Who Is Affected by Male Infertility?
Male infertility accounts for approximately 40% to 50% of cases in couples experiencing difficulty conceiving, making it an issue of equal importance to female infertility.
It commonly presents as oligospermia, meaning a reduced sperm count, asthenospermia, meaning reduced sperm motility, teratospermia, meaning abnormal sperm morphology, or a combination of these abnormalities.
The causes are varied and include varicocele, the most common reversible cause, infections, hormonal disorders, genetic factors, exposure to toxic substances and excessive heat.
In a substantial proportion of cases, male infertility is associated with increased oxidative stress in semen and vascular insufficiency within testicular tissue. Both factors directly affect sperm production, quality and motility.
Characteristics
Spermatogenesis, the process through which sperm cells are produced, requires stable biological conditions within testicular tissue, including an adequate blood supply, low levels of oxidative stress and a normal temperature.
Any factor that disrupts these conditions may adversely affect sperm count and quality.
Oxidative stress is one of the principal factors associated with male infertility. Reactive oxygen species may damage sperm DNA, reduce motility and impair the integrity of the cell membrane.
At the same time, in cases of varicocele or vascular insufficiency, reduced blood flow to the testes creates hypoxic conditions that further impair spermatogenesis.
Scientific Studies
Studies evaluating the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in men with oligoasthenospermia and increased oxidative stress in semen have reported improvements in semen analysis parameters, including increased sperm concentration, improved motility and a lower proportion of sperm cells with DNA damage.
The proposed mechanism of action is associated with the activation of antioxidant enzymes that reduce oxidative stress within testicular tissue, together with improved testicular microcirculation through neovascularisation.
In addition, in patients who have undergone surgical treatment for varicocele, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may support and accelerate improvements in semen parameters by promoting postoperative recovery of testicular function.
The Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
In male infertility, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be used as an adjunctive option, particularly in cases involving documented oxidative stress in semen, impaired testicular blood supply or unexplained oligoasthenospermia. It does not replace andrological assessments or surgical treatment where indicated.
Its antioxidant effects, mediated through the activation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione, reduce oxidative stress within testicular tissue and help protect sperm cells from DNA and cell membrane damage.
Improved testicular microcirculation through neovascularisation enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to spermatogenic cells, thereby supporting more effective spermatogenesis.
A typical treatment course consists of 20 to 30 sessions, planned in collaboration with the andrologist or urologist.