Since 1996, there have been many of published clinical studies to report the efficacy of Photobiomodulation Therapy for Fertility and Reproductive Health. This article aims to summarise a selection of the studies, which describe improved fertility outcomes for female and male reproductive health, utilising the power of red light therapy for ovarian rejuvenation and sperm motility / count. The studies all focus on the use of IR red light and NIR laser 600-1,000nm wavelength range, applied at a Class 3b Therapeutic Laser at a low power.
At Laser Medicine, we have developed effective Photobiomodulation Therapy for Fertility protocols for individual patients over the last 10 years. We follow closely the therapeutic laser protocols and insight from clinical studies, to provide patients with safe and effective red light therapy for ovarian rejuvenation and sperm quality. We regular see improvements in fertility outcomes for many patients who commit to regular sessions in the lead up to IVF cycles, and for planned natural, spontaneous conception.
A summary of notable clinical studies, which indicate the efficacy of Photobiomodulation Therapy for Fertility, follows:
The power of 810 nm near-infrared photobiomodulation therapy for human asthenozoospermia (Stigliani et al. 2024).
This is the most recent study in Photobiomodulation Therapy for Fertility, published at the time of writing. The authors investigated the best protocol to improve sperm quality, using near infrared light wavelengths. Sperm motility is a crucial factor in male fertility. There have been many studies already published on the positive effect of red light therapy to improve sperm quality (and quantity), however in this study the authors set out to help define the optimum dosimetry and protocols using photobiomodulation (PBM) to increase sperm motility. Key findings include:
Photobiomodulation ameliorates ovarian aging by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation damage and improving mitochondrial function (He et al. 2024).
A recent in vitro study from China, relating to Photobiomodulation Therapy for Fertility. The authors found that, “PBM (4 J/cm2) effectively recovered the levels of sex hormones, increased the number of primordial and growing follicles, improved angiogenesis, and decreased cell apoptosis in naturally aged mice. Moreover, PBM reduced oxidative stress, inhibited chronic ovarian inflammation, and improved mitochondrial function in aged ovaries. Study highlights follow:
- Photobiomodulation improved ovarian function of naturally reproductive aging mouse.
- Photobiomodulation protected human granulosa cells from oxidative stress damage.
- Photobiomodulation reduced oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in aged ovaries.
- Photobiomodulation enhanced mitochondrial function of aged ovarian cells.
- Photobiomodulation is a promising treatment to clinically restore ovarian function.
Photobiomodulation Therapy for Infertility (Grinstead et al, 2019).
Probably the most well known in vivo study for red light therapy for fertility, reported from our friends in Denmark, providers of the Powermedic Gigalaser, which is able to provide 20,000 J of near infrared laser to the abdominal area in a 23 minute programme. The results of this study speak for themselves:
“Since 2012, out of a group of 400 infertile women in the age range 34 – 50 years, 260 women (or 65%) have conceived, following treat- ments with PBM. Most of these women had already tried different types of ART and/or lifestyle changes to help them conceive, but with no success.”
The authors concluded that Photobiomodulation Therapy for Fertility offers a promising option for women facing reproductive health issues, as a natural, non-invasive supplement, to other types of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).
Please read more about the Powermedic Gigalaser for Fertility, which is installed in our clinic at 134 Harley Street, London and available to use to support natural conception or IVF processes.
Low-Level Laser Therapy Modulates Ovarian Function in Mature Female Mice (Oubina et al, 2019)
In this in vitro study, Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) (now known as Photobiomodulation PBM), was able to improve oocyte quality. Authors found that a local application of LLLT modulates follicular dynamics by regulating apoptosis and the vascular stability in the ovary. The authors concluded that LLLT might become a novel and useful tool in the treatment of several pathologies, including female reproductive disorders.
Effectiveness of low level laser therapy for treating male infertility (Photobiomodulation therapy for male fertility) (Moskvin et al, 2018).
In this paper the authors observed the leading factors that cause male infertility are urogenital infections, disorders of the immune system, testicular and prostate pathology, as well as endocrine disorders. The literature review showed that Photobiomodulation Therapy for Fertility is beneficial in treating male infertility, because laser can significantly improve the survival, motility and speed of movement of spermatozoa. Laser therapy of patients with prostatitis and vesiculitis can eliminate infiltrative-exudative changes, improve reproductive and copulatory functions.
Personal Overview of the Application of LLLT in Severely Infertile Japanese Females (Oshiro, 2012).
Dr Toshio Oshiro is one of the most renowned laser therapists, working as a medical doctor in Japan and carrying out many studies of Photobiomodulation Therapy for Fertility between 1996-2012. His paper written in 2012 summarises the body of his work in the fertility area, and he was the first person to discover the use of low-level laser to improve fertility outcomes. In his work with menopausal women he observed a return to menstruation after the application of PBM in 55 year olds who had already entered menopause. He then carried out many studies on women over 35 trying to conceive, over a number of years. His observations were conclusive that Photobiomodulation Therapy for Fertility can be a useful adjunct for severely infertile women.
Proximal Priority Treatment using the Neck Irradiator for Adjunctive Treatment of Female Infertility (Fuji, Oshiro, 2007).
A notable study in the Oshiro fertility studies describes the Proximal Priority Laser Therapy method, which he found to dramatically improve the blood circulation of his patients. The treatment focused on the neck region, on the carotid artery which ensures good blood flow to and from the brain. He also applied therapeutic laser to the abdomen and back 1-2 times a week, and above the reproductive organs. We have found this technique to be very effective to improve fertility outcomes for patients who are undergoing IVF / ART procedures.
Find out more about the Laser Medicine Ovarian Rejuvenation Programme.
