A growing number of studies are showing that low level laser therapy (LLLT), both laser and light-emitting diode (LED) sources, may significantly boost the pregnancy rates of even women who have been unsuccessful with other assisted reproduction treatments like vitro fertilization (IVF).

Acu Pain Centre offers patients a clinically-tested system that uses photobiomodulation to stimulate blood flow to the reproductive organs and enhance cellular energy production. The laser (LLLT/photobiomodulation) treatment is particularly promising for couples coping with ageing-related reproductive problems.

MECHANISM OF LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY (LLLT/COLD LASER) FOR FERTILITY

1. Enhance mitochondrial activity and ATP production
2. Increase blood flow
3. Regulate inflammation
4. Reduce oxidative damage
5. Softening of scar tissue
6. Co Q10 - Synergistic effect with LLLT

WHAT THE STUDIES ON LLLT SAY

Until recently, Western reproductive medicine has traditionally maintained that ageing and declining egg quality is an irreversible process. However, ground-breaking research with low level light therapy conducted in Denmark and Japan is showing that it may be possible to improve egg quality, slow down the ageing process and significantly improve fertility in women and men. The studies show that low level laser therapy (LLLT) used on acupuncture points on the neck and over the ovaries appears to enhance mitochondrial activity and ATP production, increase blood flow and helps to reduce oxidative damage.

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 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 requires 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 is 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 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 uterine lining.

The recent studies in Japan and clinical results in Denmark have delivered very promising results in this direction. The Danish report showed that LLLT had a pregnancy rate of 66% success for women after at least 4 years of failure with other ART methods. LLLT studies have also pointed to the efficacy of laser treatment in raising the quality of the male partner’s semen in particular motility.

Low intensity laser light therapy has also been shown to be beneficial for a host of other medical issues, particularly those related to women’s health. Laser treatment has been used successfully to treat frequently recurring abdominal infections and inflammations in women. In addition, it has been used to address hormonal imbalances such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, an imbalance in hormones (insulin, androgens and estrogen and progesterone), which can result in the the interference of ovulation and the growth of ovarian cysts. There have also been promising results in the treatment of endometriosis.