Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Fertility in Leicester

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that enhances the body’s natural healing processes by exposing the body to 100% oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure. This is usually done in a closed chamber where the pressure can be controlled. This high-pressure environment allows more oxygen to reach tissues and cells, promoting healing and fighting infection. HBOT is commonly used for decompression sickness, serious infections, bubbles of air in blood vessels, and wounds that won’t heal due to diabetes or radiation injury. Though it has been explored for various other health conditions, with increasing evidence about the other benefits it can bring.

How Can HBOT be used to optimise fertility?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can potentially aid fertility in several ways:

• Endometrial Oxygenation and Vascularisation: HBOT has been found to improve oxygenation and vascularisation of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus where the embryo implants and grows. This could potentially improve the environment for an embryo, leading to better outcomes in pregnancy.
• Egg Quality: Some studies suggest that HBOT may enhance egg quality. Good egg quality is crucial for successful fertilisation and embryo development.
• Response to Ovarian Stimulation: HBOT may improve the response to ovarian stimulation, a common procedure in fertility treatments like In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), where medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
• Embryo Quality and Pregnancy Rate: HBOT may potentially increase embryo quality and overall pregnancy rates.
• Stimulation of New Blood Vessel Growth and Increase in Blood Flow: HBOT’s ability to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels and increase blood flow can potentially create a more conducive environment for fertilisation.
• Boosting the Body’s Supply of Circulating Stem Cells: HBOT can increase the body’s supply of circulating stem cells, which could potentially enhance fertility.
  Increased Sperm Count and help to treat erectile dysfunction: HBOT has been shown to increase sperm count in those undergoing fertility treatment
• It’s important to note that while these findings are promising, more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of HBOT as a fertility treatment. Also, individual responses to HBOT can vary, and it should be considered as part of a comprehensive fertility treatment plan developed in consultation with a healthcare provider. Come and see one of our specialist hyperbaric doctors to discuss how hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help you with your fertility journey.

References:

• Ma, Y., Zhong, Y., Chen, X., Liu, H., Shi, Y., Zhang, X. and Sun, H., 2022. Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Ameliorates the Decline in Oocyte Quality and Improves the Fertility of Aged Female Mice. Reproductive Sciences, pp.1-7.
• Kangal, K.Ö. and Özgök, Y., 2021. Assisted reproductive treatments with hyperbaric oxygen therapy in male infertility. Turkish Journal of Urology, 47(2), p.98.
• Yu, J., Qi, Y.L., Lu, D.W., Fang, Q.J., Li, L. and Sang, L., 2022. Multiple Protocols Combined with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on the Maintenance of Ovarian Function in Patients After Ovarian Cystectomy. Frontiers in Surgery, 9.
• Hadanny, A., Lang, E., Copel, L., Meir, O., Bechor, Y., Fishlev, G., Bergan, J., Friedman, M., Zisman, A. and Efrati, S., 2018. Hyperbaric oxygen can induce angiogenesis and recover erectile function. International Journal of Impotence Research, 30(6), pp.292-299.