Low level laser therapy

A gentle, painless light therapy that works at the level of your cells. We use it alongside acupuncture to support fertility, IVF preparation and thyroid health.

At The London Acupuncture Clinic we have helped more than 15,000 patients over 25 years, and fertility is our specialism. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is one of the tools we now use to give our patients every possible advantage. It is non-invasive, drug-free and relaxing. It also fits easily around IVF and frozen embryo transfer cycles.

What is low level laser therapy?

Low level laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light at low intensity. Unlike surgical lasers, it does not cut or heat tissue. Instead, the light is absorbed by the mitochondria, the “power stations” inside your cells.

The aim is to help cells produce energy more efficiently, calm inflammation and support the body’s natural repair processes. LLLT is also known as photobiomodulation.

How laser therapy may support your fertility

Eggs are among the most energy-demanding cells in the body, and their energy supply tends to decline with age. Healthy sperm also depend on well-functioning mitochondria. This is why we focus on cellular energy when we work with fertility.

We use LLLT to:

  • Support mitochondrial function in the cells that matter most for egg and sperm quality
  • Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which can affect hormone balance, follicle development and implantation
  • Encourage healthy circulation to the ovaries and uterus
  • Soften scar tissue and adhesions, for example after surgery or with endometriosis
  • Help you relax. Sessions are calm and restful, and many patients find them a welcome pause during a demanding fertility journey

Who we see for laser therapy

Our patients come to us for laser therapy for many reasons, including:

  • Concerns about egg or sperm quality
  • Low ovarian reserve (low AMH) or high FSH
  • Trying to conceive at an older reproductive age
  • Premature ovarian insufficiency
  • Endometriosis or PCOS
  • Painful periods
  • Thin endometrial lining
  • Preparing for an IVF or FET cycle, or after a poor response to IVF
  • Support around embryo transfer and after previous miscarriage
  • Thyroid conditions, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

We will always look at your history, test results and treatment plans first, and tell you honestly whether we think laser therapy is a good fit.

Laser therapy and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Many of our fertility patients also have an underactive thyroid, often caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Thyroid health and fertility are closely linked, so this matters to us.

A randomised, placebo-controlled trial at the University of São Paulo in Brazil treated patients with Hashimoto’s-related hypothyroidism with low level laser therapy. Compared with placebo, patients who received laser needed less thyroid hormone medication, and their thyroid antibody levels fell. A six-year follow-up of the same patients found the treatment remained safe.

Höfling DB et al. Lasers in Medical Science, 2013. Höfling DB et al. International Journal of Endocrinology, 2018.

Laser therapy does not replace your thyroid medication or your GP’s care. Any change to your medication should always be made by your doctor.

Laser alongside acupuncture

Most of our patients have laser therapy as an add-on to their acupuncture sessions, so the two work together in a single appointment. For some patients, laser can be used on its own as an alternative to acupuncture.

Our equipment

We use professional-grade, FDA-cleared devices chosen for fertility and women’s health work:

  • Powermedic Pro lasers (1500mW and 500mW, Class 3B)
  • Erchonia EVRL (7.5mW red and violet diodes, Class 2)
  • Bioflex P120 red and infrared light panel
  • EMR-TEK red and infrared device

We are happy to answer questions about our own equipment, but we are unable to advise on devices used elsewhere or for home use.

What to expect

Your first appointment lasts about an hour. We take a full medical and fertility history and talk through your goals. Please bring any recent blood tests and scan reports.

Laser therapy itself is painless. You will wear protective glasses, then simply lie back and relax while the light is applied. Most people feel nothing at all, or a gentle warmth from the infrared devices.

Your practitioner

Laser therapy is available at our Wimpole Street clinic in Marylebone with Eva Stecz.

No. It is painless and non-invasive. Most people feel nothing at all, or a gentle warmth from the infrared devices. You will wear protective glasses during treatment.

Yes. Most of our patients have laser as an add-on to acupuncture. For some, laser can be used on its own.

Yes. Many of our patients use laser therapy while preparing for IVF or a frozen embryo transfer. Your practitioner will plan the timing around your clinic’s protocol.

At our Wimpole Street clinic in Marylebone, with Eva Stecz.

Recent blood test results, scan reports and details of any fertility treatment you are having or planning.