If you have read our preconception article, you'll know that I believe the foundations come first.
Nutrition, nutrient status, hormones, metabolic health, digestion, sleep, movement, stress, and the health of both partners matter.
But what about technology?
At Mito Core, we have access to a number of technologies designed to influence things such as oxygenation, circulation, cellular energy, and nervous system regulation. Naturally, this raises the question of whether some of these therapies may also have a place in preconception or fertility care.
The answer is potentially, but it depends very much on the technology, the person and where they are in their fertility journey.
Some, particularly hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), now have emerging fertility-specific research behind them. For others, the rationale is more about supporting cellular health, circulation, or the nervous system.
These technologies are adjuncts. They don't replace good preconception care or appropriate fertility investigations.
The aim is to understand what we're trying to support and then decide whether technology can add something useful.
HBOT: the technology I'm most interested in for fertility
Of all the technologies available at Mito Core, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) currently has some of the most interesting emerging fertility research.
HBOT involves breathing oxygen in a pressurised chamber, temporarily increasing the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood plasma and available to tissues.
Why might this be relevant to fertility?
1. Ovarian blood supply and angiogenesis
Developing ovarian follicles have significant metabolic demands and depend on an adequate blood supply to deliver oxygen and nutrients.
As follicles grow, they require the development of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis.
HBOT may influence growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which plays an important role in blood vessel formation.
Researchers are investigating whether these effects could support ovarian oxygenation and the development of the endometrium.
2. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial health
Egg cells contain enormous numbers of mitochondria, the tiny power stations responsible for producing cellular energy.
While excessive oxidative stress can damage reproductive cells, controlled intermittent exposure to higher oxygen levels may activate the body's own protective responses.
These include pathways involved in antioxidant defence, cellular repair, and mitochondrial biogenesis (the process of creating new mitochondria).
This adaptive response is sometimes called hormesis, where a carefully controlled stressor stimulates protective cellular mechanisms.
From a cellular-health perspective, this is particularly interesting because mitochondrial function plays an important role in egg maturation and early embryo development.
What is the research showing?
A 2025 study looked at 41 women with poor ovarian response undergoing IVF.
Researchers compared their IVF outcomes before and after HBOT and reported improvements in the number of eggs retrieved, ovarian response, normal fertilisation, and the number of available embryos.
Interestingly, the strongest results appeared with approximately four to seven HBOT sessions.
This is exciting research, but it is still early research. The study was relatively small and didn't have a separate randomised control group. The women essentially acted as their own controls, with their IVF cycle after HBOT compared with their previous cycle.
So I wouldn't interpret this as evidence that HBOT will improve fertility for every woman. But it certainly gives us an interesting area to watch.
Other small human studies have investigated HBOT in women with persistently thin endometrium, with findings suggesting potential improvements in endometrial thickness and blood flow.
Animal studies have also investigated HBOT in reproductive ageing and reported improvements in ovarian and oocyte markers.
These findings don't guarantee pregnancy or live birth, but they help us understand why oxygenation is attracting increasing interest in reproductive medicine.
Timing appears to matter
This is particularly important with fertility therapies.
One earlier HBOT protocol used seven consecutive treatments beginning around day 5 of the menstrual cycle.
The more recent poor ovarian response study used HBOT during ovarian stimulation, generally continuing until the day before the trigger, with four to seven sessions appearing to produce the strongest signal.
At Mito Core, we don't use a one-size-fits-all fertility protocol.
Cycle length, previous response to stimulation, anticipated egg collection, and the fertility clinic's treatment plan all need to be considered.
For someone preparing naturally rather than undergoing IVF, we may have a much wider preconception window to consider, although safety screening and the possibilty of pregnancy remain important.
Photobiomodulation: supporting cellular energy
Another technology I'm interested in is photobiomodulation (PBM), often called red or near-infrared light therapy.
What makes PBM interesting for fertility is its relationship with mitochondria.
A mature egg contains more mitochondria than any other cell in the body. These mitochondria produce ATP, the cellular energy required for egg maturation, fertilisation, cell division and early embryo development.
Sperm also depend on mitochondrial energy to support their movement.
As we age, mitochondrial function can decline. Chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and metabolic disturbances may place additional demands on cellular energy production.
How does PBM work?
Certain wavelengths of red and near-infrared light interact with cellular structures, including an enzyme within the mitochondria called cytochrome c oxidase.
Depending on the wavelength and dose, this interaction may influence ATP production, nitric oxide signalling, oxidative balance and cellular repair pathways.
