Common Side Effects of Red Light Therapy
Often known as red light treatment, photobiomodulation (PBM) is an evidence-based approach to improve reproductive health. PBM increases blood flow circulation, lowers inflammation, and improves cellular health by targeting specific parts of the body associated with reproduction—all things that are absolutely vital while TTCing. Though red light therapy is usually safe and well-tolerated, some women can have moderate, temporary effects.
Why Side Effects Sometimes Occur
PBM stimulates the mitochondria—the "powerhouses"—of your cells to generate more ATP. This increase in cellular activity might "wake up" tissues and cells, therefore triggering repair and regeneration. You might, however, have some transient reactions as your body adapts to this cellular boost. Think of it like starting a new exercise program; it's good for you but could first cause some soreness as your body adapts.
Side effects with PBM are usually temporary.
Tiredness or Fatigue
Though this isn’t uncommon, it seems a bit strange that you would feel exhausted following a treatment that’s meant to stimulate your cells! Here’s what’s happening:
PBM can trigger your ovaries, reproductive tissues, and other specific locations (brain) to increase metabolic activity. If you are being treated over your ovaries to enhance egg quality, for example, your body may feel tired as it directs resouces and energy to this inflammatory modulating process. PBM increases cellular activity, which causes waste products (metabolites) from your cells release to be eliminated. You could feel quite depleted after your ‘red light detox’.
Keep hydrated and give yourself time to relax. Listen to your body and take it easy if you can. Your cells have begun to prepare the perfect environment for your baby.
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Tingling Sensation or Pain
Some of my clients have reported that the treated area feels pleasantly warm and tingly. It’s rare for someone to experience pain during the treatment but it can show up after. This can occur for fertility-oriented treatments as we’re targeting the lower abdomen—e.g., around the ovaries/uterus/fallopian tubes. PBM can stimulate immune cells in certain locations to help them heal damaged tissues. If you are treating inflammation around a hydrosalpinx, blocked tube, or significant endometriosis, for example, this immune response may induce temporary tingling or minor pain.
**Note: Your treatment, whether at home or with a therapeutic laser specialist, should not cause heating of the tissues to a point of discomfort. Some devices can cause significant heating when held close to the skin which limits the time they can be used for. PBM administered by laser is with a special therapeutic laser, so there is minimal heat (they are known as a cold laser).
The light can also "wake up" nerves close to the treated area, producing transient sensations. These feelings usually pass quickly. If discomfort continues, consider shorter sessions or discussing changes with your PBM provider.
Detox-Like Signs
PBM helps your body eliminate waste and pollutants by raising lymphatic activity and circulation. This detoxification may show up for someone new to PBM as moderate headaches, nausea, flu-like symptoms. Targeting locations having a history of inflammation or scarring, such as following surgery for endometriosis or treating a hydrosalpinx, can make these effects more noticeable. To help your body naturally detoxify, sip electrolytes and think about adding foods high in antioxidants to your diet.
Why Temporary Side Effects Occur
These reactions are your body's means of letting you know it is actively healing. Targeting obstructed tubes can boost an immune response to lower inflammation, while also using red light therapy to support egg quality can temporarily increase cellular activity in the ovaries. These effects, which indicate positive changes, are like the muscle soreness you might experience following a decent workout.
How to Minimize Side Effects
Start low and slow, particularly if you are aiming for sensitive locations like the ovaries or fallopian tubes, with shorter sessions.
Hydrate: Staying hydrated will help your body detoxify itself.
Listen to your body. Rest if you’re feeling extra tired.
Did you experience any noticeable side effects during your treatments?
Tracy
