Vesical prolapse and urinary incontinence

There are four types of urinary incontinence: stress, overflow, urge, and functional. A medical evaluation can determine the cause.

Stress incontinence:

Stress incontinence is the most common type of urinary incontinence in the working female population. 

It is due to a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. Several factors contribute to this: vaginal delivery, overweight, hormones (menopause), and constipation. Stress urinary incontinence occurs during an effort such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting weights, running, or climbing stairs.

Depending on the severity, it can occur between 15 and 30% after the first pregnancy and almost double after menopause.

In addition to perineal re-education exercises (Kegel exercises), wearing pessary, urological interventions, the endovaginal laser is an alternative with several advantages.

Endovaginal laser (IncontiLase and IntimiLase)

The treatments are performed with a high-precision Erbium laser (Er: YAG 2940), using new technical parameters specific to the application on mucous membranes. The thermal energy necessary for the collagen formation in the lining takes place protecting the mucous membrane. This results in better vascularization and new collagen production, thereby producing more firmness and support of the vaginal canal.

Benefits:

• No surgery required
• Firming the vaginal wall to hold the bladder in place, which can prevent or even correct bladder hernias in the vaginal canal
• Little or no pain after treatment
• No recovery (no cessation of daily activities)
• Delays the use of more invasive measures (surgeries)

Other associated benefits:

• Improves lubrication (often diminished during menopause and source of irritation, pain, and infection)
• Stimulates blood flow
• Tightens the vaginal canal
• Enhances the quality of sexual relations

What should I expect?

The laser is applied to the entire circumference of the vaginal wall using a probe. The treatment is relatively painless. At most, one can notice little heat at the vaginal entrance for about 5 to 30 minutes.

You don’t have to do any special care after your treatment. No recovery is necessary; you can continue your regular daily activities. However, it is suggested to abstain from penetration and use objects to dilate the vaginal canal for three weeks.

How many interventions are needed?

Between 1 and 4 sessions are needed, depending on the severity and type of problem.

The sessions are spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart and are followed by an annual maintenance session.

Are there any possible complications?

Any procedure involves risks. The laser can cause burns, redness, pain, and poor healing, which is very rare.

At what point do we see an improvement?

This will be gradual over three months but noticeable after only two weeks.

About the technology:

Currently, a few studies support this technology because it is relatively new. However, many dermatological studies are based on the same premise of activity. So far, the clinical evaluation of this therapy in gynecology has proven to be highly effective, with a high patient satisfaction rate for vaginal tightening and sexual satisfaction.