Reasons Red Light Therapy Might Not Seem to Be Working for Fertility
“I used RLT for my last cycle and it didn’t work”.
What's the deal? When everyone is hyped up for PBM - the stories of success are exciting and hope is high BUT you don't feel like it's working for you - or it seems to be creating issues instead of fixing them. What's going on?
We all know this, but it’s important to remember that getting that positive test is influenced by a multitude of factors. PBM is one piece of a very complex puzzle, and while it can be beneficial, it’s essential to understand the many variables that come into play during a cycle (there's probably a lot more to consider that we don't even know about). Before we jump in I'm working with the assumption that you're also 'doing all the things' - nutrition, movement, stress management, supplements.
Differing Diagnoses: Every Journey is Unique
Each of us have our own medical history and challenges. Each diagnosis brings its own set of variables that can impact our fertility.
The length of time you’ve been TTCing also matters. Women who have been TTCing for several years may face different hurdles compared to other women who have recently started their journey. The cumulative stress, emotional toll, and potential changes in ovarian function over time can all influence those outcomes.
Age: A Crucial Factor
Enough said.
Inflammation:
Inflammation is a critical factor that can impact fertility. Chronic inflammation in the body can affect ovarian function, egg quality, and even implantation. Women with autoimmune conditions or chronic inflammatory diseases may find that reducing inflammation is key to improving their IVF outcomes. Red light therapy has shown promise in reducing inflammation and enhancing cellular function, but it’s not a standalone solution. Combining PBM with other lifestyle modifications, such as an anti-inflammatory diet and stress management, can create a more supportive environment for conception. Ovarian reserve, as mentioned earlier, is another essential variable. Women with a lower ovarian reserve may have fewer eggs available during an IVF cycle, which can reduce the chances of success. Red light therapy may help improve mitochondrial function in the ovaries, potentially enhancing egg quality, but again, it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
Endometrial Receptivity: Preparing the Soil
The endometrium, (lining of the uterus) plays a crucial role in supporting implantation and early pregnancy. Some women have issues with endometrial receptivity, making it difficult for an embryo to implant and thrive. Red light therapy has been explored as a method to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation in the endometrium, potentially enhancing receptivity. However, it’s important to remember that endometrial health is also influenced by various factors, including hormone levels, blood flow, and overall uterine health.
Differing IVF Protocols: Tailoring the Approach
Another important variable in your IVF journey is the specific protocol used during your treatment. IVF is not a one-size-fits-all process; different clinics and doctors may recommend different protocols based on your unique needs and medical history. Some women might respond better to a long protocol, while others might benefit from a short or natural IVF cycle. The medications used, the timing of egg retrieval, and even the techniques for embryo transfer can vary significantly.
Photobiomodulation Variables: Dosage, Device, and Delivery
When using red light therapy as part of your IVF journey, it’s essential to consider the variables within the therapy itself. The research paper by Zein et al. highlights how critical these variables are for ensuring the effectiveness of PBM. The following factors should be carefully considered:
Dosage: The correct dosage is vital to achieving the desired effects. Too little light may not penetrate deeply enough to make a difference, while too much light could potentially cause harm or diminish the benefits. This concept is underpinned by the Arndt-Schultz law, which describes a biphasic dose-response where low doses stimulate, moderate doses inhibit, and high doses can damage cellular activity.
Device: Not all photobiomodulation devices are created equal. The quality of the device, including the wavelength of light it emits, can impact its effectiveness. Red and near-infrared wavelengths are most often used in PBM for fertility, with red light (600-700 nm) being more effective for superficial tissues and near-infrared light (780-950 nm) for deeper tissues. Look for devices that have been studied - and at the moment those studies are scarce.
Skin Contact and Delivery Method: Whether the light is applied directly to the skin or used at a distance can affect how much energy is absorbed by the tissues. Direct skin contact is generally preferred for deeper penetration. Additionally, the mode of delivery—whether continuous wave or pulsed—can also impact effectiveness, with some studies suggesting pulsed light may be more effective for certain applications.
Joules Delivered: This refers to the total energy delivered during a session. It’s another critical factor that needs to be tailored to your individual needs to optimize the benefits of red light therapy.
Time of Day: The time of day when you use red light therapy may also influence its effectiveness. Recent research suggests that our cells respond differently to light exposure depending on the time of day, with potential variations in circadian rhythms affecting the outcomes. Discussing the optimal timing for your sessions with a light specialist may help maximize the benefits.
Skin Color: Skin color can influence how light is absorbed and penetrates the tissues. Melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, can absorb light and may affect the depth at which red light reaches the target tissues. Individuals with darker skin may need adjustments in dosage or device settings to achieve similar therapeutic effects.
Propagation, Scattering, and Reflection: The way light propagates, scatters, and reflects within your body can also impact the effectiveness of photobiomodulation. Light can scatter as it travels through tissues, and some of it may reflect off the skin surface rather than penetrating deeply. These factors, though often not visible, are crucial in determining how much energy actually reaches the target tissues, influencing the therapy's effectiveness. This is why skin contact can be so helpful.
The Landscape Keeps Evolving
While red light therapy has shown great promise, it’s important to recognize that the science behind it is still evolving. We have made significant strides in understanding how light interacts with our cells and supports healing, but there is still much to learn. Researchers are constantly discovering new insights into how variables like light dosage, skin color, and time of day can affect outcomes. This ongoing research is helping to refine and improve red light techniques, but it also means that there may be limits to our current understanding.
It Takes Time…
And I know that’s not what you want to hear - when I was taking the Chinese herbs I wanted it to work NOW!
But we have to give the body time to respond to these changes. Persistence, resilience, and support are so important. While photobiomodulation can support your fertility journey, it’s not a silver bullet - it’s one more tool in your toolkit to improve your cellular health.
***There are also a small % of research participants who seem to be resistant to PBM*** Don't assume that's you (it's normal for our mind to focus on worst-case scenario when we're stressed). Give yourself a chance over several months, or longer to give your body the energy it has been starved of for so long.
I hope this helps explain a little more about why PBM may not seem to be working and why that might be.
Email me with any questions - tracy@tracydonegan.org
Tracy
