small leaks of urine, dryness, low sex drive and problems with orgasm. Results differ from person to person. Dr. Rockhead talks you through what to expect for you before anything is booked.
- Leaks when you cough or sneeze
- Pelvic floor muscle training comes first. NICE advises at least three months of supervised training, and the International Urogynecological Association says up to 75 women in 100 see their leaks improve with it. If you are overweight, losing weight can help, and so can cutting down on caffeine. We do not offer the O-Shot for heavier leaks or a prolapse.
- Dryness
- Lubricants and vaginal moisturisers are the first thing to try yourself, and most are sold without a prescription. If they are not enough, a doctor can prescribe other treatments.
- Low sex drive
- Find the cause first. The NHS's list of main causes includes relationship problems, stress, depression, the menopause, a new baby and some medicines. A long-term illness such as diabetes can also affect it. Treating the cause should help.
- Lichen sclerosus
- This is a long-term skin condition that causes itchy white patches, most often on the vulva. The treatment is a strong steroid ointment, which needs a prescription. Our lichen sclerosus page has more.
Before you decide
What to know first.
Dr. Rockhead goes through your health at your consultation, before anything is booked.
PRP cannot be undone once it is injected.
Results differ from person to person, and no injection is booked unless you choose one.
02Medical Leadership
Who do you meet, and what should be checked first?
Dr. Charles Rockhead, a gynaecologist, in person, at 9 Devon Road in Kingston. He goes through your health, your medicines and what you have already tried, and he examines you if that is needed. Leaks, dryness, pain and a change in desire are all things you can raise with him at this visit, whether or not you go on to the injection. The injection is booked only afterwards, and only if you choose it.
- Have these checked first
- Any bleeding after the menopause, even once. Bleeding after sex or between periods. Unusual discharge. An itchy white patch on the vulva. Pain during sex. Leaks that nobody has examined. A change in desire that began with a new medicine or contraceptive. Each needs a doctor's diagnosis before any injection, from Dr. Rockhead or from your own doctor. Do not put bleeding off.
Dr. Charles Rockhead, Medical Director — Oshun Cosmetic Services, Kingston.
Dr. Charles Rockhead
Medical Director · Board-Certified OB/GYN · 30+ years of practice
Dr. Charles Rockhead is a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with more than thirty years of practice in Kingston. He is the Medical Director of Oshun Cosmetic Services and the founding physician of Amadeo Medical Group, the parent clinical practice.
Read the clinic story · View Dr. Rockhead's LinkedIn
03A session
What happens at a session, and does it hurt?
i.
Getting ready
Tell us every medicine and supplement you take, and if you are or could be pregnant. We ask you to avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen for a week before, if that is safe for you. If a doctor has you on one, or on aspirin or a blood thinner, do not stop it on your own: tell us.
ii.
The blood draw
We take blood from your arm, as for a blood test, and spin it to separate the plasma. While it spins, numbing cream is put on the area to be injected.
iii.
The injection
The plasma goes in through a fine needle. If the cream is not enough, a numbing injection is given first. Tell us if you feel pain.
iv.
Going home
You can drive yourself home and go back to work the same day. We ask you to avoid sex, tampons, baths and pools for 48 hours, and hard exercise for 24. You leave with written aftercare instructions.
- Who gives the injection
- Dr. Rockhead gives the injection himself.
04Afterwards
What to expect, and when to get help.
- What is common
- Some cramping for a few hours, a light pink discharge for a day, and a small bruise where the blood was taken. Pain and swelling where the plasma went in may last a day or two.
- The risks
- The Cleveland Clinic lists the risks of "vaginal rejuvenation", a group that includes this injection as well as surgery and laser: pain, bleeding, infection, scarring or adhesions, painful sex, numbness or unusual sensations, and needing another procedure. DermNet adds a possible injury to a nerve. Neither says how often.
- Go to a hospital at once
- For heavy bleeding, or if you cannot pass urine.
- Call us straight away
- On (876) 676-6297, for pain that lasts or gets worse, a fever, pus or a bad smell, swelling or redness that is spreading, numbness that lasts more than a few hours, or any bleeding at all if you are past the menopause. We are closed at night and from Friday to Sunday. If we are closed or you cannot reach us, do not wait for us: go to a hospital, and say you had a PRP injection.
- Check-ups
- We check on you at four weeks and at twelve weeks.
05Is it for you
Who should not have it?
- Who should not have it
- We don't give it in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. We don't give it to anyone with an infection of the pelvis, vagina or urine, a bleeding or platelet disorder, a blood cancer, or a cancer of the womb, cervix, ovaries, vagina or vulva. DermNet lists long-term liver disease as a reason not to have PRP.
- Blood thinners
- It is not given to anyone taking a blood thinner. Never stop one on your own to have this.
- Hepatitis C or HIV
- Tell Dr. Rockhead if you have either. The American Academy of Dermatology does not recommend PRP for the skin in someone with hepatitis C or HIV.
- The blood
- With PRP, the blood must stay sterile and must be your own.
06Cost & booking
How much does the O-Shot cost in Jamaica?
- What it costs
- The consultation with Dr. Rockhead starts at J$11,000. The O-Shot is priced from J$80,000. Your written quote gives the session price and, if a second session is suggested, its timing and price, before any blood is taken.
- When we are open
- Monday and Wednesday, 10 AM to 6 PM. Tuesday and Thursday, 10 AM to 4 PM. Closed Friday to Sunday.
- Paying
- Cash, debit card, credit card or approved financing. Health insurance generally does not cover it.
If this sounds right
The next step is a conversation, not a commitment.
Start with a consultation, in person, with Dr. Rockhead. No blood is taken at it, and no injection is booked unless you choose one.
No obligation · Every consultation is in-person with Dr. Rockhead.
