What Most Women Aren’t Told About Red Light Therapy and IVF
It can be devastating to experience multiple failed IVFs, especially when you’re over 35 and know that age isn’t on your side. You might even be wondering if it's possible that the medications and invasiveness of IVF itself could be adding more barriers to getting that BFP sooner. A fascinating case study from the Phypers et al study on multiwave laser PBM could give us some answers.
In this study on laser red light therapy, Case #3 highlighted a 42-year-old woman who had undergone five unsuccessful IVF cycles. Frustrated and overwhelmed, she decided to take a break from IVF but continued her laser sessions. The result? She conceived spontaneously despite having a history of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and miscarriage.
This case points to a critical aspect that's not being discussed with women considering ART: IVF itself can increase oxidative stress, potentially harming egg quality and overall fertility.
What is Oxidative Stress?
Oxidative stress in your reproductive health is like when your phone starts overheating because you have too many apps running in the background. It drains your battery, slows everything down, and if you don’t address overheating of your phone - it starts glitching and will usually power down to cool down. Unchecked oxidative stress also causes glitches in your body and 'powers down' your reproductive system. We can manage the phone issue by closing those extra apps so the energy needed is used for the important apps you need to run. In the same way PBM can help your system reset, and gets everything running smoothly again. It’s all about giving your body the power to function at its best.
The process of IVF can increase cellular stress and reduce IVF success. Laser therapy reverses that impact.
How Does IVF Contribute to More Oxidative Stress?
Hormonal Stimulation: The high doses of gonadotropins used in IVF overstimulate the ovaries, leading to increased ROS production.
Egg Retrieval: The retrieval itself generates ROS and exacerbates inflammation in the ovaries and uterus.
Embryo Culture: Embryos are cultured in high oxygen environments (~20%), much higher than physiological levels (~5%), increasing ROS levels and oxidative damage.
Cryopreservation: Freezing and thawing eggs and embryos introduces more oxidative stress, reducing their viability.
Studies show that IVF can increase oxidative stress markers by up to 200% directly impacting egg quality, embryo development, and implantation potential.
Here’s how red light therapy works to reduce excess oxidative stress and support fertility:
Cuts Down on Harmful Stuff (ROS) - Laser PBM boosts your body’s natural defense system by increasing special antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase. These enzymes act like superheroes, neutralizing those ROS troublemakers and protecting your cells from damage.
Supercharges Your Energy Factories (Mitochondria)- Your mitochondria are like tiny batteries powering your eggs. They give eggs the energy they need for fertilization and early embryo development. PBM makes these mitochondria work more efficiently, producing more ATP (your body’s energy currency) and improving overall cell health.
Boosts Blood Flow - PBM improves circulation, which is like opening all the right roads for oxygen and nutrients to reach your ovaries and uterus. This ensures your reproductive system has everything it needs to function at its best.
Prepares Your Uterus - A healthy uterus is crucial for implantation. PBM reduces inflammation and helps thicken the endometrial lining, making your uterus more receptive to an embryo.
The results seen in the Phypers paper suggest that PBM may not only support IVF success but also offer hope for spontaneous conception by restoring cellular balance and reducing the harm caused by oxidative stress.
How to Incorporate Red Light Laser Therapy Into Your Fertility Plan
Start Early: Consistency is key; begin PBM treatments several weeks or months before IVF or trying to conceive.
Work with an Expert: A fertility-focused PBM laser specialist can create personalized protocols based on your unique needs. Laser for fertility is not a one size fits all treatment. There are unique scientific protocols using different dosages and wavelengths for different fertility complications.
At *Solasta Health in Round Rock TX, I offer advanced PBM/LLLT treatments tailored to your fertility journey. Whether you’re preparing for a medicated cycle or want to improve your chances of natural conception, our protocols are designed to reduce oxidative stress, enhance egg quality, and support your reproductive goals.
*Please excuse my clinic website as I work on the finishing touches! If you’ve reached an empty website, feel free to email me at Tracy@TracyDonegan.org to book your initial 90-minute consult and laser session.
Tracy
