# Leaking urine when you laugh or cough: is it inevitable?

> Stress urinary incontinence: why it develops, how non-surgical Er:YAG laser supports the pelvic floor, and what the procedure involves.

Published: 5 August 2026 · Medically reviewed by: Op. Dr. Murat Alpay

**Stress urinary incontinence: why it develops, how non-surgical Er:YAG laser supports the pelvic floor, and what the procedure involves.**

Urinary incontinence is a common problem in women — arising with age, childbirth, hormonal change and loss of tissue elasticity — yet one that is often postponed because it is difficult to talk about. Leaking urine suddenly while exercising, coughing, sneezing or laughing is what medicine calls **stress urinary incontinence**.

## Why it develops

The pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue support the bladder and the urethra. Pregnancy, vaginal birth, the fall in oestrogen that begins with the menopause, or weakness of the connective tissue all loosen this supporting mechanism. As a result, at moments when pressure inside the abdomen rises, the mechanism that holds urine can fall short.

## A non-surgical option: laser

Where surgery would traditionally have been considered, non-surgical laser technology now offers another avenue. A particular **Er:YAG** laser mode with a wavelength of **2940 nm** delivers controlled thermal warming without eroding the tissue or creating a wound (non-ablative).

## What the procedure involves

- **No anaesthesia.** It is carried out in the consulting room and takes about **20-25 minutes**. Neither anaesthesia nor an overnight stay is required.
- **Collagen renewal.** The laser energy stimulates the collagen fibres in the anterior vaginal wall and around the urethra, supporting a process of restructuring and tightening in the tissue.
- **A quick return to daily life.** Patients continue with their usual activities immediately afterwards.

## When to have it assessed

Urinary incontinence should not be allowed to restrict quality of life or social life. A detailed pelvic floor assessment determines which approach suits you.

See also [urinary incontinence](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/tedaviler/idrar-kacirma/).

Written and reviewed by

**Op. Dr. Murat Alpay**

Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology · Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine (Çapa)

[Full biography →](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/hakkinda/)

[← All posts](https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/blog/)

---

Original page: https://www.muratalpay.com.tr/en/blog/gulunce-veya-oksurunce-idrar-kacirma-sui-kader-midir-ameliyatsiz-lazer-tedavisi/  
Last updated: 2026-08-05

Op. Dr. Murat Alpay — Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology  
Op. Dr. Murat Alpay Practice, Tekelioğlu Cd. No:51 B Kat:2, Filo Apt., 07160 Muratpaşa / Antalya  
0505 351 77 88 · Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 18:00 · Closed on Sunday

*This information is for general guidance only and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment.*