Is the use of hirudotherapy in the treatment of infertility justified?

Hirudotherapy is the treatment of various diseases by imposing leeches on certain areas of the body. The history of this technology has at least a thousand years. In antiquity, blood pressure was reduced with the help of leeches and “blood was purified”.

In our century, despite the availability of the latest developments of modern medicine, hirudotherapy is still very popular. This therapeutic method is used in many areas of health, including in gynecology - it helps to treat many diseases that have a negative impact on reproductive function. Hirudotherapy is also used for male infertility. What is the mechanism of leech effects on the human body? Are there any contraindications for this procedure?

Hirudotherapy has been around since the beginning of our era. Even then, this technique was considered one of the most effective procedures of alternative medicine used in the treatment of many diseases, among which cardiac ailments dominated. The use of hirudotherapy was quite affordable means of dealing with various pathologies (including those associated with reproductive health).

In our age of intensive development of clinical and pharmaceutical technologies, hirudotherapy remains quite a popular technique. In addition, the secret secreted by leeches when biting through the skin, is widely used in the manufacture of various drugs.

Leeches are able to have a healing effect on the body and with male and female infertility. Often a situation arises in which, in order to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, it is necessary to undergo a course of hirudotherapy for both partners who wish to become parents soon.

In gynecology and andrology, the beneficial properties of leeches are used as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent in the treatment of:

• endometritis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the uterus);
• low sperm motility;
• obstruction of the fallopian tubes;
• as an obstacle to the development of adhesions;

• benign tumors of the uterus;
• cystitis (inflammation of the bladder);
• inflammation of the prostate;
• with a decrease in uterine muscle activity;
• in violation of the menstrual cycle.

The peculiarity of treatment with leeches is that they are attached to a specific area of ​​the body. The therapeutic effect of hirudotherapy is achieved due to three main factors.

1. Biological. The saliva of a medical worm, when biting through the skin, enters the bloodstream of a person along with the active ingredients contained in it, which have an anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, antibacterial and resolving effect. In addition, due to the chemical composition of leech saliva in the place of their attachment, blood flow and metabolism increase, local immunity is activated.
2. Reflex. The penetration of specific points by medical worms has much in common with acupuncture.
3. Mechanical. The leech during the procedure absorbs a certain amount of blood, thereby reducing stagnation in the tissues, reducing the risk of blood clots, "unloading" the blood flow.

Useful properties of hirudin (leech saliva active ingredient):

• prevention of blood clots;
• blood pressure stabilization;
• decrease puffiness;
• increased venous blood and lymph outflow;
• anesthetic effect;
• anti-inflammatory effect;
• blood thinning.

Due to its unique properties, hirudin is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry in the production of various preparations as the main active ingredient.

Before a session of hirudotherapy, the following rules must be observed.

1. Do not use perfumed products. The leeches may refuse to bite the skin, which emanates a strong smell.
2. Schedule a day so that after the session you can devote some time to rest.
3. It is better to wear something dark and not very expensive - blood will seep from the wounds for a while or clear lymph.
4. After the procedure, the puncture sites may begin to itch (possibly after 1-2 days). Relieve itching will help the cream against mosquito bites. A simple brilliant green can also help.
5. Before the procedure, you need to eat tight.

On average, the entire course of hirudotherapy consists of 10 sessions - about 3 times a week. The duration of one procedure is 30-40 minutes. Number of medical leeches for staging - 5-7 pcs. Leech bites themselves are not too painful. In the first 10 minutes, the patient may feel a burning sensation, after which the anesthetic effect of leech saliva triggers. If it is difficult for you to overcome your natural aversion to the appearance of these worms, it is better not to look at them during the procedure.

Contraindications to the appointment of such therapy for infertility are individual intolerance to leech components of saliva, the presence of infected lesions on the skin, blood diseases associated with decreased clotting, malignant neoplasms, anemia, peptic ulcer, pregnancy, low blood pressure.

The scheme of setting leeches in men is as follows:

• the area around the anus;
• crotch;
• sacrum;
• coccyx.

At the end of hirudotherapy, a significant improvement in the quality of seminal fluid is possible.

For general health improvement for both men and women, install medical worms in the liver area.

After a hirudotherapy session, patients may notice the appearance of some local pathological reactions, such as itching and redness at the place of leeches. The described symptoms disappear without the use of specific treatment in about 2-4 days. You can speed up this process by taking antihistamines.

Since hirudotherapy has contraindications due to blood coagulation factors, before starting treatment it may additionally be necessary to consult a hemostasiologist, who can give necessary recommendations regarding the nuances of the procedure, which will also help prevent complications in the process of pregnancy in the future leeches impractical).

Hirudotherapy in the treatment of infertility is only a possible component of complex therapy. According to clinical practice, this method of alternative medicine quite often gives a positive trend. The mechanism of action of leeches on the body is the content in their saliva of biologically active substances, the main of which is hirudin. Improvement of blood circulation in the pelvic area is an important indicator for the introduction into the treatment plan of drugs and other conservative methods.

About hirudotherapy in gynecology, as well as male and female infertility, see the following video.