Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) shows promise as a non-invasive, regenerative treatment for vascular-related erectile dysfunction (ED) by increasing penile blood flow and promoting angiogenesis. Studies indicate significant improvements (15–88%) in erectile function after 20–40 sessions, particularly for patients with vascular issues.1
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment involving breathing 100% pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber, raising air pressure 1.5 to 3 times higher than normal. This process floods tissues with oxygen, promoting wound healing, reducing swelling, and fighting infections by improving blood oxygen concentration.
The high pressure allows oxygen to dissolve directly into the blood plasma, delivering, in some cases, up to 20 times more oxygen to tissues.
Patients lie in a pressurized chamber, for a session usually lasting about one to two hours.
How HBOT Helps with Erectile Dysfunction
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the body’s natural healing mechanisms. It repairs damaged blood vessels and promotes the growth of new blood vessels (a process called angiogenesis). Typical treatment protocols involve 40 sessions over several weeks, with studies noting high rates of improved erectile function and positive outcomes (up to 80% of patients in some studies)2.
It is most effective for vasculogenic ED—dysfunction caused by blood flow issues, often related to diabetes or following nerve-sparing prostatectomy surgery.
Current Status
A meta-study conducted in 20233 concluded “The use of HBOT in the treatment of ED appears to be a promising approach. While further research is needed to establish the efficacy and long-term effects of this treatment, preliminary studies have shown encouraging results in terms of improving erectile function in men with vasculogenic ED.”
While findings are positive, the FDA considers HBOT for ED to be an experimental or off-label use. It is not currently a primary, mainstream treatment.
References
- Hadanny, Amir; Lang, Erez; Copel, Laurian; Meir, Oshra; Bechor, Yair; Fishlev, Gregory; Bergan, Jacob; Friedman, Mony; Zisman, Amnon; Efrati, Shai. “Hyperbaric oxygen can induce angiogenesis and recover erectile function.” International Journal of Impotence Research. May 2018, 30, 292–299 (2018).
<https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-018-0023-9> - Lang, Erez; Copel, Laurian; Meir, Oshra; Bechor, Yair; Fishlev, Gregory; Bergan, Jacob; Zisman, Amnon; Efrati, Shai. “” Hyperbaric oxygen can induce angiogenesis and recover erectile function.” International Journal of Impotence Research. November 2018.
<https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-018-0023-9> - Saffati, Gal; Naeem, Taher; Guhan, Maya; Abello, Alejandro; Hinojosa-Gonzalez, David Eugenio; Kaaki, Basil; Stocks, Blair T ; Lipshultz, Larry I ; Khera, Mohit. “Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a treatment for erectile dysfunction: a meta-analysis.” Sexual Medicine Reviews. December 2023;12(1):94-99.
<https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37952207/>