How Red Light Therapy Can Support Men’s Health
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to support cellular energy, circulation, inflammation control, and nervous system regulation. While it is not a standalone medical treatment, research shows it may play a helpful supportive role in several aspects of men’s health—especially when combined with pelvic floor physical therapy, exercise, and medical care.
Sexual Health and Erectile Function
Erectile function depends on healthy blood flow, nerve signaling, and tissue health. Research suggests red light therapy may support these systems by improving circulation, nitric oxide signaling, and nerve recovery.
Animal studies have shown that photobiomodulation can significantly improve erectile function after cavernous nerve injury by supporting neurovascular regeneration:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38772533/
Additional preclinical research suggests red light therapy may improve penile tissue health and nitric oxide pathways in age-related erectile dysfunction models:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40727954/
Small human studies have also observed improvements in sexual function scores using near-infrared photobiomodulation, though larger clinical trials are still needed:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30221776/
Pelvic Pain, Prostatitis-Type Symptoms, and Nerve Irritation
Men with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), prostatitis-like symptoms, perineal pain, or discomfort with sitting or ejaculation often have a combination of muscle tension, nerve sensitization, and inflammation.
Red light therapy has been shown to:
Reduce inflammatory signaling
Improve tissue healing
Modulate overactive or irritated nerves
These mechanisms may help reduce pain and sensitivity when used alongside pelvic floor physical therapy and nervous system regulation techniques.
A review of photobiomodulation highlights its anti-inflammatory and tissue-healing effects:
https://www.lighttherapyiq.com/research
Circulation and Nitric Oxide Support
Healthy blood flow is critical for erectile health, prostate health, and pelvic tissue function. Research shows that photobiomodulation can positively affect endothelial function and nitric oxide availability, which supports vasodilation and circulation.
Review article on photobiomodulation and endothelial health:
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/9/3/274
Muscle Recovery, Joint Pain, and Postural Support
Red light therapy is well-studied in musculoskeletal medicine and may help men with:
Muscle recovery after workouts
Chronic low back or hip pain
Postural strain contributing to pelvic floor dysfunction
By improving mitochondrial energy production and reducing inflammation, red light therapy may help tissues recover more efficiently.
Review of photobiomodulation effects on muscle tissue and recovery:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27874264/
Testosterone and Hormonal Health (Emerging Research)
There is growing interest in whether red light therapy may influence testosterone production by supporting Leydig cell function in the testes. Current evidence is largely preclinical or based on small studies, and strong human clinical trials are limited.
While early findings are intriguing, red light therapy should not be marketed as a guaranteed testosterone booster. Instead, it may indirectly support hormonal health by improving sleep quality, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall cellular health.
Summary of emerging photobiomodulation research:
https://heliotherapy.institute/red-light-therapy-trials/
Nervous System Regulation and Sleep
Chronic stress, poor sleep, and sympathetic (“fight-or-flight”) dominance can worsen pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, and urinary symptoms. Red light therapy may help regulate the nervous system by supporting circadian rhythms, improving sleep quality, and reducing stress-related inflammation.
Better nervous system balance often translates to improved pelvic floor coordination and symptom relief.
Important Considerations
Red light therapy works best as a complementary treatment. Device quality, wavelength (typically 630–660 nm or 810–880 nm), dosage, and consistency matter. More is not better, and improper use may reduce effectiveness.
Red light therapy should be used alongside a comprehensive treatment plan, not as a replacement for medical evaluation or pelvic floor physical therapy.
Bottom Line
Red light therapy may support men’s health by improving circulation, calming the nervous system, reducing inflammation, and supporting tissue and nerve healing. It can be particularly helpful for men dealing with pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, post-surgical irritation, muscle recovery, and stress-related symptoms when combined with pelvic floor physical therapy and lifestyle care. Looking to optimize your well being with pelvic floor physical therapy? Reach out to us at Pelvic Health Center in Madison, NJ to set up an evaluation and treatment! Feel free to call us at 908-443-9880 or email us at receptionmadison@pelvichealthnj.com.