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Red light therapy, also known as low level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive modality that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity and promote healing. Recently, studies have been conducted to investigate the potential role of red light therapy in helping with infertility in both men and women.
One study, conducted by Ohshiro T. in 2012, looked at the use of LLLT in severely infertile Japanese females. The study recruited 40 participants who had been diagnosed with infertility for more than 5 years and had failed to conceive with other treatments. The participants were divided into two groups, with one group receiving LLLT and the other group receiving a placebo treatment. The study found that LLLT was able to improve ovarian function and increase pregnancy rates in the participants. Specifically, the group receiving LLLT had a higher rate of ovulation and a higher number of pregnancies, with a total of 8 pregnancies in the treatment group compared to 0 in the placebo group.
Another study, conducted by Zupin L et al. in 2020, found that photobiomodulation therapy (a type of LLLT) was able to improve sperm quality and motility in men with infertility. The study recruited 50 participants with idiopathic infertility, which means that the cause of their infertility was unknown. The study found that the group receiving photobiomodulation therapy had a significant increase in sperm count and motility, as well as an improvement in sperm morphology compared to the control group. The study also reported an increase in the number of pregnancies in the partners of the participants who received the treatment.
A study by Moskvin SV and Apolikhin OI in 2018 also found that LLLT was effective in treating male infertility by increasing sperm count and motility. The study recruited 60 participants with idiopathic infertility. The study found that the group receiving LLLT had a significant increase in sperm count and motility compared to the control group, with no adverse effects reported. Low fertility in the modern world can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, poor diet, and exposure to environmental toxins.
The use of red light therapy to help with infertility is still in its early stages of research, but the results of these studies suggest that it may be a promising non-invasive option for those struggling with infertility, especially in cases where the cause of infertility is unknown.
Other treatments for infertility include assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), as well as lifestyle changes such as weight loss, reducing stress and quitting smoking. Medications such as clomiphene citrate and gonadotropins are also used to stimulate ovulation and increase the chances of conception.
It is important to consult with a reproductive specialist for personalized recommendations for infertility treatment. In conclusion, red light therapy may be a promising option for infertility, with studies showing positive results in improving ovarian function, sperm quality and motility. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness, especially in larger sample sizes and different populations. It is also important to consider other treatments and lifestyle changes in the management of infertility.
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DISCLAIMER: Mito Red Light devices are Class II wellness devices aimed at affecting the body through topical heating and supporting cellular function. The information provided in this article and on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to imply effectiveness of Mito Red Light devices for any specific application. The information provided in this article and on this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, is not a substitute for consultation with a licensed medical provider and should not be construed as medical advice. Click here to read our article on potential contraindications of red light therapy..
References
1. Ohshiro T. Personal Overview of the Application of LLLT in Severely Infertile Japanese Females. Laser Ther. 2012 Jul 3;21(2):97-103. doi: 10.5978/islsm.12-OR-05. PMID: 24610987; PMCID: PMC3944482
2. Zupin L, Pascolo L, Luppi S, Ottaviani G, Crovella S, Ricci G. Photobiomodulation therapy for male infertility. Lasers Med Sci. 2020 Oct;35(8):1671-1680. doi: 10.1007/s10103-020-03042-x. Epub 2020 Jun 1. PMID: 32483749
3. Moskvin SV, Apolikhin OI. Effectiveness of low level laser therapy for treating male infertility. Biomedicine (Taipei). 2018 Jun;8(2):7. doi: 10.1051/bmdcn/2018080207. Epub 2018 May 28. PMID: 29806585; PMCID: PMC5992952.
