Does Laser Therapy For Urinary Incontinence Work
This is the million dollar question. To date, the only published data supporting the use of laser therapy for urinary incontinence is with the Er:YAG laser. All other reports are anecdotal or made by providers who make money off the devices.
An unbiased review article cites multiple studies showing the efficacy of the Er:YAG laser in treating urinary incontinence.
Since most laser therapies are primarily performed for âvaginal rejuvenationâ, improvement in urinary incontinence is often a secondary benefit that has not been formally studied.
Radiofrequency ablation specifically for urinary incontinence has been evaluated in a pilot study. However, this device was delivered only through the urethral opening and would not be used for âvaginal rejuvenation.â
Search Methods For Identification Of Studies
We will not impose any language or other limits on the searches described below.
Electronic searches
Search for clinical effectiveness studies
This review will draw on the search strategy developed for Cochrane Incontinence. We will identify relevant trials from the Cochrane Incontinence Specialised Register. For more details of the search methods used to build the Specialised Register, please see the Group’s webpages where details of the Register’s development and the most recent searches performed to populate the Register can be found. To summarise, the Register contains trials identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials , MEDLINE, MEDLINE InProcess, MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP, NIHR Be Part of Researchand handsearching of journals and conference proceedings. Many of the trials in the Cochrane Incontinence Specialised Register are also contained in CENTRAL.
The terms that we will use to search the Cochrane Incontinence Specialised Register are given in Appendix 2.
Search for economic evaluations
We will also perform supplementary electronic searches designed to identify published reports of relevant economic evaluations to inform the brief economic commentary . We will search the following databases.
- MEDLINE on OvidSP
- Embase on OvidSP
- NHS Economic Evaluation Database on the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination website
Appendix 3 contains brief details of these supplementary electronic searches.
Laser Treatment For Female Incontinence
If thereâs a laser technique for a medical ailment then everyone wants it. Lasers sound modern, non-invasive and just âcool.â However, just because a laser is available, doesnât mean itâs always the best therapy.
Laser treatment for female incontinence is quickly gaining in popularity. With a variety of products on the market, itâs important to do your research and gather accurate data. Luckily for you, weâve done the research for you.
Letâs review the latest information on laser treatment for female incontinence so you see if itâs right for you.
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What Is The Best Laser Therapy For Urinary Incontinence How Do I Choose
Researching these different devices is anxiety provoking even for us as board-certified specialists! Sorting through âsales claimsâ versus scientific evidence can be challenging.
For the record there are no head-to-head trials of these different laser therapies for urinary incontinence. Most online information comes directly from the companies that produce the laser therapy or practices that own the systems.
In other words, if a practice has the MonaLisa then they claim on their website that MonaLisa is the best therapy, if they use ThemiVA then apparently thatâs âthe best.â You get the idea.
But fear not, we have some guidelines for you:
There just isnât enough data to fully support laser therapy for urinary incontinence alone. Hopefully in the future, we will have a better answer. Thereâs no doubt that laser therapies help various vaginal symptoms . Just be sure to temper your expectations for improvements with bladder control.
If youâve decided on laser therapy for vaginal rejuvenation AND you have urinary leakage, then the Er:YAG laser therapy has the best published data for treating urinary incontinence. If you choose a different laser therapy for urinary incontinence , then understand any promise of treating bladder leakage is not currently backed by science.
You should pick the one thatâs best for you.
How Do I Find Out If The Vaginal Laser Treatment Is Suitable For Me
Gynaecological consultation appointments can be made with any of our four gynaecologists, at the Specialist Clinics of Australia.
Consultations are initially performed and investigations included in our Specialist Centre include full history, examination and ultrasounds. This is a very scientific way of assessing the bladder condition and helping to diagnose the type of Incontinence and predict the outcome of treatments. The laser procedure can be performed in the same consultation treatment session on some occasions or can be rebooked for a later date.
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Additional Factors That Put Women At Risk Of Experiencing Urinary Incontinence
Along with aging, pregnancy, childbirth, and underlying health problems, certain lifestyle choices can also put a woman at risk of suffering from urinary incontinence, such as smoking and not maintaining a healthy weight. The following can also lead to temporary urinary incontinence even among young women who do not have an underlying health problem:
- Consuming too much vitamin C
- Consuming too many carbonated beverages
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Artificial sweeteners
- Heart and blood pressure medications
Studies show that these drinks, vitamins, artificial sweeteners, and medications over-stimulate the bladder and lead to an increase in urine, which sets the stage for urinary incontinence. On a side note, diabetes and neurological diseases, like dementia and Parkinsons disease, can increase a womans chances of suffering from this condition as well, especially when coupled with poor lifestyle choices.
