What is Stress Incontinence?
Incontinence is the leakage of urine from the bladder. This can occur for several reasons but the most common cause is a weakness of the stretched vaginal wall underneath that supports it.
There are several types of incontinence but the commonest cause is Stress Incontinence, where bladder leakage occurs with many things that cause an increase in pressure across the pelvis. Commonly such things as a cough, a sneeze, a laugh, exercise or straining.
How can Stress Incontinence be treated?
The Gynaecologists at Specialist Clinics of Australia treat most gynaecological concerns and indications. However, one of the most novel treatments, is the use of some of the new modern lasers in the treatment of stress incontinence of urine.
Many women suffer a minor nuisance or a more significant interfering range of symptoms of bladder leakage or stress incontinence.
This is a common condition after childbirth, where the vaginal wall becomes lax and weakened, and no longer supports the overlying bladder wall. This alters the dynamics of the bladder sphincter and many women suffer such mild bladder leakage with such occurrences as coughing, sneezing, exercise, either mild or moderate, laughing or anything else that will affect the pressure on the bladder.
A surprisingly simple answer and treatment for this is both the use of the CO2 and Erbium vaginal lasers, to strengthen, tighten, firm and lift the vaginal wall, thus increasing the support of the bladder and significantly improving the symptoms of this bladder leakage of stress incontinence.
Are the Lasers used in Gynaecology safe?
These vaginal laser treatments have been successfully used throughout the world in the last three years or so and are gradually becoming much more common treatments in gynaecological centres. Surprisingly these lasers do not produce any pain or discomfort, or down time, or in any way long term risks. The procedure takes approximately twenty minutes, and normal vaginal intercourse can recommence within three to five days, following treatments.
The treatment course generally consists of three treatments a month apart and maintenance treatments are usually required. These treatments can be performed for people of any age, but of course better results are achieved if attended to early, before the bladder leakage becomes more severe and chronic.
Most people do not seek help for these symptoms as they consider it to be part of normal ageing and the result of childbirth. Where they do seek standard gynaecological care, the alternatives are much more complex, expensive and with varying levels of success. These include pelvic floor exercises, bladder training with physios, thereby various forms of gynaecological surgery, which are significantly invasive.
How do I find out if the Vaginal Laser treatment is suitable for me?
Gynaecological consultation appointments can be made with any of our four gynaecologists, at the Specialist Clinics of Australia.
Consultations are initially performed and investigations included in our Specialist Centre include full history, examination and ultrasounds. This is a very scientific way of assessing the bladder condition and helping to diagnose the type of Incontinence and predict the outcome of treatments. The laser procedure can be performed in the same consultation treatment session on some occasions or can be rebooked for a later date.
Hi. I am having the treatment here in Western Australia but there is confusion around being able to claim for the treatment. My private health say they may be able to as it’s medically necessary but the clinic tell me it’s cosmetic and I can’t claim? Can anyone clear this up for me please?
How long after pregnancy do you have to wait to have the laser done?
Hi K,
We would typically recommend leaving at least 2 weeks following child birth before considering the treatment at which point we would assess your suitability during the consultation.
Thank you.
Hello,
Please could you confirm (or not) if your laser treatment is effective for a bladder prolapse grade 4?
If the treatment required more than 3 sessions ($2900), what would be the cost of the remaining sessions?
Thanks in advance.
Hi M
Consultations are initially performed and investigations included in our Specialist Centre include full history, examination and ultrasounds. This is a very scientific way of assessing the bladder condition and helping to diagnose the type of Incontinence and predict the outcome of treatments. The laser procedure can be performed in the same consultation treatment session on some occasions or can be re booked for a later date.
You can book a consultation at this link https://specialistaustralia.com.au/specialties/gynaecology/ or
consultation appointments can also be made at the Specialist Clinics of Australia by calling 1300 880 566 to book.
Thank you.
