Does Laser Hair Removal Affect Male Fertility?
Written by Ben Bunting: BA(Hons), PGCert.
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If you are thinking about getting laser hair removal, you may be wondering if it will affect your male fertility. The fact is that there is no evidence that laser hair removal has any negative effect on male fertility, and it does not interfere with erectile function. However, it is important to make sure you understand the technology involved in laser hair removal before you undergo the procedure.
What is Hair Laser Removal?
Laser hair removal is a process in which pulses of laser light are used to destroy the hair follicle. It has been used to remove unwanted hair for over 20 years, but it only became commercially available in 1995. The procedure is fast and effective, and results last for up to four months.
Laser hair removal is safe and effective for most areas of the body, except for the delicate area around the eyes. The most common areas treated are the armpits, legs, and bikini line. Some women choose to get a Brazilian bikini treatment instead. Men often get laser treatments on their back and legs.
The amount of treatments required varies by area. Some parts of the body will need four or six treatments, while others may require up to eight. The duration between treatments is usually based on the growth rate of the hair in each area. Typically, a patient requires six to eight sessions, separated by four to eight weeks.
The lasers used for hair removal are classified into three types: Alexandrite, Ruby, and Nd:YAG. The Ruby laser is the oldest type and is most effective for light and fine hair. For darker skin types, Diode lasers are the best option. Intense pulsed light devices (IPLs) emit multiple wavelengths of light at once and work in similar ways to lasers. However, they are less effective and may cause side-effects.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal works by permanently slowing the growth of hair follicles. However, it is important to note that the procedure is not foolproof and will only permanently reduce hair growth. In addition, certain types of hair are resistant to the treatment. In addition, it may take several treatments to achieve desired results.
The process takes about an hour and may be painful. After the procedure, the affected area may experience swelling or redness. A cold compress may help to reduce this discomfort. The treated area will be more sensitive to the sun for six weeks, so it is important to avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for a few days after the procedure.
Laser Hair Removal Procedure
The doctor presses the hand-held laser instrument against the skin. The patient may also receive a cool gel or cooling device. The laser beam is then passed through the skin to the hair follicle. The intense heat caused by the laser will damage the hair follicles and inhibit their growth. The procedure may leave an uncomfortable, pin-prick or cold feeling, depending on your skin type.
Depending on the amount of hair growth, the process may take a few treatments to fully eliminate it. Treatment intervals may be four to eight weeks for areas with fast hair growth, or six to eight weeks for areas with slower hair growth. During the treatment, you will be given a set of goggles and may be given a topical anesthetic.
Unlike waxing or plucking, laser hair removal is a quick procedure that requires no downtime. After the procedure, you will have to wear a sunscreen to protect your skin from sun exposure. After your treatment, you will notice results in about two weeks. However, some patients experience hair regrowth after the procedure. A first treatment may result in a 10 to 25 percent reduction of hair in the treated area.
Before getting laser hair removal, you must be aware of the risks. First, it is vital that you avoid sun exposure for six weeks prior to the procedure. This can cause the procedure to be less effective than you'd hope. Also, make sure you don't use tanning beds. Sunlight can damage the hair follicles.
Side effects of laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is a procedure that removes unwanted body hair by targeting hair follicles. It can cause temporary redness and swelling. Some people also experience minor itching. These are common side effects that may be mitigated by using aloe vera before the treatment.
Male Fertility Risks
Laser hair removal is not harmful to fertility. However, some men worry about the procedure affecting their sperm count. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the theory. The FDA has approved the procedure for use on men. It does not affect male fertility and erectile function and is completely safe.
Pregnancy Risks
Despite the risks, experts do not recommend laser hair removal during pregnancy. This is because there are no studies that have been conducted on the safety of this treatment during pregnancy. A woman's body goes through many hormonal changes during pregnancy. Some of these changes lead to extra hair growth in areas that aren't desirable. However, these extra hairs often fall out on their own. It is advisable to wait a few weeks after pregnancy before considering laser hair removal.
Pregnant women can also be at risk of burns to their skin during laser treatments. In addition to this, their hormonal status makes laser hair removal less effective than normal. However, the risks associated with laser hair removal are not great enough to discourage pregnant women from seeking laser hair removal. Regardless, the benefits outweigh the risks.
➡️READ: Natural treatments for male infertility
Pregnancy hormones can alter the production of melanin in the skin, which can affect the effectiveness of laser hair removal. Women who are pregnant should consult their obstetrician to find out if the treatment is safe for them. Often, hormonal changes can lead to melasma, a pigmentation condition that can cause dark marks on the skin.
Pregnancy is a time of rapid changes in the body's chemistry and hormone levels. Although laser hair removal is generally safe, there is a lack of research to confirm its safety for pregnant women. In addition, the process may cause stress and pain, which can negatively affect the development of the child. For these reasons, it is recommended to postpone laser hair removal until after delivery.
Effects of laser hair removal on erectile function
Many men seek laser hair removal services for genital hair for a variety of reasons. Although the specific reasons for hair removal may vary, all men want to make sure that the process will not affect their erectile or reproductive functions. While there are many competing theories, there is no solid scientific research to support the negative effects of laser hair removal on male fertility or erectile function.
In addition to laser hair removal, men can try a healthier lifestyle to improve their sperm and fertility. This includes eating healthy and limiting alcohol and sugar intake. Additionally, addressing underlying mental health issues can help improve fertility. To learn more about improving sperm and fertility, read our complete guide to improving sperm and resolving underlying issues.
Male fertility and erectile function are closely linked. Laser hair removal may cause short-term or long-term damage to these vital organs. Regardless of the type of laser hair removal treatment, men are encouraged to speak with their doctor and discuss any fears or concerns.
There are numerous reasons for erectile dysfunction. It is often a result of low testosterone and restricted blood flow. Moreover, it can be caused by physical conditions, such as clogged arteries and nerves.
Conclusion
Laser hair removal is an effective method to remove unwanted body hair. The laser uses a handheld device that triggers the hair follicle to burn it away. The process takes around 15 minutes to one hour, depending on the area. After the procedure, the skin may feel irritated or red, which can bleed or become infected. It is also advisable to avoid sun exposure for two weeks.
There isn't any reliable evidence that suggests the procedure can reduce sperm health, cause erectile dysfunction or affect male fertility.
Pregnant women should not undergo laser hair removal. Laser treatment may cause a change in hair texture or slow hair growth. However, a woman who has not yet completed the laser hair removal procedure may experience more hair regrowth than a woman who has undergone the treatment. If this is the case, it is best to pause laser treatment and pick up the process once the baby is born.
