Evaluation of Laser Therapy for Urgency Urinary Incontinence in Females

Urgency urinary incontinence is a major health problem associated with detriments to the social, mental and economical spheres of an affected individual’s life. It is a symptom that is implicated in many syndromes such as overactive bladder, genitourinary syndrome of menopause and mixed urinary incontinence. The exact cause of urgency urinary incontinence has not been elucidated however some theories point to detrusor overactivity, poor bladder compliance and urothelial hypersensitivity as the culprits. The management of urgency urinary incontinence includes a stepwise approach beginning with behavioural and lifestyle modifications and physical therapy followed by pharmacological agents and then, for severe cases, surgical management. Laser therapy is a novel, non-hormonal, minimally invasive treatment approach that is rising in prominence in the literature. In this review an evaluation of the literature is conducted, appraising any relevant studies to determine if laser therapy is a viable management approach. Our finding is that at this current juncture there is not enough evidence to support the implementation of laser therapy for urgency urinary incontinence.

Keywords: Female urinary incontinence; Laser; CO2; Er: YAG; Urge; Overactive bladder; Genitourinary syndrome of menopause; Mixed urinary incontinence