Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of laser in collagen regeneration amongst perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with (SUI), its impact on quality of life, and its safety profile.
Methods: Fifty-three women, aged from 45-67 years, with various grades of SUI (pure & mixed) were recruited. Patients received treatment with Er: YAG laser (2940nm) in one, two, or three sessions according to the grades of incontinence and response of treatment. Urinary incontinence (UI) was evaluated using the international consultation on incontinence questionnaire urinary incontinence short form (ICIQ- UISF). Quality of life was assessed by ICIQ – urinary incontinence symptom quality of life (ICQ- UIQOL), sexually active patients were interviewed by ICIQ-Female Sexual Matters associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (ICIQ- FLUITS sex). The questionnaires were collected at baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedures.
Results: There were statistically significant improvements in frequency, amount of leakage, and grades of SUI-especially mild and moderate grades (p=0.004). A statistically significant positive relation between climacteric phases and grades of SUI before laser (p < 0.001), which turned into negative relation after laser treatment, which (P=0.040). A statistically significant improvement was observed in all questionnaires scores (P< 0.05). Minor side effects were detected, such as discomfort or burning sensation; which disappeared within 1-2 days post procedure.
Conclusion: Laser therapy is an effective treatment for mild and moderate SUI, with or without mild prolapse, in peri-menopause or post-menopause women; it improves quality of life of patients and their sexual matters, with minimal side effects.