Fertility and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

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In recent years, numerous studies have explored the relationship between hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and fertility. HBOT has shown promising results for both men and women facing fertility challenges. For women, HBOT enhances blood circulation to the ovaries, improving the oxygenation of reproductive tissues. This increased blood flow helps boost both the quality and quantity of egg production, which can be crucial for women struggling with issues like low ovarian reserve or poor egg quality. It may also help regulate hormonal balance, creating a healthier environment for conception. For men, HBOT has demonstrated benefits in improving sperm health. By reducing fructose levels in semen, which is linked to better sperm function, and increasing sperm count and motility, HBOT addresses key factors that influence male fertility. It also helps reduce oxidative stress, which can damage sperm and lower fertility (Holistic Hyperbarics Wellness Clinic).

This dual impact on male and female reproductive health makes HBOT a promising supportive therapy for couples dealing with infertility. However, it’s important to consult a fertility specialist to determine if HBOT is appropriate for your specific needs.

This study of Mitrović et al, published in National Library of Medicine focuses on the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on endometrial development in unexplained infertility women with an attempt to improve pregnancy outcomes. The study included 32 subjects subjected to hyperbaric chamber therapy at in pressured chamber on a daily basis for seven consecutive days starting from day 5 of their menstrual cycle. Thicker endometrium, better vascularity and increased receptivity was tracked using transvaginal colour Doppler sonography before, during and after the therapy. In addition, hyperbaric oxygen therapies are in general at 2–3 atmospheres.

The results demonstrated that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy localized endometrial thickness recovery (from 7.7 mm at the beginning of the treatment to 11 mm at ovulation) as well as vascularization improvement, particularly an increase of the capillary networks with lowering of the vascular resistance of uterine arteries. There was also more blood flow noted with Doppler flowmetry in the treated cycles. Such improved vascularization following HBO therapy provided the endometrium with greater receptivity, hence a better chance of successful implantation of the embryo.

In addition, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, by improving vascularization, promoted a robust capillary network in the subendometrium, thus facilitating more favorable conditions for embryo implantation. The increased oxygen supply stimulated neoangiogenesis in the endometrium and improved its ability to support embryo implantation by enhancing blood flow and lowering vascular resistance (Ri < 0.45). The observed changes were significant in the cycles when HBO was applied, and endometrial quality was vastly improved compared to cycles without treatment.

The researchers conclude that HBO therapy may be a valuable treatment option for women with infertility related to poor endometrial quality. By improving oxygenation and blood supply, HBO can enhance the conditions necessary for successful blastocyst implantation. This suggests that oxygen therapy, when used under higher pressure, could be a breakthrough in treating certain types of infertility by optimizing endometrial receptivity. Therefore, it is proposed as a better alternative to conventional medications aimed at improving uterine vascularization. The findings emphasize the importance of uterine oxygenation and vascularization in fertility and suggest that HBO therapy can play a critical role in improving pregnancy outcomes for women experiencing difficulties with endometrial development.

Another study by Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy, MD has been conducted Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been shown to improve male fertility by enhancing sperm quality, motility, and count, as well as addressing erectile dysfunction. HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a high-pressure chamber, which increases oxygen levels in the blood and enhances circulation, particularly to the reproductive organs. This helps reduce oxidative stress, a key factor in male infertility, and promotes healthier sperm by protecting cells from damage.

Research has demonstrated HBOT’s effectiveness, with studies showing significant improvements in sperm motility and morphology. For example, Yildiz et al. (2019) reported better sperm motility and morphology, while Shen et al. (2016) observed improvements in semen parameters and pregnancy rates. The study concluded that HBO therapy could be a valuable option for enhancing endometrial receptivity, particularly for patients struggling with infertility due to suboptimal uterine conditions. By promoting better oxygenation and capillary growth, HBO offers an alternative to drug-based methods traditionally used to improve uterine blood supply.

Though promising, HBOT is not a universal cure and may be most effective for men with specific conditions like idiopathic infertility. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential before beginning treatment.

Read more:

National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7192642/

Holistic Hyperbarics Clinic: https://www.hh-bayarea.com/fertility

Hyperbaric Oxygen Institute: https://hyperbaricoxygeninstitute.com/how-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-can-help-promote-fertility-in-women-and-men/