Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a widely used treatment method in the medical field that primarily involves placing patients in an environment with higher-than-atmospheric pressure to inhale pure oxygen.
Initially, this treatment was applied to acute conditions such as decompression sickness (the bends), gangrene, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
As research has progressed, its indications have gradually expanded to include chronic diseases and other clinical applications (Note 1).
Principles of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy:
In a hyperbaric oxygen environment, the oxygen content in the patient's blood significantly increases, improving tissue hypoxia, and promoting cell repair and regeneration.
The high permeability and diffusibility of oxygen allow it to more effectively reach damaged tissues, enhance cellular metabolism, and promote wound healing and infection control.
Additionally, studies have shown that HBOT has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and angiogenic properties, making it effective in various clinical applications.
HBOT for Erectile Dysfunction:
A 2018 study from Israel (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41443-018-0023-9) demonstrated that HBOT shows potential efficacy in treating sexual dysfunction, particularly erectile dysfunction (ED).
This prospective study involved 30 patients with an average age of 59, who had experienced erectile dysfunction for an average of 4.2 years.
They underwent HBOT five days a week for a total of 40 sessions (Note 2).
Besides the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, MRI was used to track penile blood flow before and after treatment.
The results showed that up to 80% (24/30) of patients reported an improvement in erectile function.
MRI also revealed significant angiogenesis in the corpora cavernosa, with the K-trans value increasing by 153.3±43.2% (p<0.0001).
HBOT improves blood flow and tissue oxygenation in the penile corpora cavernosa, providing a novel and potentially significant alternative therapy.
Dr. Huang's Conclusion:
HBOT not only shows remarkable effects in managing acute conditions but also demonstrates extensive potential in treating chronic diseases and functional disorders.
As more clinical trials and research are conducted, we look forward to more effective treatments for erectile dysfunction, offering patients more comprehensive and personalized therapeutic options!
Note 1:
Indications for HBOT include:
1. Air or gas embolism
2. Acute burns
3. Carbon monoxide poisoning
4. Central retinal artery occlusion
5. Gas gangrene
6. Compromised grafts and flaps
7. Acute ischemias like compartment syndrome
8. Decompression sickness (the bends)
9. Delayed radiation injuries
10. Enhanced wound healing
11. Sudden hearing loss
12. Intracranial abscess
13. Necrotizing soft tissue infections
14. Refractory osteomyelitis
15. Severe anemia
16. Autoimmune diseases
17. Post-COVID syndrome
18. Cancer adjunctive treatment
19. Erectile dysfunction
20. Ischemic stroke and brain injuries
21. Anti-aging potential
Note 2:
Patients were treated in a hyperbaric chamber (HAUX-Life-Support GmbH, Germany) at 2 atmospheres absolute (ATA) with 100% oxygen for 90 minutes, with a 5-minute break every 30 minutes.
References:
A General Overview on the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Applications, Mechanisms and Translational Opportunities
