The Efficacy of Multiwavelength Red and Near-Infrared Transdermal Photobiomodulation Light Therapy in Enhancing Female Fertility Outcomes and Improving Reproductive Health: A Prospective Case Series with 9-Month Follow-Up
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Abstract
Background and Objectives
Female infertility due to unexpected causes exhibits a great challenge for both clinicians and women who are trying to conceive. The present clinical case series study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of multiple wavelengths of red and near-infrared (NIR) laser photobiomodulation (PBM) for increasing the potential of fertility in women and improving reproductive health in unexplained infertility issues. The objectives were to assess the following: (1) any adverse effects; (2) the possibility of producing an effective PBM protocol; (3) and healthy live birth. The inclusion criteria were to related to females who failed to conceive naturally beyond two years, multiple miscarriages, molar pregnancy, non-viable embryos from in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles, and failure to complete successful implantation of viable pre-implantation genetic tested (PGT-A) embryos.
Methods
Case series of three female subjects with unexplained age-related infertility issues, which included a failure to conceive naturally beyond two years, multiple miscarriages, molar pregnancy, non-viable embryos from IVF cycles, and failure to complete successful implantation of viable pre-implantation genetic tested (PGT-A) embryos. In each case, previous conditions were recorded and then compared with outcomes after the patient received a course of PBM treatments. In every case, fertility outcomes improved. Three cases resulted in a full-term pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby. PBM treatments were given at weekly and/or at two-week intervals using IR and NIR wavelengths between 600 nm and 1000 nm in the lead up to natural conception, IVF oocyte retrieval, blastocyst/embryo implantation, and/or the production of viable embryos.
Results
In every case, fertility outcomes improved. Improvements in reproductive health outcomes in each case give reason to suggest that PBM may help to improve unexplained age-related infertility.
Conclusions
Our study demonstrated that multiwavelength of red and NIR PBM with either an LED or laser, or a combination, improved female fertility and reproductive health and contributed to healthy live births in females diagnosed with unexplained age-related infertility. Extensive studies with robust data are warranted to validate our PBM dosimetry and treatment protocols. Moreover, understanding the genetic and phenotype biomarkers is important to standardise a range of PBM light dosimetry.
Female infertility from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis poses a challenge for both clinicians and women who are trying to conceive. The present clinical single case report aimed to evaluate the efficacy of multiple wavelengths of red and near-infrared (NIR) laser photobiomodulation (PBM) for increasing the potential of fertility in a woman with PCOS, endometriosis and low ovarian reserve. The observations helped to inform and establish the following: (1) any adverse effects; (2) the possibility of producing an effective PBM protocol; and (3) a healthy live birth. The case report concerns a female who failed to conceive naturally beyond five years and had experienced one unsuccessful IVF cycle. Case report of one female subject with infertility issues, which included failure to conceive naturally beyond five years. Previous conditions were recorded and then compared with outcomes from after the patient received a course of PBM treatments. PBM treatments were given at weekly and/or at two-week intervals over a 5-month period during the follicular stage of the menstrual cycle, using IR and NIR wavelengths between 600 and 1000 nm. After five months a spontaneous conception was achieved. The case resulted in a full-term pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby. Improvements in reproductive health outcomes in this case give reason to suggest that PBM helped to alleviate PCOS and endometriosis which could have been associated with a low ovarian reserve. The case report indicates that a multiwavelength of red and NIR-PBM laser therapy could have positively contributed to a healthy live birth in a female diagnosed with PCOS, endometriosis and a low ovarian reserve. Extensive studies with large data are warranted to validate our PBM dosimetry and treatment protocols to assess the potential impact of PBM for treating endometriosis and PCOS. Subsequently, to understand the genetic and phenotype biomarkers would be an important step further to standardise a range of PBM light dosimetry.
Su T et al., 2026·Bioengineering & translational medicine
Ovarian aging, a major contributor to declining fertility in women of advanced reproductive age (ARA), is strongly associated with impaired mitochondrial function within oocytes. Although current mitochondrial-targeted strategies can improve ovarian function, their clinical application remains limited by cost and side effects. In this study, 630 nm light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy is shown to ameliorate ovarian aging phenotypes in ARA mice by enhancing mitochondrial complex II activity via upregulation of succinate dehydrogenase subunit B (SDHB). This intervention restores oocyte adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, improves meiotic progression, and significantly increases blastocyst formation. To assess translational feasibility, a wearable 630 nm LED phototherapy device is developed and evaluated in a pilot clinical study in women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). After treatment, the antral follicle count (AFC) significantly increases from a median of 2 (IQR 1-5) to 6 (IQR 2-7; p = 0.011), and the number of oocytes retrieved showed a non-significant tendency to increase from 2 (IQR 1-5) to 5 (IQR 2-7; p = 0.083), indicating a potential improvement in ovarian reserve. These findings demonstrate that 630 nm LED phototherapy enhances mitochondrial function and oocyte competence, providing a promising non-invasive strategy to improve fertility in women affected by ovarian aging.
