Hirudotherapy and Phytotherapy in Male infertility

Male infertility, caused by disruptions in the reproductive system, often hinders the achievement of desired pregnancy. The primary causes of this condition include inflammatory diseases caused by microorganisms or nonspecific inflammatory processes, such as urethritis and prostatitis. Stress, poor ecology, harmful habits, and associated pathologies can also influence spermatogenesis processes.

There are several types of male infertility:

1. Secretory - associated with insufficient production of sperm or their low mobility.

2. Obstructive - caused by obstacles such as neoplasms, cysts, or scars, hindering sperm release.

3. Immunological - caused by autoimmune processes in the body.

4. Idiopathic or relative - when the main cause is not established.

The first diagnostic step is a semen analysis (spermogram). Cytological examination of testicular tissues is often used to identify the degree of pathological processes and their causes.

Obstructive infertility is usually treated with surgical interventions. For other types of infertility, there are conservative treatment methods, including alternative approaches such as phytotherapy and leech therapy.

Phytotherapy, individually tailored to each patient, takes into account the diagnosis of the reproductive system, semen analysis data, and concomitant pathology.

Herbs exhibit anti-inflammatory effects not only on the prostate but also affect antisperm antibodies. They improve the production and quality of sperm by suppressing prostaglandin synthesis, leading to improved spermatogenesis and increased sperm motility. Herbs are a valuable source of amino acids, trace elements, and vitamins that contribute to improving fertility in men with a low sperm count and enhancing their motility.

The antioxidant effect of herbs contributes to energy production in sperm and improves their motility. Antioxidants are particularly beneficial as they neutralize the damaging effects of active oxygen free radicals (ROS) that can harm cellular systems. Approximately 40% of infertile men may have high levels of ROS, considered a cause of idiopathic infertility, known as oxidative stress.

Fructose found in medicinal plants is the primary energy source for ejaculated sperm and a biochemical marker of seminal vesicle function, improving the fertile properties of ejaculate.

Phytotherapy for male infertility also exhibits hepatoprotective effects, promoting the restoration and maintenance of liver function. Liver dysfunction in men can lead to androgen deficiency and an increase in female sex hormones due to excessive testosterone breakdown. Taking herbs with hepatoprotective properties provides a more balanced hormonal supply for spermatogenesis.

Some plants have gonadotropic effects, contributing to the increase of FSH, LH, and testosterone levels.

Leech therapy is also widely used in the pathology of the male reproductive system.

Insufficient peripheral blood circulation can lead to a decline in the function of male genital organs. With age, blood circulation and nutrition to the testicles deteriorate, reducing the activity of spermatogenic and androgenic functions. Peritubular and tubular sclerosis phenomena with canal blockage develop, accompanied by a decrease in the number of Leydig cells responsible for testosterone production.

Leech therapy in male infertility helps improve blood supply to the prostate and testicles and enhances the quality of spermatogenesis. The saliva of leeches contains enzymes that promote the relaxation of smooth muscle in artery walls, improving microcirculation in the pelvic organs and eliminating venous stasis. Hyaluronidase present in leech saliva also positively affects reproductive function in men, improving semen analysis parameters.

The enzymes in leech saliva have numerous beneficial properties, including anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating, lymphatic drainage, analgesic, and anti-edema effects, allowing for systemic influence on the body.

In recent years, most specialists have concluded that a combined approach to treating male infertility, including various medicinal and non-medicinal methods, is advisable. Numerous scientific studies confirm the high effectiveness of natural origin drugs in this context.