Male Infertility Factor and Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Treatment Using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Chronic erectile dysfunction (ED) and male infertility have been on the rise in recent years. These are partly linked to the sedentary lifestyles that most men live, and undesirable practices such as smoking and excessive drinking. Other causes of male infertility include including hormone imbalances, structural abnormalities, and hereditary disorders. Most instances of male infertility manifest as reduced sperm count and quality. Fewer instances of infertility are a result of such phenomena as globozoospermia and azoospermia, which are common morphology disorders that affect sperms. Some of the most commonly explored forms of treatment for male infertility include assisted reproductive technology (ART), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), prescription drugs, and round spermatid injection (ROSI). Some of these have exhibited low efficacy, creating a need to explore other solutions. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is one of the newly explored forms of treatment for male infertility and erectile dysfunction. It boosts the efficacy of different forms of treatment as well. 

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Works

HBOT impacts positively on male fertility through various mechanisms. It prompts the production and release of mature sperm, thus increasing the chances of fertilization and conception when need be. Increased oxygen supply around the male reproductive tissues boosts sperm motility and velocity by ensuring optimal PH; Unfavorable PH impacts negatively on sperm vitality and integrity. The optimal functioning of sperm mitochondria facilitates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the cells. Oxidative balance, stress, and enzyme activity in sperm cells are regulated as well. HBOT also reduces the propensity of secondary infertility that could result from testicular torsion and spinal cord injuries. The increased oxygen concentration reduces testicular tissue ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) damage. Also, microcirculation and growth of new blood vessels are enabled, especially in tissues with below-par vascularization. Increased neovascularization boosts the motor activity of the penis and sperms. 

HBOT reverses sperm DNA fragmentation, thus retaining the quality of the sperm. Also, it leads to reduced fructose concentration within the cell cytoplasm, which boosts sperm count and motility. HBOT also promotes coordination in the brain, central nervous system (CNS), and genitals during arousal. The latter leads to improved sexual performance. The increased oxygen supply also addresses impotence in the process. HBOT also boosts fertility loss through invasive processes such as radiative cancer treatments. Damaged blood vessels are restored, which improves sperm production. The pathophysiology that leads to both ED and infertility is reversed through the introduction of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Improved fertility and sexual performance lead to boosted confidence and social interactions. Those previously struggling with infertility and ED are able to sleep better, worry less, and live happily. 

References

Korenkov, D. G., Kalinina, S. N., Fesenko, V. N., & Pavlov, A. L. (2017). The role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and antioxidant administration in treatment of idiopathic male infertility. Andrology and Genital Surgery, 18(4), 43–56. https://doi.org/10.17650/2070-9781-2017-18-4-43-54

Ozgok Kangal, K., & Ozgok, Y. (2021). Assisted reproductive treatments with hyperbaric oxygen therapy in male infertility. Türk Üroloji Dergisi/Turkish Journal of Urology, 47(2), 98–105. https://doi.org/10.5152/tud.2020.20328