IUGA committee opinion: laser-based vaginal devices for treatment of stress urinary incontinence, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and vaginal laxity

Abstract

This committee opinion reviews the laser-based vaginal devices for treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vaginal laxity, and stress urinary incontinence. The United States Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning for unsubstantiated advertising and use of energy-based devices. Well-designed case-control studies are required to further investigate the potential benefits, harm, and efficacy of laser therapy in the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vaginal laxity, and stress urinary incontinence. The therapeutic advantages of nonsurgical laser-based devices in urogynecology can only be recommended after robust clinical trials have demonstrated their long-term complication profile, safety, and efficacy.

Keywords: Energy-based devices; FDA; Genitourinary syndrome of menopause; Laser; Stress urinary incontinence; Vaginal laxity.