“Like most discoveries, low-level laser therapy (LLLT/photobiomodulation) for
fertility was discovered by accident.
Dr. Ohshiro, a medical doctor and pain specialist in Japan, used LLLT to treat
pain. He heard back from a 55-year-old menopausal woman who he had treated
for back pain that her menses had started again. Months later, another woman in
menopause came in for back pain, received photobiomodulation therapy, and her
cycle returned as well.
Since the initial discovery by Dr. Ohshiro, there have been several clinical studies
in Japan to explore the potential of low-level laser therapy to help with infertility
and other issues including PCOS, uterine receptivity, sperm motility,
endometriosis, embryo quality as well as IVF acupuncture on the day of transfer
to increase implantation rates.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Photobiomodulation for Recharging Egg
Quality
Dr. Paul Magarelli, a reproductive endocrinologist in Colorado Springs, and Dr. Lorne
Brown, Fertility acupuncturist at Acubalance Vancouver, discusses the latest research and mechanism of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) / photobiomodulation for maximizing egg quality potential.
Reversing Aging-Related Reproductive Problems
Most of us assume that aging and declining egg quality are irreversible. But early
research into low-level laser therapy is showing that it may be possible to
improve egg quality, slow down the aging process, and improve fertility. A
tremendous amount of energy within the cells is needed for follicles (eggs) to
mature, and for early embryos to divide and implant. As we age, the energy
structures within our cells (mitochondria) begin to wear down and aren’t capable
of producing as much energy (ATP).
Laser has a beneficial impact on fertility because the rate of division and
successful implantation of embryos has much to do with the amount of energy
they have. Because of this decline in cellular energy, at age 40, many eggs can
be abnormal. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT/photobiomodulation) emits photon
energy light directly into the cells, rejuvenating the cells and enabling them to
produce more energy.
The lasers we’re talking about are not the high-powered, hot beams of red light
you see in the movies. They are instead low-powered, non-heating, red, and
infrared waves of light. They do not burn or cut.
We see enormous potential in this research for women who are struggling to
conceive—particularly those who are of advanced maternal age, diagnosed with
poor egg quality repeated IVF cycles or have been diagnosed
with endometriosis and PCOS.
All our cells are powered by little structures called mitochondria. Eggs have about
200 times more mitochondria than any other cell. When eggs are developing,
they use a tremendous amount of energy. And early embryo division and
implantation require lots of energy. After 35 years, the mitochondria wear down.
At age 40, nine out of 10 eggs are abnormal.
Studies show that the mitochondria of older eggs are capable of producing
significantly less ATP, which is the source of cellular energy. This has a
significant impact on fertility, as the rate of division and successful implantation of
embryos has more to do with how much energy (ATP) than with maternal age
per se. Consequentially, the capacity of the cold laser to improve the ATP
production of eggs has a potentially dramatic effect on their viability.
Furthermore, it is known that older follicles have fewer defenses against cellular
damage caused by oxidative stress, and that this is related to poorer IVF
outcomes. Studies suggest that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) treatment could
also help with this condition, along with other complications, which impede fertility
later in life.
Increasing energy level (ATP) in the cells, improved blood circulation, softening
of scar tissue, and a reduction in inflammation. These factors are all beneficial to
female reproduction in general and to the receptivity of the uterine lining.
Want more information on LLLT for Fertility? Read more
Thinking of combining Laser Acupuncture (LLLT) For Fertility with Assisted
Reproductive Technology like IVF. Read more
Laser for Fertility Low AMH and Repeated Unsuccessful IVF Cycles Read more