Urinary incontinence can have different causes and factors, but the primary reason is a weakness in the pelvic floor muscles. This band of strong connective tissues and muscles keeps the pelvic organs in place. They control the bladder, helping to hold or pass urine.
Over time our muscles and tissues weaken. Pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause all play a role.
Then one day we notice something new and unwanted — a leak. At first, it happens during an event such as a hard sneeze, but then it becomes more frequent. Pretty soon, you’re getting up three or four times a night. You can’t exercise without worrying. You worry even while driving. Soon, your urinary incontinence is affecting your quality of life.
At Northwest Women’s Center, our providers, two of whom are Fellows of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, are excited to offer the latest technology to treat urinary incontinence — BTL EMSELLA®.
This non-invasive treatment stimulates the pelvic floor muscles with thousands of contractions per session. The stimulation leads to regained strength in the pelvic floor muscles and regained control over your bladder.
How Does EMSELLA Work?
BTL EMSELLA uses electromagnetic waves to create about 12,000 contractions of the pelvic muscles in a 28-minute session. These are basically Kegel exercises, but this level of contraction frequency is impossible on your own.
By making the pelvic floor muscles contract to this degree, these muscles become stronger. This allows the patient to regain control over her bladder. As a result, her incontinence either fully resolves or dramatically improves.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for EMSELLA?
At Northwest Women’s Center, we find that any of our patients who are dealing with urinary incontinence are good candidates for BTL EMSELLA. The treatment is completely non-invasive, and there isn’t any recovery. All you have to lose is your irritating incontinence.
Can EMSELLA Help With Stress and Urge Incontinence, or Is It Only for One Type?
EMSELLA is effective for stress and urge incontinence because it strengthens the pelvic floor muscles and improves neuromuscular control.
Stress incontinence occurs when pressure from activities like sneezing, coughing, or exercising causes bladder leaks due to weak pelvic muscles. Urge incontinence, or overactive bladder, involves sudden, uncontrollable urges to urinate. It is often caused by nerve dysfunction.
By improving pelvic floor support, EMSELLA helps reduce stress leaks while also enhancing nerve communication to decrease sudden urges. While results vary, many patients report significant improvement in both types of incontinence after completing the recommended series of treatments.
What Happens During an EMSELLA Treatment?
Patients are amazed at the simplicity brought to them by our practitioners. The device generates electromagnetic waves and directs them upward into the patient’s pelvic area. The electromagnetic waves, which have no harmful effect on the human body, stimulate the pelvic muscles to contract rapidly.
Throughout your 28-minute EMSELLA treatment, you will have 12,000 contractions. Try doing that many Kegel exercises in a lifetime, much less 28 minutes!
That’s it. When your 28 minutes are up, you head out and return to your normal activities immediately. Providers generally recommend six BTL EMSELLA sessions, scheduled twice a week.
Are EMSELLA Treatments Painful?
It’s hard to believe, but all you do is sit on the EMSELLA Kegel Throne for 28 minutes while the electromagnetic waves do their thing.
You’re fully clothed and can simply read a magazine or book during your session. There isn’t any pain at all.
Our patients say they experience tingling and pelvic floor muscle contractions. The feelings aren’t unpleasant in the least.
When Will I See Results From EMSELLA?
Our patients express feeling immediate changes and results after their first session. These build as the pelvic muscles become stronger. Over the course of your six EMSELLA sessions, you’ll become more and more confident and have less and less leakage.
How Long Will the Results From EMSELLA Last?
EMSELLA results can last four to 12 months, depending on your condition. Most patients will be able to notice results in two to four weeks after their first treatment.
Multiple EMSELLA sessions may be needed to achieve long-lasting results. We recommend patients schedule follow-up appointments every three to six months to maintain their results.
Are There Any Risks with EMSELLA Treatment?
While EMSELLA is a perfectly safe procedure approved by the FDA, there are still a few risks that patients should be aware of. These risks may include:
- Muscle pain
- Muscle spasms
- Joint or tendon pain
- Redness
Common side effects, such as muscle soreness, will usually disappear several days after treatment. If any other complications occur, patients can feel confident knowing that they can turn to Northwest Women’s Center for immediate, high-quality care.