Is this procedure recommended for women who have an anterior cystocele prolapse? Babies were delivered vaginally. Weights were 10lbs, 8.14lbs, and 8.12lbs, in my teens and 20’s. I’m 45 and wear a pad everyday. Can’t cough, exercise, lift heavy things, hold my urine if bladder is full, etc. Was diagnosed with a prolapse as mentioned above. Did the biofeedback pt with kegals with no improvement. I’m able to kegals without issue, however, it doesn’t prevent the urine leakage.
Hi L
Gynaecological consultation appointments can be made at the Specialist Clinics of Australia by calling 1300 880 566 to book.
Consultations are initially performed and investigations included in our Specialist Centre include full history, examination and ultrasounds. This is a very scientific way of assessing the bladder condition and helping to diagnose the type of Incontinence and predict the outcome of treatments. The laser procedure can be performed in the same consultation treatment session on some occasions or can be re booked for a later date.
Thank you.
You make no mention of women who have had a hysterectomy but have urge incontinence, are they treatable?
Hello, could you tell me if you see improvements from the first session or does it take time to work. I have stres i continence from delivering 4 large babies. It is totally ruining my life as i am a social salsa dancer and samba dancer but lately i am not cofident to go out dancing because of leakage if coughing sneezing laughing. Could you also tell me After the intial consultation what the cost of the laser treatment is.
Thank yoy
Hi J,
As the treatment stimulates the body’s own natural processes, the results will be different for each individual and will also depend on the condition being treated.
Most patients do report an improvement from the very first session, however results are cumulative over the course of three sessions so it is important to complete the full course of treatment.
The cost is $2900 for a course of three treatments (as at Nov 2016) and we typically recommend a maintenance treatment 1-2 times per year.
Hi
I have urge incontinence and I am wondering if your laser can treat that?
Thanks
Is there any laser treatment available for male urge incontinence?
Hi JC,
Unfortunately we do not currently treat male urge incontinence.
I would like to know what the cost is .As well as do you need a referral from my Doctor .
Hi K,
The cost is $2900 for a course of three treatments (as at Dec 2016) and we typically recommend a maintenance treatment 1-2 times per year.
Your initial consultation will be charged at $250 of which you will receive an eligible Medicare rebate of $72.75. Any subsequent costs will depend on your specific course of treatment.
All specialist consultations require a GP referral letter for you to be able to claim the Medicare rebate. If you are unable to provide your own GP referral letter one of our medical doctors can write you a referral just prior to your appointment. If you would like to take advantage of this, please call 02 8205 7007 to book a referral appointment just prior to your gynaecology appointment.
Please note pricing is subject to change and only valid as at the time of this response.
Can you please send me a idea On how much it will cost and can I use my health fund.
Thank you.
Hi KH,
Your initial consultation will be charged at $250 of which you will receive an eligible Medicare rebate of $72.75. Any subsequent costs will obviously depend on your specific course of treatment.
All specialist consultations require a GP referral letter for you to be able to claim the Medicare rebate. If you are unable to provide your own GP referral letter one of our medical doctors can write you a referral just prior to your appointment. If you would like to take advantage of this, please call 02 8205 7007 to book a referral appointment just prior to your gynaecology appointment.
Please note pricing is subject to change and only valid as at the time of this response.
Kind regards,
Specialist Clinics of Australia
Were are you and what if you hav n had kids but symptons just started at 56
Hi there,
We are located at 263 George St in Sydney CBD and 443 Victoria Avenue in Chatswood.
Laser treatment is still effective if you haven’t had children, however one of our specialists will be able to specifically advise the results you can expect following a consultation.
You can book an appointment with one of our gynaecologists here.
Hello there
Could you please let me know if laser treatment would be suitable for me, I have a neurological condition (Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia) which affects the bladder. I have tried medications, botox treatment which was has helped but not completely (still have urgency and leakage)
Thanks
Annette
Hi there AJ,
In order to diagnose specific conditions accurately we recommend you book an appointment with one of our experienced gynaecologists who will be able to provide professional advice on the suitability of laser treatments for your condition.
You can book an appointment online here.
Kind regards,
Specialist Clinics of Australia