Editor’s Note: This article is a follow-up to “The Laser Learning Curve for Light-Based Fertility Treatments” (March 2026).
Following my recent article on photobiomodulation (PBM) and fertility, I received dozens of emails from practitioners asking some version of the same question: “Which laser should I buy for fertility treatment?”
At first glance, it seems like a straightforward question. But after more than two decades working in fertility care and nearly 20 years using light-based therapies in clinical practice, I’ve learned that the answer is rarely as simple as naming a device.
In fact, I believe it’s often the wrong question entirely. The better question is: “What are you trying to accomplish, and what type of light delivery is most appropriate for that goal?”
The Problem With Looking for a “Best” Device
One of the biggest misconceptions in the growing PBM field is the belief that all red or infrared light devices are essentially interchangeable. They’re not.
Two devices may appear similar on the surface, yet differ dramatically in wavelength, power density, beam characteristics, pulsing parameters, treatment area, and depth of penetration. These differences can significantly influence how light interacts with tissue.
In fertility care, where we’re often attempting to influence complex physiological systems rather than simply treat superficial tissue, those details matter. That’s why I don’t start by asking, “What’s the best device?” I start by asking, “What’s the treatment goal?”
5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Device
When evaluating a light-based treatment approach, I typically consider five questions:
1. What tissue are we trying to influence? Supporting skin healing is very different from attempting to influence ovarian function, uterine circulation or systemic physiology. The target tissue often determines which wavelengths, delivery methods and treatment locations are worth considering.
2. What did the research use? One of the most common mistakes I see is assuming that because a study showed positive results, any red-light device can reproduce those outcomes. Research protocols are often highly specific. Treatment locations, wavelengths, dosage, frequency, and delivery methods matter. Before applying findings clinically, it’s important to understand exactly what was studied.
3. How much light reaches the target tissue? A device can emit light without necessarily delivering a meaningful dose to deeper tissues. Power output, beam profile, treatment distance, and tissue characteristics all influence how much energy ultimately reaches the intended target. This is one reason why comparing devices based solely on wavelength can be misleading.
4. Is the goal local or systemic? Not all PBM approaches attempt to directly target reproductive organs. Some treatment strategies focus on broader physiological effects involving circulation, autonomic regulation, inflammation, mitochondrial function, or other systemic processes that may indirectly support reproductive health. Understanding this distinction often changes how a treatment plan is designed.
5. Does the device match the clinical objective? The best device for one purpose may be completely inappropriate for another. In my own practice, I don’t rely on a single approach for every patient. Different clinical situations may call for different treatment strategies depending on the patient’s history, goals, and overall presentation. This is one reason fertility-focused PBM can become more nuanced than many practitioners initially expect.
Why Education Matters More Than Equipment
The rapid growth of the PBM industry has created tremendous opportunities for practitioners and patients alike. But it has also created confusion.
Many devices are marketed using broad wellness claims that make meaningful comparisons difficult. Patients are often overwhelmed. Practitioners frequently find themselves sorting through conflicting information while trying to make responsible clinical decisions.
In many ways, I think the conversation around fertility focused PBM is still evolving; but the most important question isn’t whether a particular device is “good” or “bad.” It’s whether we understand enough about light delivery, tissue interaction, dosage, and treatment objectives to use these technologies thoughtfully.
Because ultimately, successful fertility care isn’t determined by owning the latest device. It’s determined by understanding how, when and why to use it.
As interest in fertility-focused photobiomodulation continues to grow, my hope is that we move beyond product comparisons and toward deeper conversations about clinical reasoning, evidence, and responsible application.
The future of fertility PBM won’t be shaped by marketing alone. It will be shaped by practitioners willing to look beyond the device itself and learn the science behind the light.
Editor’s Note: This is the latest installment in a multi-author column focused on fertility / reproductive health. Visit the Fertility Health column page online for previous articles.
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