Laer Hair Removal & Infertility

Question

could laser hair removal in bikini area afffect reproductive system i.e ovaries? could it prevent me from getting pregnant later on? is there any chence of sterility?

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Energy from lasers for hair removal do not penetrate through the deep subcutaneous tissues and especially not as deep as the muscle layer of the abdomen which protects the underlying abdominal cavity so that the ovaries will not be affected.

Stanley Castor, MD · Answer

Laser hair removal will not cause infertility or affect your ovaries. The laser specifically targets the hair follicle and does not travel much below the skin. Millions of women have had bikini hair removal with no reports of infertility.

Monika Kiripolsky, MD · Answer

Dear Anahid,

	  You can rest assured that laser hair removal will not cause sterility/infertility. The different lasers that are used for hair removal do not deliver energy deep enough to reach your internal organs (like your ovaries). Lasers are characterized by the wavelength of light that they deliver . . . the lasers that are used for hair removal emit wavelengths ranging from 800 nanometers to 1064 nanometers. The wavelength determines the depth of penetration of the light. . . the longer the wavelength, the deeper the laser energy penetrates. However, even at 1064 nanometers, the laser is only penetrating to a depth of approximately a millimeter into your skin.  Your internal organs are located MUCH deeper than a millimeter below the surface of your skin.

	    My explanation may have been a bit technical. But, suffice to say, you should not be concerned about sterility/infertility resulting from laser hair removal treatments. Take care, MK

Mathew C. Mosher, MD · Answer

Laser Hair Removal systems deliver light of various wavelengths through the skin surface where they  are preferentially absorbed by the hair follicles. The light energy absorbed is converted to heat and a microscopic injury to the follicle occurs that results in decreased hair production. The laser energy that is not absorbed quickly scatters or reflects and does not effect structures under the skin.

	Although there is no risk of injury to your reproductive systems any time, Laser Hair Removal or any other laser treatments are not recommended during pregnancy.

	Dr. Mosher

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Laser hair removal will not cause infertility or in any way affect your ovaries. The laser only targets the hair follicle and does travel that much below the skin. There has never been a report of infertility caused by laser hair removal. Please do not worry.

Laer Hair Removal & Infertility

Answers (9)