From a fertility perspective, this is interesting because mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the important contributors to reproductive ageing and declining egg quality.
Why might PBM be relevant to fertility?
Researchers are investigating several potential benefits:
Mitochondrial energy: Supporting cellular energy production in reproductive cells.
Oxidative balance: Influencing antioxidant and inflammatory signalling pathways.
Circulation: Potential effects on nitric oxide signalling and local microcirculation.
Reproductive ageing: Exploring whether mitochondrial support may help protect ovarian function as women age.
PBM is non-invasive and generally well tolerated.
What does the research show?
Animal and laboratory research
Early studies investigating ovarian function and reproductive ageing have reported encouraging findings, including changes in mitochondrial activity, follicular development and markers of ovarian health.
Some experimental research has also explored whether PBM may protect ovarian tissue from certain forms of damage.
However, animal findings don't necessarily translate into improved fertility in humans.
Human fertility research
A 2024 case series published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine described three women aged 40–43 with complex fertility histories, including unexplained infertility, pregnancy losses and unsuccessful IVF treatment.
All three subsequently experienced healthy live births following courses of PBM.
A separate 2025 case report described natural conception in a woman with PCOS, endometriosis and diminished ovarian reserve following PBM treatment.
These observations are encouraging, but case reports cannot establish that PBM caused the pregnancies.
What about HOCATT?
HOCATT is another technology I'm interested in for fertility support, particularly in the preconception period.
HOCATT combines several modalities, including ozone sauna, heat, and FSM.
Why might HOCATT be relevant to fertility?
1. Inflammation and reproductive health
Chronic low-grade inflammation can influence ovarian function, egg development and endometrial receptivity.
This is particularly relevant in conditions such as endometriosis and PCOS, where inflammatory and metabolic disturbances may contribute to fertility challenges.
Early HOCATT research has explored changes in inflammatory markers and pelvic pain, particularly in women with endometriosis.
Although these findings are preliminary, they raise interesting questions about whether supporting inflammatory regulation could have a role in preconception care.
2. Circulation to the ovaries and uterus
Healthy circulation is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to developing follicles and the endometrium.
Heat can increase peripheral circulation, while carbonic acid exposure may influence local vasodilation.
These mechanisms provide a rationale for exploring HOCATT in reproductive health, although improved ovarian or uterine blood flow from HOCATT itself has not been conclusively demonstrated.
3. Antioxidant signalling and cellular resilience
One of the more interesting proposed mechanisms of controlled ozone therapy is its potential to stimulate the body's own antioxidant defence systems.
Ozone is a powerful oxidant. Under certain experimental conditions, controlled exposure may trigger adaptive cellular responses, including pathways associated with Nrf2 and antioxidant enzyme activity.
This is another example of hormesis, similar to the adaptive responses discussed earlier with HBOT.
From a fertility perspective, this is interesting because oxidative balance and mitochondrial function are important for egg maturation and reproductive health.
What does the research show?
Small studies and case reports have explored ozone sauna therapy in women with diminished ovarian reserve, persistently thin endometrium, and endometriosis related pelvic pain.
Reported findings have included improvements in endometrial thickness, selected IVF-related measures, pelvic pain, and inflammatory markers.
PEMF: another emerging area
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) is another technology available at Mito Core.
PEMF uses low-frequency electromagnetic fields and has been studied in areas including circulation, inflammation, tissue recovery and cellular signalling.
There is some preliminary reproductive research, but the evidence isn't strong enough at this stage to call PEMF a fertility treatment.
Where I find it more interesting is as part of a broader preconception plan, particularly when we're thinking about circulation, recovery, relaxation and general cellular health.
As with any technology, timing and suitability need to be considered once IVF medications commence, an embryo has been transferred or pregnancy is possible.
What about the male partner?
Technology-assisted fertility support isn't only a conversation about eggs and endometrial thickness.
Male fertility deserves equal attention.
HBOT and sperm health
HBOT has been investigated in male infertility, with a systematic review and meta-analysis reporting improvements in several sperm parameters, including concentration, motility, and morphology.
There is also research exploring HBOT's potential effects on oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation.
PBM and sperm motility
Laboratory studies have reported improvements in sperm motility following exposure to selected wavelengths and doses of red or near-infrared light.
However, much of this research has been performed directly on semen samples outside the body.
We cannot assume that whole-body or externally applied PBM will produce the same results.
Why I would be cautious with heat-based therapies
For men, sometimes what we don't do is equally important.