Study Design/materials And Methods
We included 175 women with newly diagnosed SUI and MUI , respectively. Patients were clinically examined and classified by incontinence types and grades using International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire and assessing Incontinence Severity Index . Using Er:YAG laser, we performed on average 2.5±0.5 procedures in each woman separated by a 2 month period. At each session, clinical examination was performed, ICIQ and ISI assessed and treatment discomfort measured with visual analog system pain scale, and adverse effects and patients satisfaction were followed. Followups were performed at 2, 6, and 12 months after the treatment.
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Co2 Surgical Laser For Treatment Of Stress Urinary Incontinence In Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- James W. AlexanderAffiliations
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Nova, Central Finland Healthcare District, Jyväskylä, FinlandDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, FinlandFaculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, FinlandFaculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaCabrini Hospital, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
How Can Women Prevent Urinary Incontinence
Regardless of age and other extenuating factors, there are things that women can do to minimize the effects of urinary incontinence or even prevent it from happening in the first place. Some of these things include
- Consuming less alcoholic and carbonated beverages
- Avoiding or limiting caffeine consumption
- Avoiding or cutting back on artificial sweeteners
- Consuming more fiber-rich foods
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Description Of The Intervention
Vaginal lasers for treating vulvovaginal atrophy were first introduced in 2014 . Vaginal lasers have been marketed as a noninvasive, nonoperative method to treat the genital, sexual and urinary symptoms related to menopause ) and SUI. However, the published evidence supporting the use of vaginal lasers for SUI is mixed .
Appendix 3 Search Methods For The Brief Economic Commentary
We will also perform supplementary electronic searches designed to identify published reports of relevant economic evaluations to inform the brief economic commentary . We will search the following databases:
- MEDLINE on OvidSP
- Embase on OvidSP and
- NHS Economic Evaluation Database on the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination website .
The economic evaluation search filters which will be applied to our MEDLINE and Embase search strategies for the BEC will be those formerly used by the UK Centre for Reviews and Dissemination to identify published reports of full economic evaluations for indexing on NHS EED. These economic evaluation search filters remain freely available on the CRD Databases web-pages . The other search lines in the MEDLINE and Embase search strategies for the BEC will be adapted from the electronic search strategies run for our Cochrane Incontinence Specialised Register along with additional terms for this population developed specifically for this review. Similarly, our NHS EED search strategy for the BEC will be adapted from search strategies run for our Specialised Register and based on textword and MESH terms used to identify eligible studies of intervention effects. We will follow the current economic methods guidance .
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What To Expect After Incontilase
Ultimately, the procedure is a highly beneficial one its efficacy has already been statistically proven. For instance, clinical studies have shown that after 120 days of Incontilase therapy, 94% of clients report improvements to their conditions, and 70% report that they are completely dry. And due to the features like the smooth mode function in Incontilase therapy, clients remark that the laser pulses feel like a feathers touch.
Evaluation Of Laser Therapy For Urgency Urinaryincontinence In Females
Ali Abid* and Emmanuel Karantanis
The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
Ali Abid, The University of New South Wales, Sydney,Australia.
Received Date: February 26, 2021 April 06, 2021
Urgency urinary incontinence is a major health problem associated with detriments to the social, mental and economical spheres of an affectedindividuals life. It is a symptom that is implicated in many syndromes such as overactive bladder, genitourinary syndrome of menopause andmixed urinary incontinence. The exact cause of urgency urinary incontinence has not been elucidated however some theories point to detrusoroveractivity, poor bladder compliance and urothelial hypersensitivity as the culprits. The management of urgency urinary incontinence includes astepwise approach beginning with behavioural and lifestyle modifications and physical therapy followed by pharmacological agents and then, forsevere cases, surgical management. Laser therapy is a novel, non-hormonal, minimally invasive treatment approach that is rising in prominence inthe literature. In this review an evaluation of the literature is conducted, appraising any relevant studies to determine if laser therapy is a viablemanagement approach. Our finding is that at this current juncture there is not enough evidence to support the implementation of laser therapy forurgency urinary incontinence.
Urinary incontinence
Mechanism of urgency incontinence
Management
Laser therapy
Hypothesis
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What Is Stress Incontinence
Incontinence is the leakage of urine from the bladder. This can occur for several reasons but the most common cause is a weakness of the stretched vaginal wall underneath that supports it.
There are several types of incontinence but the commonest cause is Stress Incontinence, where bladder leakage occurs with many things that cause an increase in pressure across the pelvis. Commonly such things as a cough, a sneeze, a laugh, exercise or straining.
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In fact, pregnancy and vaginal delivery are often responsible. Uterine or vaginal wall prolapse can also play a part.
If youre tired of wearing bulky pads or maybe even incontinence briefs, the best urinary incontinence treatments can help you regain your freedom.
Ill walk you through the 10 best urinary incontinence treatments. From convenient, non-invasive shorts to innovative pelvic floor exercisers, consider this your judgment-free guide to a leak-free life.
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How Monalisa Touch Can Help With Urinary Incontinence
Do you occasionally leak urine when you sneeze or laugh? Do you sometimes experience an out-of-nowhere urge to pee and have trouble getting to the bathroom fast enough? If so, you may haveurinary incontinence, a condition that strikes as many as 4 in 10 women at some point in their lives.
