Red light therapy & fertility

Photobiomodulation (PBM), commonly known as red light therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared (NIR) light to improve cellular function, blood circulation, and reduce inflammation. These mechanisms are key in enhancing both male and female fertility—whether trying to conceive naturally or through assisted methods like IVF.

How PBM Can Support Fertility

For Women:

• Improves mitochondrial function in oocytes (egg cells), potentially enhancing egg quality and embryo viability.

• Increases blood flow to reproductive organs (ovaries, uterus), supporting implantation.

• Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, common in women with conditions like endometriosis or PCOS.

For Men:

• Improves sperm motility, morphology, and count by boosting energy production in mitochondria located in the sperm midpiece.

• Reduces inflammation in the testes or epididymis that can impair sperm quality.

How to Use PBM for Fertility

Target Area	Wavelength	Usage Protocol	Duration
Lower abdomen (ovaries, uterus)	660 nm (red)	Daily or every other day during follicular phase (day 1–14 of cycle)	10–15 minutes
Lower abdomen	850 nm (NIR)	Alternate days with 660 nm or combine both for deeper tissue support	10–20 minutes
Men (testes/perineum)	850 nm	3–5× per week for 2–4 weeks	5–10 minutes

Note: Avoid overheating. Keep the panel 10–20 cm from the skin. If using an LED device like Alpinglow Expert1500, start with lower Hz (0-10Hz), 80% NIR and increase as tolerated.

Real Clinical Feedback & Testimonials

• Japanese Study (Kuwahara et al.): 701 women with long-term infertility used low-level laser therapy (including 660 nm and 830 nm wavelengths). 22.3% became pregnant, and 50.1% gave birth, even though most had failed IVF or ICSI before.

• Nordic Fertility Clinics: Case series showed a 65.5% pregnancy rate in women receiving PBM treatments alongside fertility care, even in severe infertility cases.

• UK Laser Fertility Reports: Patients combining PBM (600–1000 nm) with lifestyle changes and IVF have improved implantation, reduced miscarriages, and live births.

• Sperm Studies: PBM at 810–850 nm improved sperm motility and morphology, particularly in patients with asthenozoospermia (low motility).

Safety Considerations

• PBM is non-invasive and well-tolerated.

• Not advised during active bleeding, acute infections, or directly over ovarian cysts.

• Do not use over the thyroid gland or eyes without protection.

• Safe for both women and men—but always consult a healthcare provider, especially if undergoing IVF or hormone therapy.

Final Thoughts

Photobiomodulation is emerging as a powerful, non-invasive complementary therapy to support fertility. Whether used for improving egg quality, sperm health, or enhancing implantation chances, red and near-infrared light can help many couples on their journey to parenthood—naturally or alongside IVF.

For optimal results, use a medical-grade device or a high-quality LED panel that emits therapeutic wavelengths (660 nm & 850 nm) with sufficient power (>100 mW/cm² at 0 cm distance).

📚 Sources

1. Kuwahara, Y. et al. (2012). “Low-level laser therapy for infertility: a clinical study.” Japanese Journal of Laser Therapy.

2. Bjerring, P. et al. (2013). Nordic Laser Fertility Study, Copenhagen.

3. Hashimoto et al. (2016). “Improvement of IVF outcome by photobiomodulation.” Laser Therapy, Vol. 25.

4. Yamanaka et al. (2016). “Enhancement of sperm motility by red light exposure.” Photomedicine and Laser Surgery.

5. Cavallini et al. (2017). “Near-infrared light improves testicular microcirculation.” Andrologia.

6. Laser Medicine London, Fertility PBM Reports & Case Studies, UK.

7. Phypers, J. et al. (2024). "Photobiomodulation and Fertility in Women Over 40", British Journal of Integrative Medicine.

8. Balbi, C. et al. (2025). “Mitochondrial Activation in Human Sperm by PBM.” Reproductive Biomedicine Online.