The testes are designed to remain cooler than core body temperature.
Repeated testicular heat exposure can temporarily reduce sperm concentration and motility.
For that reason, heat-based therapies such as sauna and HOCATT aren't therapies I would prioritise when actively working to improve sperm parameters.
I would much rather begin with a semen analysis and understand what we're trying to improve before deciding whether a technology has a place.
Sometimes the goal isn't the ovaries or sperm, it's the nervous system
This is an area I think can easily be overlooked.
Trying to conceive can become stressful very quickly, particularly when IVF is involved.
There are blood tests, injections, scans, appointments, procedures, and waiting. Every cycle can start to feel like another deadline.
That doesn't mean stress is causing infertility.
But it does mean the nervous system deserves some attention too.
At Mito Core, some of our technologies can be used primarily to create an opportunity for the body to slow down.
VibroSound, for example, combines sound and vibration to create a deeply relaxing experience.
Our iMRS programs can also be used with the goal of relaxation and nervous-system support.
For some people, this may be one of the most useful parts of their MitoCore fertility program, not because we're claiming that relaxation will make them pregnant, but because fertility treatment can be demanding and supporting the person going through it matters too.
Sometimes the therapeutic goal is simply:
How can we help your body spend a little more time out of fight-or-flight?
Technology should sit alongside the foundations
This is probably the most important point.
You cannot out-device the foundations.
HBOT, HOCATT, PBM, PEMF, or any other technology isn't a substitute for addressing nutrient deficiencies, metabolic health, thyroid function, or the other factors we discussed in our preconception article.
Nor should technology delay appropriate fertility investigation or IVF when time is important.
At Mito Core, I see these therapies as another layer of support.
Start with the person. Understand what is happening. Build the foundations. Then decide whether technology can add something useful.
For some people, that may mean HBOT around an IVF stimulation cycle.
For another woman, it may mean HOCATT, PBM or PEMF during her preconception period.
For a man with suboptimal semen parameters, HBOT may be something worth considering alongside the nutritional, lifestyle and medical factors that need attention.
And for someone who feels completely overwhelmed by the fertility process, the most appropriate technology may simply be something that gives their nervous system permission to switch off for a while.
That's what personalised fertility support should look like.
A final word on safety and timing
Preconception and fertility treatment are unusual because your treatment status can change very quickly.
One week you may be preparing for an IVF cycle; the next you may be undergoing stimulation, preparing for egg collection or potentially pregnant.
For that reason, we screen carefully and modify or stop technologies when appropriate.
If you are undergoing fertility treatment, we also want to know what medications you're using, where you are in your cycle, and what your fertility specialist has planned.
Once pregnancy is confirmed or possible, we move into a different phase of care.
About the Author
Jennifer Harrington, Naturopath
Jennifer Harrington is an experienced naturopath with over 23 years of clinical practice, including extensive experience supporting reproductive health, fertility and preconception care.
Her professional development includes training with leading fertility educators Francesca Naish, Zita West and Gabriela Rosa, helping shape her integrative approach to reproductive health.
References and further reading
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Meng W, Zhu W, Song Z, Pan Y, Xing X, Guo J, Pang L, Meng F, Zhang Z, Li J, Yang J, Lu Q. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves oocyte yield and embryo quality in poor ovarian responders: a pre-post cohort study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2025;23:142. doi:10.1186/s12958-025-01475-z. PMC12621376.
Chen J, Huang F, Fu J, Zhao J, Li J, Peng Z, Zhao J, Xu B, Li S, Zhang Q, Liang S, Li Y. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: a possible choice for patients with resistant thin endometrium during frozen embryo transfer treatments. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2023;21:80. doi:10.1186/s12958-023-01123-4. PMC10472734.
Mitrović A, Nikolić B, Dragojević S, Brkić P, Ljubić A, Jovanović T. Hyperbaric oxygenation as a possible therapy of choice for infertility treatment. Bosn J Basic Med Sci.2006;6(2):21–24. doi:10.17305/bjbms.2006.3168. PMID:16879108. PMC7192642.
Mitrović A, Brkić P, Nikolić B, Dragojević S, Zaric O, Ljubić A, Jovanović T. Hyperbaric oxygen and in vitro fertilisation. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2006;46(5):456–457. PMID:16953863.
Van Voorhis BJ, Greensmith JE, Dokras A, Sparks AE, Simmons ST, Syrop CH. Hyperbaric oxygen and ovarian follicular stimulation for in vitro fertilization: a pilot study. Fertil Steril.2005;83(1):226–228. PMID:15652917.
