A 45-year-old working woman and mother of three experienced frequent urine leakage when sneezing or coughing. Worried about odor and embarrassment at work, she carried extra underwear daily. Dr. Chang Wei-Ting from Cheng Ching General Hospital diagnosed her with mild stress urinary incontinence. After three sessions of Er: YAG vaginal laser therapy, her symptoms significantly improved, restoring her confidence.

Dr. Chang explained that stress urinary incontinence commonly affects women who have had multiple births, are postmenopausal, or have undergone pelvic surgeries. Around 30% of women are affected, but only 20% seek medical help due to shame or misconceptions about aging. If untreated, prolonged dampness can lead to eczema and fungal infections.Illustration of stress urinary incontinence (Image/Heho Health)

Current treatments include lifestyle adjustments, Kegel exercises, oral medications, and a new non-invasive option: vaginal laser therapy. The laser stimulates collagen regeneration, strengthens urethral support and pelvic floor muscles, and improves muscle control to reduce leakage.Many women experience urine leakage when sneezing, coughing, or lifting heavy objects. (Image/Heho Health)

Dr. Chang emphasized that mild to moderate cases often see improvement after about three sessions, especially in postmenopausal or post-surgical patients with dryness or pain. For severe cases, surgery may be required. She encouraged women to seek timely medical evaluation and not let embarrassment delay treatment.