Editor’s note: Women’s Health Practice and Hada Cosmetic Medicine are sponsors of Chambanamoms.com.
By Suzanne Trupin, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., N.C.M.P.
Urinary incontinence can be due to a variety of causes, many of which are transient, but all are treatable. Treatment of urinary incontinence always involves having the healthiest pelvic muscles possible. A new technology using high-intensity focused electromagnetism (HIFEM) for a non-invasive way to treat incontinence has been developed; Emsella™ is actually beneficial for the health of many aspects of your pelvic muscles.
Incontinence can be due to an overactive bladder or stress incontinence. If you leak urine when you cough, sneeze, exercise, or strain to have a bowel movement, it is called stress incontinence. Women with overactive bladder report that they have a sudden and compelling need to pass urine that is difficult to defer. Women say that it’s not a sensation that can be avoided. When they experience that sensation, they must reach the bathroom very quickly, or they may leak urine. Health care providers might also refer to this condition as urge incontinence. It can also result in running to urinate very frequently.
Emsella™ Technology has been cleared by the FDA for non-invasive treatment of stress incontinence for women. Clinical research studies have also found it effective for overactive bladder symptoms, sexual issues, and prevention of pelvic floor weakness.
Emsella™ technology uses electromagnetic waves to generate effective whole-pelvic-floor Kegel-type contractions. The patented technology also uses muscle relaxation cycles to eliminate lactic acid accumulation, thus avoiding discomfort and soreness. Women and men who complete a painless 28-minute treatment cycle can immediately resume all regular activities.
The muscular improvement of the pelvic floor muscles is accompanied by improved physiology. Most of the data results from treatment series of 6 sessions performed over 3 weeks. Some individuals will not require follow up therapy, while others may want to have follow-up treatments every 3-6 months.
The first step in treating incontinence is to get a medical evaluation. Many healthcare providers are trained in this area and can give you a full evaluation. Women’s Health Practice has a Board-Certified Gynecologist with expertise in pelvic floor issues; and the most experienced team in Central Illinois, in the evaluation and treatment of these conditions.
In addition to the evaluation of the pelvic floor, the pelvic examination can assess other potential issues such as nerve function, circulation, and the skin of the vulvar area. Findings could include evidence of any gynecologic infections as well as the size and position of the uterus and the health of the ovaries. Complicating factors such as hemorrhoids or other medical conditions may also be apparent upon examination. Hormone imbalance correction, smoking cessation, proper sleep, better nutrition, and improved cardiovascular health are all beneficial to pelvic floor health as well!
Incontinence that is not due to a new urinary tract infection or an unusual bout of coughing, but is ongoing can be caused by conditions that most of us have. Weakening tissues from a vaginal birth or years of straining with lifting or straining during bowel movements, while theoretically natural, can produce a variety of symptoms. They range from mild: including decreased tightness with sex, to more severe: such as chronic bladder infections, leaking urine, stool or even painful sex.
Vaginal, pelvic, and vulvar muscles and ligaments atrophy and weaken. The supporting structures stretch and tear, and the surface tissues that produce moisture can thin over time as well. All these concerns can be treated, and you can maintain lifelong vaginal health. While it is most dramatic in women, overactive bladder issues can occur in men as well.
It is difficult to achieve 100 percent effectiveness for any treatment, but over 90 percent of clients have significant improvement. Custom designed combination therapy is often prescribed and might mean hormonal management, medication, or other pelvic floor therapy. About 50-75 percent of women on medication for overactive bladder will report negative side effects and find themselves on long-term medication management.
We encourage consultation to see if the Emsella™ treatment would be right for you. (Emsella™ Treatments run $250, package pricing discounts available either for Emsella™ series or in combination with other pelvic floor therapies including ThermiVa™, MonaLisaTouch™, or Platelet Rich Plasma Treatments.)
Suzanne Trupin is the author of Feminine Beauty, CEO of Women’s Health Practice, Hada Cosmetic Medicine, and Hatha Yoga and Fitness.