How hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help promote fertility in women and men
Learn about common infertility issues and the treatment options for all genders
In the United States, the most recent data has found that 9% of men and 11% of women of reproductive age have experienced fertility problems. [1]
With the emotional, mental, and physical effects that attempting and being unable to conceive can have on both men and women, it’s valuable to be educated on infertility, its causes, and the treatment options available to promote fertility.
What is infertility?
With fertility being a persons’ ability to conceive children, infertility is a condition marked by the inability to get pregnant after one full year of attempting to conceive. For women over 35 years old, an infertility diagnosis is given after six months of trying to conceive as opposed to one year. [2,3]
What are the causes of infertility?
Although there is no clear cause in some cases, infertility can be caused by a variety of factors that can affect one or both partners. [2]
Common causes of female infertility include:
- Ovulation disorders
- Uterine or cervical abnormalities
- Fallopian tube damage or blockage
- Endometriosis
- Early menopause (before age 40)
- Pelvic adhesions
- Damage from cancer and its treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy [2]
Common causes of male infertility include:
- Abnormal sperm production or function
- Problems with the delivery of sperm
- Overexposure to certain environmental factors
- Damage from cancer and its treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy [2]
What are common risk factors for infertility?
The risk of facing infertility is increased for both men and women with the following factors:
- Age (over 35 years old for women and over 40 years old for men)
- Diabetes
- Substance abuse
- Smoking
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Being overweight or underweight
- Overexposure to certain environmental factors
- Cancer treatments like radiation therapy
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Over-exercising [2,3]
How is infertility treated?
The right treatments for infertility depend on the causes of infertility, how long the person has been infertile, the age of both partners, and personal preferences. [2]
For both men and women, infertility treatments can include medications to change hormone levels or surgery to open blockages or repair other issues. [3]
Additionally, couples that need more help conceiving try options such as the following to increase their odds of getting pregnant:
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- In vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
- Third-party assisted reproductive technology (ART) [3]
How can hyperbaric oxygen therapy help promote fertility?
With the help of a healing atmosphere of 100% pure oxygen, studies have found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can be utilized as a possible therapy of choice for infertility treatment.
One study found that female infertility patients who underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy experienced improved endometrial oxygenation and vascularisation, better egg quality, improved response to ovarian stimulation, and higher embryo quality and pregnancy rate. [4]
HBOT’s ability to stimulate new blood vessel growth, increase blood flow, and boost the body’s supply of circulating stem cells also promotes a better environment for fertilization to occur in women and offers the ability to enhance fertility treatments like IVF for both partners. [5]
Interested in enlisting the support of hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
With next-level qualifications and a compassionate nature, our team at Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center will be here every step of the way in your healing journey.
Our spa-like medical centers, conveniently located in southwest Orlando and in New Smyrna Beach, are equipped with state of the art Sechrist 3600 monoplace hyperbaric chambers, capable of pressures up to 3.0 atmospheres.
Our team of hyperbaric specialists are ready to answer any questions you may have before your treatments! We welcome you to contact us today.
Sources:
1: CDC National Health Statistics Reports | Infertility and Impaired Fecundity in the United States
3: Cleveland Clinic | Infertility Causes
4: Critical Care Obstetrics and Gynecology | Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy in Infertility Patients