Leverment J, Turner R, Bowman M, Cooke CJ. Report of the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) in an unusual case of secondary infertility. Undersea Hyperb Med.2004;31(2):245–250. PMID:15485087.
Ma Y, Zhong Y, Chen X, Liu H, Shi Y, Zhang X, Sun H. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment ameliorates the decline in oocyte quality and improves the fertility of aged female mice. Reprod Sci.2023;30(6):1834–1840 (online 15 Dec 2022). doi:10.1007/s43032-022-01082-y. PMID:36520404. PMC9753892.
Liu B, Wang J, Liu L, Lv M, Zhou D, Li M. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for male infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis on improving sperm quality and fertility outcomes. Med Gas Res. 2025;15(4). doi:10.4103/mgr.MEDGASRES-D-24-00153. PMID:40300888. PMC12124701.
Metelev AY, Bogdanov AB, Ivkin EV, Mitrokhin AA, Vodneva MM, Veliev EI. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of male infertility associated with increased sperm DNA fragmentation and reactive oxygen species in semen. Urologia. 2015;(5):74–76. PMID:26859943.
Özgök Kangal K, Özgök Y. Assisted reproductive treatments with hyperbaric oxygen therapy in male infertility. Turk J Urol. 2021;47(2):98–105. doi:10.5152/tud.2020.20328. PMID:33201797. PMC8018801.
Photobiomodulation
Phypers R, Berisha-Muharremi V, Hanna R. Multiwavelength red and near-infrared transdermal photobiomodulation in enhancing female fertility outcomes: a prospective case series. J Clin Med.2024;13(23):7101. doi:10.3390/jcm13237101.
Phypers R, Hanna R. Photobiomodulation in complex female infertility profile: a case report. Photonics. 2025;12(10):1021. doi:10.3390/photonics12101021.
Grinsted A, Hillegass MG. PhotoBioModulation for infertility. EC Gynaecology. 2019;8(9):875–879.
Oubiña G, et al. Low-level laser therapy modulates ovarian function in mature female mice. Prog Biophys Mol Biol. 2019;145:10–18.
Barad DH. Red-light therapy and fertility: hope, hype, and what actually is known. The Reproductive Times.2026.
Stigliani S, Ravera S, Maccarini E, Rizzo C, Massarotti C, Anserini P, Bozzo M, Amaroli A, Scaruffi P. The power of 810 nm near-infrared photobiomodulation therapy for human asthenozoospermia. Sci Rep.2024;14:26819. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-77823-7. PMID:39501019.
Poorhassan M, Gholaminejhad M, Ahmadi H, Mehboudi L, Chahar Kameh M, Pirani M, Hassanzadeh G. Preclinical and clinical applications of photobiomodulation therapy in sperm motility: a narrative review. J Lasers Med Sci. 2022;13:e75. doi:10.34172/jlms.2022.75. PMID:37041786. PMC10082901.
Eghbaldoost A, Salehi Mashhadsari SP, Ghadirzadeh E, Ghoreifi A, Allameh F. Therapeutic effects of low-level laser on male infertility: a systematic review. J Lasers Med Sci. 2023;14:e36. doi:10.34172/jlms.2023.36.
HOCATT and ozone therapy
Dias AR, Bitsaktsis C, Emdin D, Bosman L, Smith AH, Merhi Z. Ozone sauna therapy and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy could potentially improve outcome in women with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing assisted reproductive technology. Med Gas Res.2023;13(4):202–207. doi:10.4103/2045-9912.350862.
Merhi Z, Garg B, Moseley-LaRue R, Moseley AR, Smith AH, Zhang J. Ozone therapy: a potential therapeutic adjunct for improving female reproductive health. Med Gas Res. 2019;9(2):101–105. doi:10.4103/2045-9912.260652. PMID:31249259. PMC6607862.
Merhi Z, et al. Ozone and pulsed electro-magnetic field therapies improve endometrial lining thickness in frozen embryo transfer cycles: three case reports. Medicine (Baltimore).2019;98(28):e16865. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000016865. PMID:31305480.
Merhi Z, Emdin D, Bosman L, Incledon T, Smith AH. Ozone sauna therapy (OST) and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) delivered via the HOCATT machine could improve endometriosis pain along with lowering serum inflammatory markers. Am J Reprod Immunol.2023;89:e13690. doi:10.1111/aji.13690.