Does laser hair removal treatment (IPL) affect pregnancy in any way?

Question

I am starting to get really worried because I have already started the treatment and few people have told me that I will have difficulty concieving in the future. Therefore, I wanted to know that is it really true? Or is it just when you have the permanent one which effects pragnancy? Please anyone let me know the facts as soon as possible, and would really appericiate if someone shares their own personal experience whether they have had the treatment and successfully concieved. Thank You all

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

LHR likely does not affect fertility.  The mechanism of action would not be clear on how this could occur.  Many of our patients have had laser hair removal have later become pregnant, however this would be anecdotal evidence.  There are no studies examining the effects of laser hair removal on fertility.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hi Mona. There is no effect on future pregnancies having Laser hair removal or IPL done. Although we don't recommended having treatments while pregnant or nursing, your medical provider would place your sessions on hold to continue after you have given birth.

George T. Boris, MD, FRCS · Answer

While Laser treatments are not recommended while pregnant, there are no studies to show that lasers cause problems with future conception. Best of luck on your treatment!

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Mona. Laser energy is light based and non-mutagenic. This means it is non cancer causing. Laser light will also not affect your ability to conceive. Although we do not perform treatment on pregnant or breastfeeding women, this is a liability issue with our insurance carrier rather than a practical issue of causing harm.

You should feel safe getting laser hair removal and being able to conceive in the future. Good luck.

You should feel safe getting laser hair removal and being able to conceive in the future.  Good luck.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Generally speaking, lasers are superior to IPL for hair removal. That said, lasers or light-based devices (IPL) will not affect future conception, although to be safe, I wouldn't do any laser or light treatment during a pregnancy (there are no studies on safety). ~ Dr. Benjamin Barankin, Toronto Dermatology Centre.

Does laser hair removal treatment (IPL) affect pregnancy in any way?

Answers (8)