In the vast realm of health and wellness, many individuals embark on relentless pursuits for biohacks and optimizations that can improve physical and mental well-being. While some are scientifically well-founded, others remain on the speculative fringes.
One intriguing practice that has caught attention in recent years is the exposure of male genitalia to sunlight or Red Light Therapy devices. While it may seem like a mere fad or perhaps a quirky leisure activity, there exists intriguing data from decades ago suggesting it might have a physiological foundation.
In this article we will unpack the decades of interest in the health benefits of Red Light Therapy, how it works, the scientific research behind it, and the safety concerns surrounding it.
The History of Ultraviolet Light Exposure to Increase Testosterone
The year 1939 bore witness to an innovative study exploring the effects of Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure on different areas of the male body. Dr. Abraham Myerson measured circulating testosterone in men before and after exposure to UV light. The findings from this research were quite surprising: while testosterone levels surged by 120% with UV exposure to the chest, an astonishing 200% increase was noted with genital exposure.
In 2015, Gabe Kapler, a former professional baseball player, brought the practice of UV light exposure to the genitals into the mainstream, which caused quite a stir.
Modern Research
However, these results should be interpreted with caution. Considering the most cited study on the link between UV light on the testes is over 80 years old, more recent and comprehensive research would provide a clearer understanding.
While modern anecdotal results seem positive, thorough studies on UV light’s effect on testosterone are lacking. The research on UV light and testosterone has mostly been inconclusive, but that may be due to small sample sizes and the low number of vitamin-deficient participants.
Nevertheless, the fundamental challenge remains: regular and direct sunlight exposure isn’t feasible for many, due to geographical, climatic, or privacy concerns.
Why Do Men Want to Increase Their Testosterone?
Testosterone is the male sex hormone and is responsible for male development and function. During puberty, testosterone production in the testes ramps up and causes typical adult male features such as a deeper voice, more facial and body hair, and increased muscle strength.
Some symptoms of Low-T are:
- Low sex drive
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Depression
- Obesity
- Reduced lean muscle mass
Read 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Male Sexual Health
How Does Low Testosterone Affect The Penis?
If you have Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome, the lack of testosterone may cause your penis to lose its firmness, resulting in a loss of length and girth.
Read The Ultimate Guide to Penis Health
Many men also see a drastic change in the size, shape, and general appearance of their testicles as testosterone production slows. This is called testicular atrophy. Additionally, when men seek out treatment for a hormonal imbalance, like Low-T, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can also cause testicular atrophy. Since the body is not relying on the testes to produce testosterone anymore, the testes can lose their tone.
Scrotal Enhancement to Treat Testicular Atrophy
Thankfully, Prometheus by Dr. Malik can enhance the scrotal area to improve its look and feel, even after atrophy. With a nonsurgical and minimally invasive procedure, we encourage your body to produce more collagen in the scrotal area. This new collagen makes your scrotal area firmer and fuller, restoring your scrotum to a more youthful look and feel.
We don’t use general anesthesia, just topical anesthetic. Our patients report minimal discomfort and no pain. After a couple of hours in our clinic you can leave with an enhanced scrotal area.
Read More About Scrotal Enhancement
What Causes Low Testosterone?
Testosterone production naturally declines with age—sometimes leading to older men losing their sex drive in their otherwise happy long-term relationships. If testosterone levels are low before middle age, that warrants additional screening for the cause.
Some causes of low testosterone:
- Damage or injury to the testicles
- Removal of the testicles due to cancer or infection
- Chemotherapy or radiation
- Autoimmune diseases
- Medications, such as specific antidepressants and narcotic pain medications
UV Light vs. Red Light
With modern technology and health advancements, we now know something that they did not know during the 1939 UV light studies: UV lights, like the ones that come from the sun, can cause cancer. The shorter the wavelength, the more dangerous the light. UV light is comprised of light wavelengths in the 100 to 400 nanometers (nm) spectrum, making it potentially harmful to our cells. That is the biggest obstacle to using UV light in therapeutic settings.
However, there are other less harmful lights on the spectrum. Red light is considered very safe when used at the appropriate levels and in shorter durations. Red Light Therapy uses longer wavelengths around 620 to 750 nm to avoid the damage of UV rays.
Introduction to Red Light Therapy
Since the 1960s, Red Light Therapy has gradually gained traction as a healing form of photomedicine. The interest stemmed from a Hungarian doctor who noticed the red lasers helped rats grow hair and heal wounds.
Today Red Light Therapy holds promise for treating a plethora of conditions and symptoms. These are a small sample of how Red Light Therapy is mainly used in therapy offices, medical practices, and spas:
- Acne
- Anti-aging
- Hair growth
- Wound healing
- Periodontitis
- Psoriasis
- Carpal tunnel
- Herpes cold sore reoccurrence prevention
Safety Concerns of Red Light Therapy
It’s essential to understand the distinction between well-validated science and mere speculation. While there’s evidence of the potential benefits of red light on testicular function, much of it derives from animal studies, and human-based research is somewhat sparse.
Another crucial point to emphasize is the safety aspect. Not all red light sources are created equal. Many lamps and bulbs, especially those emitting wavelengths greater than 1000nm, produce significant heat, posing a real risk to the delicate testicular tissue. Such heat exposure can be detrimental, leading to potential damage. Experts warn that you should carefully study any at-home product usage directions or visit a photomedicine specialist.
In Conclusion
When it comes to keeping your body healthy and your hormones balanced, there is no replacement for getting some safe sunlight, eating well, and exercising appropriately.
However, if you explore Red Light Therapy for testosterone production safely, you don’t have anything to lose except time and money. If you’re considering trying this or any other biohack, always consult with healthcare professionals, and approach with caution, ensuring the safety and well-being of your most intimate regions.
If you are interested in boosting your sexual health and performance through nonsurgical penis enlargement, make your consultation with Prometheus by Dr. Malik today.
You may also be interested in:
- Exploring Penis Enlargement Products and Nonsurgical Procedures
- The Effects of Penis Enlargement: Everything You Need to Know
References
EMAMJOMEH, S., SEGURA, L. E., COTTER, J. A., & SCHICK, E. E. (2019). Acute Ultraviolet Light Exposure and Post-Resistance Exercise Serum Testosterone: A Pilot Study in Older Men. International Journal of Exercise Science, 13(2), 607-614. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7241626/
Marc Sorenson, E. S. I. (2016, September 30). Bright light therapy revs up the sex life. Sunlight Institute. https://sunlightinstitute.org/bright-light-therapy-revs-sex-life/#_ednref2