AtWomens Healthcare of Princeton in Princeton, New Jersey, our team of all-femalecare providers have many years of experience treating all types of urinary incontinence. One of the procedures we offer our patients is MonaLisa Touch, a gentle laser treatment that can help provide relief for several gynecological conditions.
If youre struggling with urinary incontinence, wed like to tell you how MonaLisa Touch might help you.
Co2 Laser Therapy For Female Incontinence
Instead of a crystal, this laser uses the gas carbon dioxide . Compared to the Er:YAG laser, the CO2 laser therapy leads to:
- Deeper tissue penetration
- Larger area of treatment effect
What does this mean for women? CO2 laser therapy for female incontinence may cause more discomfort for up to 48 hours after the therapy session but in return, it may lead to longer lasting effects.
There are two main CO2 laser therapies on the market:
- MonaLisa Touch®
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Treat Urinary Incontinence With Vaginal Rejuvenation Procedures
According to the Mayo Clinic, urinary incontinence is a common condition that affects up to 1 in 4 women. If you have trouble with leakage or making it to the bathroom in time, please Dallas Cosmetic Center in Dallas, TX to meet with Dr. Otto Huertas about this uncomfortable condition. Our primary objective is to help women live more comfortably and improve feminine health.
What Is Stress Urinary Incontinence
For those not as familiar with urinary incontinence, it is a condition characterized by a n accidental oss of bladder control. Women who struggle with urinary incontinence tend to experience varying degrees of urine loss when coughing, sneezing, or even laughing. The amount of urine loss due to urinary incontinence can be either minimal or a full-on inability to avoid urinating while engaging in these activities and others. In many cases, the condition is a by product of aging. Studies show that over 44 percent of adult women over the age of 65 admit to struggling with urinary incontinence at one time or another. However, it can also stem from underlying health problems, including urinary tract infections.
Why is Urinary Incontinence More Common Among Women than Men?
Something to note when it comes to urinary incontinence is that it is considerably more common among women than men. And there are several reasons why that is the case. Along with aging, there are health issues that specifically impact women and put them at high risk of struggling with urinary incontinence, some of which include the following:
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Data Collection And Analysis
We will conduct data collection and analysis in accordance with methods specified in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions .
Selection of studies
Two review authors will independently screen the abstracts and titles of studies identified by the electronic search for eligibility. We will seek fulltext reports for all potentially eligible trials and will determine the eligibility of these trials for inclusion, according to predefined criteria. We will resolve any differences by discussion and, if necessary, we will refer to a third review author for arbitration. For studies identified in trial registries , we will contact the authors or institutions recorded in the registry to request trial reports. We will make an effort to obtain translations for papers in languages other than English in order to assess these for eligibility.
Data extraction and management
Two review authors will independently perform data extraction using standardised, prepiloted data extraction forms. We will resolve differences by discussion and, if necessary, we will refer to a third review author for arbitration. One review author will enter data into Review Manager 5 and a second review author will verify the integrity of the entered data .
Assessment of risk of bias in included studies
Measures of treatment effect
Unit of analysis issues
Dealing with missing data
Assessment of heterogeneity
Assessment of reporting biases
Data synthesis
Sensitivity analysis
What Types Of Urinary Incontinence Treatments Are There
Weve included three main choices in this list of best urinary incontinence treatments. Ill go over your options, so you know which one is right for you:
- Vaginal pulse inserts
- Non-invasive electrical stimulation
- Self-led trainers
These are what weve included in this list, and they vary in terms of design. While some self-led trainers are small, others are larger and longer to help with additional issues.
In terms of non-invasive treatments, as you saw in the list above, they come in the forms of liners, shorts, and even sit-on devices.
Along with these options, popular urinary incontinence treatments include surgery, medication, and behavioral modifications.
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How The Intervention Might Work
A laser functions by sending energy from an electrical current through a medium such as glass, crystal or gas. This process heats the vaginal tissues in a controlled fashion and leads to the growth of new collagen . The growth of new collagen in tissues around the urethra is thought to contribute to improving the symptoms of SUI by decreasing urethral and bladder neck mobility .
Vaginal lasers utilise carbon dioxide or erbium:yttriumaluminiumgarnet as the medium through which the electrical current travels. Lasers are subcategorised into ablative or nonablative, the latter being less invasive . Ablative and nonablative lasers can be further categorised into either conventional or fractional energy delivery . Fractional lasers divide the laser beam into many treatment zones, treating only a fraction of the skin at a time. CO lasers are fractional and ablative, while Er:YAG lasers are fractional and nonablative.
Brand names for CO lasers include: MonaLisa Touch by Cynosure , FemiLift by Alma , and FemTouch by Lumenis . Brand names for Er:YAG lasers include: IntimaLase by Fotona .