Intrauterine adhesion (IUA), a major cause of uterine infertility, is pathologically characterized by endometrial fibrosis. Current treatments for IUA have poor efficacy with high recurrence rate, and restoring uterine functions is difficult. We aimed to determine the therapeutic efficacy of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy on IUA and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. A rat IUA model was established via mechanical injury, and PBM was applied intrauterinely. The uterine structure and function were evaluated using ultrasonography, histology, and fertility tests. PBM therapy induced a thicker, more intact, and less fibrotic endometrium. PBM also partly recovered endometrial receptivity and fertility in IUA rats. A cellular fibrosis model was then established with human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) cultured in the presence of TGF‐β1. PBM alleviated TGF‐β1‐induced fibrosis and triggered cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling in ESCs. Pretreatment with the inhibitors targeting this pathway weakened PBM's protective efficacy in the IUA rats and ESCs. Therefore, we conclude that PBM improved endometrial fibrosis and fertility via activating cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling in IUA uterus. This study sheds more lights on the efficacy of PBM as a potential treatment for IUA.
Eghbaldoost A et al., 2023·Journal of lasers in medical sciences
The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of photobiomodulation (PBM) in the treatment of male infertility. We searched Google Scholar, PubMed, and the reference sections of relevant papers published from January 1, 2000 to September 23, 2022. We retrieved all publications related to the impact of PBM on male infertility. After reviewing the titles, abstracts, and full texts, we included fifteen papers in the research. The studies involved 477 semen samples (in vitro studies) and 70 male participants (randomized clinical trials). All 14 in vitro studies that evaluated effectiveness reported that PBM was successful in increasing the proportion of progressive sperms in semen samples. Various methods were used to evaluate the safety. One study with a sample size of 58 concluded that PBM was not a safe treatment, whereas the other ten studies confirmed its safety. Only one clinical trial evaluated the effect of laser acupuncture on male infertility and found improvements in sperm progressive motility without any serious adverse effects. All 15 studies evaluating effectiveness reported that the low-level laser was effective for increasing the proportion of progressive sperm in semen samples and that it was safe to use. However, due to the heterogeneity of population characteristics, source characteristics, duration of exposure, sample size, and instruments for measuring safety and efficacy, we cannot conclude that the positive results obtained from the reviewed studies are solely attributable to the low-level laser on the sperm samples.
Giménez MC et al., 2023·Biology (Basel)·Free full text on PubMed Central
Modern urban human activities are largely restricted to the indoors, deprived of direct sunlight containing visible and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths at high irradiance levels. Therapeutic exposure to doses of red and NIR, known as photobiomodulation (PBM), has been effective for a broad range of conditions. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, we aimed to assess the effects of a PBM home set-up on various aspects of well-being, health, sleep, and circadian rhythms in healthy human subjects with mild sleep complaints. The effects of three NIR light (850 nm) doses (1, 4, or 6.5 J·cm(-2)) were examined against the placebo. Exposure was presented five days per week between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm for four consecutive weeks. The study was conducted in both summer and winter to include seasonal variation. The results showed PBM treatment only at 6.5 J·cm(-2) to have consistent positive benefits on well-being and health, specifically improving mood, reducing drowsiness, reducing IFN-γ, and resting heart rate. This was only observed in winter. No significant effects on sleep or circadian rhythms were noted. This study provides further evidence that adequate exposure to NIR, especially during low sunlight conditions, such as in the winter, can be beneficial for human health and wellness.
Therapeutics › Emerging Therapies › Light Therapy
Ruth Phypers, Venera Berisha-Muharremi, Reem Hanna
R Phypers, V Berisha-Muharremi, R Hanna
PMID 39685560 39685560 DOI 10.3390/jcm13237101 10.3390/jcm13237101 Phypers et al. 2024, Phypers 2024