Intravaginal CO₂ Laser for Urinary Incontinence

Overview

Fractional CO₂ laser stimulates collagen and improves tissue support, which can help reduce mild stress urinary incontinence (small leaks with coughing, laughing, or exercise) without surgery.

It may help if you experience

• Small leaks when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising
• Mild stress urinary incontinence
• A wish to avoid or postpone surgery

The treatment

A comfortable in-office session after evaluation. A series of sessions (commonly three) is generally recommended.

Recovery & results

Immediate return to activities. Improvement develops over the series; suitability is confirmed during consultation.

What to expect

Each session begins with a gynecological evaluation to confirm that fractional CO₂ laser is appropriate for your case. A slim applicator is introduced into the vaginal canal and the laser delivers controlled micro-pulses of energy that warm the deeper tissue and trigger a natural collagen-rebuilding response, which gradually reinforces the support around the urethra and bladder neck.

The procedure is quick — usually around 15 to 20 minutes — and is generally well tolerated, with most patients describing only a mild warmth or vibration. A topical anaesthetic can be applied beforehand for added comfort, and no general anaesthesia or sedation is required. A series of about three sessions, typically spaced at 30-day intervals, is generally recommended so the tissue can respond progressively between visits.

Results & longevity

There is essentially no downtime: most patients return to their normal routine on the same day. It is usual to pause intimate activity and intense exercise for a few days after each session, following Dr. Melissa Amoroso’s guidance. Because the improvement relies on new collagen forming, results build gradually rather than instantly, and many women notice fewer leaks over the weeks following the first sessions.

Outcomes vary from person to person and depend on the severity of the incontinence and individual tissue response. The benefit is not permanent: maintenance sessions are often suggested over time — for example once a year — to help sustain the result. CO₂ laser is best suited to mild stress incontinence; more pronounced cases may need a surgical or combined approach, which is discussed openly during your consultation.

Common questions

Is the treatment painful? It is generally comfortable. Most patients feel only a gentle warmth, and a topical anaesthetic can be used so the session stays as relaxed as possible.

How many sessions will I need? A series of around three sessions at 30-day intervals is usually recommended, but the exact plan is tailored to your symptoms and assessed at each visit.

Will it work for me? CO₂ laser can meaningfully improve mild stress incontinence, but it is not a guaranteed cure and results differ between individuals. Dr. Melissa Amoroso will assess your case during consultation and advise whether this treatment, surgery, or a combination is the most suitable option for you.