HBOT and Male Infertility: New Hope for Improving Sperm and Fertility

Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, and male factors contribute to approximately half of these cases. Common issues include abnormalities in sperm quantity, motility, and function. While treatments range from medication to surgery and assisted reproductive technologies, a recent study suggests hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as a promising adjunctive treatment to improve sperm quality and fertility outcomes.

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. This increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, promoting healing and fighting infection. It has been used for various conditions, including wound healing and carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Study

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in "Medical Gas Research" (Liu et al., 2025) investigated the effectiveness of HBOT for male infertility. The analysis included nine randomized controlled trials that evaluated sperm parameters and pregnancy rates.

Key Findings

The meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in sperm survival, density, morphology, normal sperm rates, and motility following HBOT. Additionally, the clinical pregnancy rate increased.

• Sperm Survival: HBOT significantly enhanced sperm viability.

• Sperm Density: HBOT significantly increased sperm concentration.

• Sperm Morphology: HBOT improved sperm shape.

• Normal Sperm Rate: HBOT increased the number of sperm with normal morphology.

• Sperm Motility: HBOT significantly improved sperm movement.

• Clinical Pregnancy Rate: HBOT was associated with a higher pregnancy rate.

The Bottom Line: A Quote from the Researchers

"In summary, the results of this meta-analysis indicate that HBOT, when used in conjunction with other treatments, significantly improves sperm density, motility, and viability and reduces abnormalities, ultimately increasing male fertility. It is an effective adjunctive therapy for the treatment of male infertility."

Implications and Future Research

The results of this study offer hope for couples struggling with male infertility. Further research is needed to determine the optimal HBOT protocols, identify the best candidates for treatment, and understand the long-term effects of HBOT on fertility. However, with these findings and with such a safe therapy with little to no side effects, it would be wise to implement hyperbaric oxygen as a tool in your fertility journey. 

References

Link to study here.