Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for Fertility
LLLT (also known as photobiomodulation) is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that uses low-intensity red or near-infrared light to gently stimulate cellular function. The light is absorbed by the mitochondria which is often referred to as the “powerhouse” of the cell and where it helps improve cellular energy production, circulation and tissue repair. These processes play an important role in follicular development, endometrial receptivity and overall reproductive function,
At Yin, we love to use LLLT to further support clients preparing for IVF with a focus on egg or sperm quality and optimising reproductive health.
How does it work?
LLLT works by delivering specific wavelengths of light that penetrate through the skin and soft tissue. The light encourages the body’s natural cellular processes, and research shows it may:
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Enhance ATP production (cellular energy)
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Support blood flow and microcirculation
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Reduce oxidative stress and inflammation
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Promote cell regeneration and repair
This type of therapy is sometimes called “cold laser” because it does not generate heat or cause damage to tissue. It is completely painless, calming, and safe and has been used in a variety of clinical settings for decades.
How we use LLLT in fertility care
We offer LLLT during acupuncture sessions in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (or adapted to timing when supporting sperm quality). Treatment is focused on the lower abdominal area and typically takes just a few minutes.
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No extra cost – it’s included in your session when appropriate
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Non-invasive and light-only – no heat, pain, or downtime
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Cycle-aware – focused on the time when egg development is occurring
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Backed by emerging evidence and clinical experience
Laser Acupuncture Brisbane
We’ve spent time reviewing the latest research, completing additional education and connecting with experienced practitioners around Australia (and globally) who have been using LLLT to support fertility for many years. While this therapy is still relatively new in Brisbane – especially in a fertility context, we’re proud to be among the first acupuncture clinics offering LLLT as part of a fertility-focused treatment approach. We’ve also been following international developments in this field. This ongoing professional development allows us to integrate LLLT into your care in a way that is safe, evidence-informed, and personalised.
Research for Laser Acupuncture and Fertility
A growing body of research supports the potential role of LLLT in reproductive health.
A 2023 randomised controlled trial published in Lasers in Medical Science examined the effects of LLLT on women undergoing IVF. Results showed:
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A higher number of mature eggs retrieved
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Improved fertilisation rates
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Increased clinical pregnancy rates
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Positive trends in embryo quality
The authors suggested that LLLT may help improve mitochondrial function and endometrial receptivity, two key factors in successful implantation and early pregnancy (1).
Other research supports its use across fertility care:
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A RMA New Jersey study examined 843 IVF patients and showed that laser acupuncture on the day of embryo transfe day improved implantation rated by 38% (2)
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Studies have explored LLLT’s role in improving mitochondrial activity in reproductive cells, critical for egg and embryo development (3)
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Additional work has shown benefits for sperm quality, including motility and morphology (4).
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A Japanese study found laser therapy reduced anxiety in women undergoing IVF (5)
While LLLT is still an emerging therapy, early findings are encouraging and suggest a valuable role alongside traditional fertility support.
Fertility Laser Acupuncture with Yin
At this stage, we are offering Low Level Laser Therapy specifically for clients preparing for IVF, with a focus on the follicular phase leading up to egg retrieval. This is a time when supporting cellular energy, blood flow, and tissue health may offer the greatest potential benefit to egg development and overall IVF outcomes.
As research and clinical experience continue to grow in this area, we’ll continue to review how LLLT might be used in broader fertility contexts. For now, our focus is on carefully and thoughtfully integrating this therapy into IVF preparation protocols, always guided by individual needs and timing.
If you’re preparing for an egg collection and would like to learn more about whether LLLT might support your cycle, feel free to speak with your practitioner or get in touch with us directly.
References:
1. Jafarabadi M, Farbod Y, Shariat M. Low-Level Laser Therapy for Improvement of In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes in Patients with Recurrent Implantation Failure: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Lasers Med Sci. 2024 Jun 5;15:e15. doi: 10.34172/jlms.2024.15. PMID: 39051002; PMCID: PMC11266823.
2. Fratterelli, J.L. et al., Laser acupuncture before and after embryo transfer improves ART delivery rates: results of a prospective randomized double-blinded placebo controlled five-armed trial involving 1000 patients, 2008
3. Fertility and Sterility, Volume 90, S105
4. P Scaruffi, S Stigliani, S Ravera, I Casciano, M Claudia, P Anserini, A Amaroli, P-191 The use of near-infrared photobiomodulation therapy to rescue in vitro maturation of human oocytes, Human Reproduction, Volume 40, Issue Supplement_1, June 2025, deaf097.500, https://doi.org/10.1093/
5. Allameh, F., Razzaghi, M. R. ., Hosseini, S. ., Razzaghi, Z. ., Salehi, . S. ., Ghahestani, S. M. ., & Shahabi, V. . (2021). The Effect of Laser Acupuncture on Semen Parameters in Infertile Men With Oligospermia: A Randomized Clinical Trial: Laser Acupuncture and Semen Parameters. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, 12, e84. Retrieved from https://journals.sbmu.ac.ir/
6.Taguchi R, Sato K, Adomi S, Tanaka N, Tamura H, Tamura T. Acupuncture and Laser Acupuncture as Treatments for Emotional Distress in Infertile Women in Japan. Med Acupunct. 2019 Dec 1;31(6):372-378. doi: 10.1089/acu.2019.1344. Epub 2019 Dec 13. PMID: 31871525; PMCID: PMC6918527.
