A Randomized Trial Confirms Non-Ablative Er:YAG Laser is an Effective Treatment for Mild to Moderate Pelvic Organ Prolapse

11 December 2024

Significant Progress in Women’s Pelvic Health Care

A recent clinical trial led by Prof. Deprest’s team from Leuven and published in the European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology highlights the efficacy of Er:YAG laser treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The study found this innovative, non-surgical approach to be just as effective as supervised Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (PFMT), offering meaningful relief for women experiencing mild to moderate bladder prolapse symptoms.

At four months, 65% of laser-treated participants reported feeling "better or much better," with similar outcomes in the PFMT group (61%). Notably, 24 months later, 63% of the laser-treated patients continued to report improvements, and 50% no longer required further treatment. These findings underscore Er:YAG laser therapy as an effective solution for pelvic health relief. Laser treatment was effective after only 3 to 6 sessions, while PFMT required 9 to 18 sessions for a comparable effect.

The Impact of POP on Women’s Health

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects nearly 50% of women who have given birth, profoundly impacting physical comfort, mental health, and sexual well-being. When pelvic floor muscles weaken, they can allow organs to shift out of place, leading to conditions like bladder prolapse, also known as cystoceles.

Bladder prolapse primarily affects women over 50, with risk factors including vaginal childbirth, obesity, and pelvic surgeries such as hysterectomy. As the prevalence of POP continues to rise—particularly in women with multiple pregnancies, advanced age, or obesity—the demand for effective, minimally invasive treatments has grown. Innovative therapies like Er:YAG laser treatment address this need by offering a safe and highly effective primary treatment or complementary option to traditional methods, such as PFMT or surgery.

Fotona’s ProlapLase^® provides an advanced, non-surgical solution for mild to moderate bladder prolapse. By delivering precise, gentle laser pulses to targeted areas, ProlapLase^® generates a mild heating effect that stimulates collagen production and encourages natural tissue tightening. This process strengthens weakened and prolapsed tissues, reduces symptoms, improves pelvic function, and enhances overall well-being.

🔗 To read the full study, visit https://www.ejog.org/article/S0301-2115(24)00588-8/abstract.