Cold Laser Therapy and Photobiomodulation (PMB) for Fertility

Like most discoveries, Cold Laser Therapy (CLT) AKA Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) 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 laser 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.

Thank you for joining my webinar on Laser for Fertility. I have shared below a few more resources that I mentioned during our webinar. One is a discussion with Colorado reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. Paul Magarelli, on the mechanism of photobiomodulation and its potential for improving egg and sperm quality. The other is an excerpt from an interview I did with Dr. Nakamura where he discusses his data of combining acupuncture with laser therapy and observed a doubling of blastocyst rates for those who had the combination of acupuncture and laser therapy leading up to and during their IVF cycle. What I found reassuring for us at Acubalance, is that the protocol we developed is incredibly similar to Dr Nakamura’s, and he has 10 years of data to support the effectiveness.

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. Cold Laser Therapy (CLT) 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.

Beneficial effects of Photobiomodulation (PMB) Therapy AKA Cold Laser Therapy (CLT) Include:

• Stimulates mitochondrial activity to repair the effects of aging and wear & tear.
• Increase cellular ATP (energy)
• DNA production is increased
• Improves blood flow
• Releases endorphins
• Decreases edema
• Decreases chronic inflammation
• Increase cartilage and bone formation
• Normalizes and softens scar tissue and adhesions
• Increases collagen production
• Improves muscle regeneration
• Hormonal balance
• Optimized implantation in IVF 
• Co Q10 absorption - Synergistic effect with LLLT

Beneficial effects of CL & PMB for fertility include:

• Increases mitochondria function and ATP (energy) production
• Regulates inflammation 
• Defending cells against damage caused by oxidative stress (follicles and sperm)
• Improving blood circulation which can benefit ovaries, testes and uterine receptivity
• Speed tissue healing
• Eliminate recurring infections
• Softens scaring and adhesions (from earlier surgeries or infections)
• Decreases stress and promotes parasympathetic function

Conditions that may benefit from Cold Laser Therapy (CLT) for fertility:

• Women who have not responded to conventional therapies
• Women who have egg quality issues due to age including
• low AMH
• high FSH
• poor responders
• women 37 and over
• Women diagnosed with PCOS or ovulatory disorders
• Women diagnosed with endometriosis or painful menses
• Women who have issues with their uterine lining such as:
• Endometriosis
• History of abdominal surgery or D and C
• Thin lining during IVF cycles
• Women going through IVF fresh or frozen cycle to support implantation
• quality of motility in semen

The most thoroughly used and studies laser for Fertility is the GigaLaser which is manufactured in Scandinavia and made available to customers in the US since 2016. The GigaLaser is large, powerful 18-36 Watts, hands free, 3 wavelength, panel style laser on wheels, with an adjustable arm that allows the user to easily position the 3 articulating panels directly over the human body wherever rejuvenation is needed.   

For infertility, the course of Photobiomodulation Cold Laser Therapy treatment includes 6 treatments during the first 2 weeks of menstruation. The laser can be combined with acupuncture or laser acupoint therapy, which can be easily applied with a wand style acupoint laser system. When the woman expects to be ovulating, the couple will try insemination (either naturally or otherwise). If the first round is not successful, repeat the treatment protocol again. Results can no be guaranteed, but when people are successful, it typically occurs within 3-6 months. 

The protocol is as follows: 

• Starting on the first day of menstruation, a total of 6 treatments are applied over the course of 2 weeks until ovulation. Average is 3 treatments a week from menstruation to ovulation for a total of 6 sessions.
• At this point, when ovulation is expected, insemination (natural or otherwise) is attempted. 
• If the woman does not conceive, and menstruation returns, another course of treatments is given. 
• There is no discomfort associated with the laser treatment. 

Laser for Fresh IVF protocol:

• Most benefit is during preconception care, for 3 cycles leading up to IVF.  (100 days to peak fertility)
• During stimulation phase of IVF cycle 2-3 treatments a week leading up to the day before egg retrieval.
• Following retrieval, to support healing post-surgery (egg retrieval), two sessions during the week following egg retrieval. This accelerates healing, regulates inflammation & edema and reduces pain and discomfort.

Laser for FET protocol:

• Begin at least 2 weeks before you start your estrace to build your lining. 
• During building of lining (once you start your menses) receive 2-3 sessions a week until transfer day to have approximately 6-10 sessions by transfer day.
• Laser acupoint treatment can be applied immediately before transfer and immediately following transfer to further increase results.