Actively Recruiting
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Men Suffering From Infertility Due to Oligospermia: a Pilot Study
Led by Assaf-Harofeh Medical Center · Updated on 2026-04-22
15
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Infertility affects about 12% of couples trying to conceive, and male factors like oligospermia—low sperm count—are a common cause. This study aims to explore whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can improve sperm count in men diagnosed with idiopathic oligospermia. It focuses on how HBOT may affect sperm quality through mechanisms involving mitochondria and telomeres, which are important for sperm function and genomic stability. The treatment involves 60 daily sessions of HBOT over three months, with five sessions each week. During each 90-minute session, participants breathe 100% oxygen at 2 atmospheres absolute pressure (ATA) using a mask, with 5-minute air breaks every 20 minutes. All eligible men will receive this therapy in a multi-place chamber, and there are no placebo or control groups. Participants will be evaluated four times: before treatment, after 40 sessions, at the end of the treatment period, and 60 days post-treatment. Assessments include sperm analysis and measuring telomere length in sperm and lymphocytes. The main outcome is sperm count at baseline and three months, with additional assessments of sperm morphology, motility, and telomere length up to nine months. The study will monitor safety and treatment effects throughout the period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Men Suffering From Infertility Due to Oligospermia.
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age above 21 years
- At least two sperm examinations showing oligospermia (less than 15 million sperm per mL)
- Diagnosis of idiopathic oligospermia
- Willing and able to read, understand, and sign informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Inability to attend scheduled clinic visits or follow study protocol
- Active cancer
- Previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Substance use at baseline
- Severe or unstable physical or cognitive disorders at baseline
- Prior hyperbaric oxygen therapy
- Chest conditions incompatible with pressure changes, including moderate to severe asthma
- Ear or sinus conditions incompatible with pressure changes
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus or ischemic heart disease
- Active smoking
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person) for eligibility assessment
Duration - 3 months
Participants receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy through 60 daily sessions over three months to improve sperm count and quality.
5 sessions per week, total of 60 sessions
Duration - 60 days
Participants are monitored for 60 days after treatment to assess lasting effects on sperm and lymphocyte telomere length.
1 follow-up visit after treatment ends
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh)
Ẕerifin, Israel, 70300
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Shachar Finci, MD
S
Shai a Efrati, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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