Low-level Laser Therapy for Genitourinary Syndromes and Stress Urinary Incontinence

The Efficacy of Low-level Laser Therapy in Relieving Vaginal Dryness and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) are common for women. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was applied for wound healing, but there was no study regarding treatment effect of GSM and SUI. This retrospective study aims to assess the efficacy of LLLT in alleviating GSM and SUI.

Between September 2022 and August 2023, all women who received LLLT for GSM and SUI at the gynecologic outpatient clinic of a hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The treatment was once a week for eight weeks. Vaginal health index (VHI) and questionnaires before and after treatment for evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and quality of life are the outcome assessment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• women with GSM and SUI
• Received LLLT at the gynecologic outpatient clinic

Exclusion Criteria:

• More or equal to stage 2 pelvic organ prolapse defined by pelvic organ prolapse-quantification system
• Ongoing urinary tract infection or vaginitis with the pathogen in the previous 2 weeks
• Bladder calculus
• Neurogenic bladder due to radical hysterectomy or injury of the central nervous system
• A preexisting malignant pelvic tumor.