EMSELLA Incontinence Treatment

What it is

EMSELLA is a non-invasive medical treatment designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles using high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy.   It is approved for use in both women and men to address urinary incontinence (leakage of urine) and related pelvic floor weakness.  

How it works

• The patient sits fully clothed on a specially designed chair equipped with HIFEM technology.  
• During a session (~28-30 minutes), the device generates thousands of supramaximal pelvic floor muscle contractions — many more than what can be achieved voluntarily with Kegel exercises.  
• These intense contractions stimulate stronger, more coordinated pelvic floor muscles and improve neuromuscular control of the bladder and pelvic organs.  
• Over a full treatment course (often ~6 sessions, twice weekly over ~3 weeks) many patients experience reduced urinary leakage, improved bladder control, and better pelvic-floor support.  

What it treats / benefits

• Stress urinary incontinence (leaking when coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising) due to weakened pelvic floor muscles.  
• Urge urinary incontinence (sudden strong urge to urinate and leakage) and mixed forms.  
• Post-childbirth pelvic floor weakness, menopause-related muscle deconditioning, pelvic floor weakening after prostate surgery in men.  
• Potential enhancement of pelvic floor function including sexual health, though the primary indication remains incontinence.  
• Minimal downtime, no surgery, medication or invasive procedure required.  

What to expect — the treatment process

1. Consultation & assessment: A pelvic-floor specialist assesses your symptoms, bladder control, and medical history to determine suitability.  
2. Treatment sessions: You sit in the EMSELLA chair, fully clothed, for about 28-30 minutes. During the session you feel tingling and muscle contractions in the pelvic floor.  
3. Course & frequency: Typical protocol is ~6 sessions, usually scheduled twice per week over 2-3 weeks. Some clinics offer alternate protocols (e.g., 10 sessions in 4 weeks).  
4. Results timeline: Some improvement may be noticed after 1–2 sessions, with more pronounced benefit after completion of the full course.  
5. Maintenance: Depending on individual results and condition, maintenance sessions may be recommended every few months.  

Risks, contraindications & considerations

• Safety profile is generally good; no anesthesia is needed and downtime is negligible.  
• Possible mild side-effects include transient muscle soreness/spasm, tingling, or local redness.  
• Not suitable for everyone — contraindications often include: patients with metal implants or devices (pacemaker, defibrillator), pregnant women, recent pelvic surgery, or certain neurological conditions. It’s important to discuss in consultation.  
• While results are promising, some experts note that EMSELLA should complement — not replace — comprehensive pelvic floor rehabilitation (including physical therapy, lifestyle modifications).  

Is it right for you?

You might be a good candidate if you:

• Are experiencing urinary leakage (stress, urge, or mixed incontinence) and weakening of pelvic floor muscles.
• Prefer a non-surgical, non-drug treatment with minimal downtime.
• Are motivated to follow through with the treatment course and possibly maintenance.
• Understand that while the treatment boosts muscle function, lifestyle factors (weight, posture, exercise) still matter.

Questions to ask your provider

• How many sessions will I need and what schedule do you recommend?
• What results can I realistically expect given my condition (severity, age, other factors)?
• What are your metrics for improvement (pad reduction, leak episodes, quality of life)?
• Do you offer complementary pelvic-floor physical therapy or home exercise plan along with EMSELLA?
• What is the cost per session or for a full course in this practice?
• Are there follow-up maintenance sessions recommended?
• Are there any specific pre-treatment or post-treatment instructions (exercise, bladder behavior, etc.)?