Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is one of the most common types of bladder leakage affecting women. It happens when pressure—such as coughing, laughing, exercising, or even walking—overcomes the bladder’s ability to stay closed. For many women, this is not only inconvenient but also emotionally distressing, interfering with confidence, intimacy, and quality of life.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we understand how difficult it can be to talk about urinary leakage. The good news is that new, non-surgical treatments, including advanced laser therapy, can effectively strengthen pelvic support and reduce or eliminate symptoms of stress incontinence.

Why Stress Incontinence Happens

Stress urinary incontinence develops when the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues that support the bladder and urethra become weakened. Common causes include:

• Pregnancy and vaginal delivery, which stretch and strain pelvic muscles
• Hormonal changes during menopause, which thin vaginal and urethral tissues
• Aging, leading to natural muscle and collagen loss
• Obesity or chronic coughing, both of which increase pressure on the bladder

When these supports weaken, even small increases in abdominal pressure can cause urine to leak.

Traditional Treatments vs. Laser Therapy

Conventional treatments for SUI often include pelvic floor exercises, pessaries, medications, or even surgery (such as sling procedures). While these can be helpful, not every woman responds well, and some prefer to avoid surgery.

This is where non-invasive laser therapy offers an exciting alternative. Instead of cutting, stitches, or long recovery times, laser treatments stimulate the body’s natural healing ability to restore strength to the tissues that control the bladder.

How Laser Therapy Works

Laser systems such as the Fotona IntimaLase®, available at Sheen Vein, use gentle, non-ablative energy delivered to the vaginal walls. The laser stimulates:

• Collagen remodeling – encouraging the body to build new, stronger collagen fibers
• Tissue tightening – thickening and firming the vaginal walls and urethral support structures
• Improved circulation – enhancing blood flow and tissue repair in the pelvic floor

Over a series of treatments, the tissue around the bladder neck becomes stronger and more supportive, significantly reducing leakage episodes.

Benefits of Laser Treatment for Stress Incontinence

Women who undergo laser therapy for SUI often notice:

• Less urinary leakage when sneezing, coughing, or exercising
• Improved vaginal tone and strength
• Enhanced sexual comfort due to healthier tissues
• No downtime – most women resume daily activities immediately
• Non-surgical, non-hormonal approach

Because the treatment works by stimulating natural collagen production, results continue to improve in the weeks following therapy.

What to Expect During Treatment

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), laser therapy for incontinence is performed in a private, comfortable setting.

• A handheld laser device is gently inserted into the vaginal canal.
• Short pulses of energy are delivered, creating a mild warming sensation.
• The session typically takes less than 30 minutes.
• No anesthesia is required, and there is no downtime afterward.

Most women benefit from a series of two to three treatments spaced several weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions if needed.

Why a Functional Medicine Approach Matters

While laser therapy is highly effective, addressing stress urinary incontinence often requires a whole-body perspective. At Sheen Vein, we combine advanced laser treatments with:

• Pelvic floor strengthening strategies
• Nutritional guidance for optimal tissue repair and weight management
• Hormone evaluation, since low estrogen or testosterone may contribute to tissue thinning
• Lifestyle modifications to reduce bladder pressure and improve long-term outcomes

This integrative approach helps women not only reduce leakage but also regain long-term pelvic health.

Is Laser Therapy Right for You?

Laser therapy is ideal for women who:

• Experience bladder leaks during daily activities
• Prefer a non-surgical, non-hormonal solution
• Have not found relief with pelvic floor exercises alone
• Want minimal downtime and natural tissue restoration

It may not be suitable for women who are pregnant, have active infections, or certain pelvic conditions, which is why a personalized consultation is essential.

The Bottom Line

Stress urinary incontinence can be frustrating and isolating, but it is not something you have to live with. Laser therapy offers a safe, effective, and non-surgical way to restore pelvic support and reduce urinary leakage.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we specialize in using advanced laser systems combined with functional medicine strategies to help women regain control, confidence, and freedom.

If stress incontinence has been holding you back, we invite you to schedule a consultation and explore how laser therapy could transform your quality of life.

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