How Can I Prepare for My EMSELLA Treatment?
Before your treatment, we recommend patients consult with their primary doctor about stopping any medications that may potentially interfere with EMSELLA.
Because magnet technology is used with EMSELLA, patients must remove all metal jewelry before beginning treatment. Wearing comfortable, loose clothing to your appointment may also help you feel more comfortable and relaxed.
How Can I Keep My Pelvic Muscles Healthy While Undergoing EMSELLA Treatment?
While at home, patients can do many things to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles and optimize their overall health while undergoing EMSELLA treatments.
Kegel exercises, squats, and toe taps can help keep your muscles stretched, flexible, and strong. Diaphragmatic breathing and relaxing exercises such as yoga can also be helpful.
Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet that gives your body the proper nutrients it needs can help strengthen your pelvic floor as well.
Are My EMSELLA Treatments Covered by Insurance?
The FDA cleared EMSELLA on January 22, 2019. Because it is still a new procedure, it is not currently covered by all insurance plans.
At Northwest Women’s Center, we work with your insurer to gain the maximum coverage for every treatment we provide. This will likely be an evolving insurance issue as BTL EMSELLA becomes more well known in the health care world.
How Soon After Childbirth Can I Try EMSELLA for Urinary Incontinence?
EMSELLA can be a helpful, non-invasive option to restore pelvic floor strength and control after childbirth. However, the ideal time to start treatment depends on factors like delivery method and recovery progress.
Most providers recommend waiting at least six weeks postpartum to allow the body to heal naturally. Women who had a C-section or complications during delivery may need additional time before starting.
Consult with a healthcare provider, like those at Northwest Women’s Center, to ensure the pelvic floor is ready for treatment. If symptoms persist despite Kegel exercises or other strengthening efforts, EMSELLA can offer additional support.
Does EMSELLA Provide Benefits Beyond Urinary Incontinence, Such as Improved Sexual Function?
Yes, EMSELLA offers benefits beyond treating urinary incontinence, particularly in enhancing sexual function.
The pelvic floor muscles play a key role in sexual health, contributing to vaginal tone, arousal, and orgasmic response. By strengthening these muscles, EMSELLA can increase sensation, lubrication, and satisfaction.
Many women report improved sexual function after treatment, including better muscle control during intercourse and enhanced pleasure. Additionally, stronger pelvic muscles support blood flow to the area, which is essential for sexual response.
Does EMSELLA Affect Bowel Incontinence or Pelvic Floor Weakness in General?
EMSELLA primarily targets urinary incontinence. However, its effects extend to general pelvic floor strength, which can improve symptoms of bowel incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Bowel incontinence often results from weakened pelvic muscles that struggle to control stool passage. By strengthening these muscles, EMSELLA may help patients regain control over bowel function and reduce accidental leakage. That said, for severe bowel incontinence, additional medical treatments will likely be necessary.
Additionally, EMSELLA is beneficial for general pelvic floor weakness, which can lead to issues like pelvic organ prolapse, lower back pain, and reduced core stability. The deep muscle contractions stimulated by EMSELLA help restore tone and function to the pelvic region, making it a potential option for individuals looking to improve overall health.
Why Choose Northwest Women’s Center?
Northwest Women’s Center in Houston, TX, is a trusted provider of comprehensive women’s healthcare. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking EMSELLA treatment for urinary incontinence.
With a team of skilled OB/GYN specialists, the practice offers patient-centered care tailored to women’s unique needs at every stage of life. Their expertise in pelvic health ensures that patients receive advanced, non-invasive solutions like EMSELLA in a supportive environment.
Conveniently located on Dotson Road, the center provides minimally invasive treatments for various conditions, including incontinence. Patients benefit from a personalized approach focused on restoring comfort, confidence, and quality of life.
Schedule an EMSELLA Consultation Today
To schedule a consultation or to learn more about our EMSELLA services, contact us today at 281.444.3440. Our practice serves Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas.