Medically reviewed by Dr. Robert Rubin, MD. Last reviewed August 2026.
Dr. Robert Rubin offers PT-141 peptide therapy at two locations in Florida:
PT-141 in Naples PT-141 in Tampa
Telemedicine appointments are available for patients across Florida, including the Tampa Bay Area, South Palm Beach, and North Broward.
PT-141, also known as Bremelanotide, is a synthetic peptide that improves sexual function in both men and women. Its key distinction from other sexual health treatments is its mechanism: rather than acting peripherally on blood vessels as Viagra and similar drugs do, PT-141 acts centrally — directly on melanocortin receptors in the hypothalamus. This triggers arousal and improved sexual response through the brain's own neurological pathways, and also causes the release of nitric oxide, which increases blood flow to the sex organs. The effects of a single dose last from 6 to 72 hours.
PT-141 received FDA approval specifically for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. It is also used off-label for men and postmenopausal women experiencing erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, and arousal disorders. It is not designed to address sexual dysfunction caused by relationship problems, mental illness, or as a direct side effect of medications — those drivers require a different clinical approach.
Most sexual health medications work on blood flow. PT-141 works on desire. By activating melanocortin receptors in the brain — the same system involved in appetite, energy balance, mood, and social behavior — it addresses the root neurological cause of reduced sexual interest and response rather than simply treating the physical symptom. This is why it has shown particular benefit in women struggling to experience sexual desire and arousal, and why it is described as fostering enhanced emotional connection alongside improved physical response.
PT-141 also offers a significant practical advantage over daily medications: it is taken only as needed, typically once every few months, and is self-administered via subcutaneous injection at home after an initial instruction session with Dr. Rubin. The majority of patients experience the full effect within two to four hours of each injection.
PT-141 can also sometimes trigger modest weight loss by activating central nervous system receptors that affect appetite — though this is a secondary effect, not its primary function.
Dr. Rubin begins with a full functional medicine evaluation before recommending PT-141 or any other peptide. Sexual dysfunction has many possible drivers — hormone imbalances, medication side effects, cardiovascular factors, metabolic issues — and identifying the root cause is what determines whether PT-141 alone is sufficient or whether additional components are needed.
Depending on your evaluation results, your plan may include PT-141 alone or in combination with:
Once the appropriate protocol is established, Dr. Rubin will walk you through the self-injection technique so you can administer PT-141 at home as needed going forward.
The effects of a single PT-141 injection typically last between 6 and 72 hours. The range varies based on individual factors including body weight, overall health, age, and dosage. Most patients begin to feel the full effect within two to four hours of injection.
PT-141 is taken as needed rather than on a daily schedule — typically once every few months. Dr. Rubin monitors the effect of each dose and adjusts dosage over time based on your response. Dosage is generally increased gradually and calibrated to your weight, health status, and individual needs.
PT-141 (Bremelanotide) received FDA approval for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. It is also used off-label for men and postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction. Dr. Rubin will discuss whether PT-141 is appropriate for your specific situation at your consultation.
Yes. PT-141 is frequently combined with the P-Shot in men and the O-Shot in women to address both the neurological and physical aspects of sexual dysfunction simultaneously. For men with erectile dysfunction, combining PT-141 with shockwave therapy addresses both desire and vascular function.
PT-141 is a non-invasive, non-toxic treatment with a favorable safety profile when prescribed and supervised by a physician. Candidacy is assessed individually. It is not appropriate for patients whose sexual dysfunction is caused by psychological factors, relationship concerns, or direct medication side effects — those cases require a different approach that Dr. Rubin will discuss at your evaluation.
Yes. After your initial consultation and instruction session, PT-141 is self-administered via subcutaneous injection at home as needed. Dr. Rubin will walk you through the technique and ensure you are comfortable before beginning home administration.
Dr. Rubin is an Advanced Fellow in Sexual Health by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, and ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics Medicine. He has extensive experience treating men and women with sexual dysfunction and sexual health conditions at his clinics in Naples and South Tampa.
He spent the first 25 years of his career in internal and geriatric medicine, earning recognition from Castle Connolly Medical as one of the "Top Doctors" in South Florida for four consecutive years. After completing a fellowship in anti-aging and regenerative medicine, he transitioned to functional medicine — building a practice that identifies the root causes of sexual dysfunction rather than prescribing around them.
Private consultations are available at both clinics and via telemedicine for patients anywhere in Florida.
Naples
840 111th Avenue North, Suite 5, Naples, FL 34108
(239) 977-9220
PT-141 in Naples →
South Tampa
405 N. Reo St., Suite 162, Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 499-1440
PT-141 in South Tampa →
