Urinary incontinence can disrupt daily routines and make it difficult to enjoy activities. Despite its prevalence, many people delay seeking treatment because of concerns about invasive options or lengthy exercise routines. At Lively Wellness & Aesthetics in Odessa, TX, we offer EMSELLA, a non-invasive treatment used to treat certain types of urinary incontinence. This approach strengthens the pelvic floor muscles and helps reduce symptoms without downtime. It provides an accessible solution for those looking to regain control over their bladder.
Types of Urinary Incontinence
Stress Incontinence
This occurs when physical activities like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising place pressure on the bladder, causing leaks. It is often linked to weakened pelvic floor muscles from pregnancy, aging, or certain medical conditions.
Urge Incontinence
Also known as overactive bladder, this type is characterized by a sudden and intense urge to urinate, often followed by involuntary leakage. It is commonly caused by nerve damage, bladder irritation, or underlying health issues such as diabetes.
Mixed Incontinence
A combination of stress and urge incontinence, mixed incontinence involves symptoms from both types. This is especially common in women and may require addressing multiple factors to manage effectively.
Overflow Incontinence
This happens when the bladder does not empty completely, leading to frequent dribbling or leakage. It is often associated with conditions that obstruct the urinary tract or affect bladder function, such as prostate enlargement or neurological disorders.
What Causes Urinary Incontinence?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that support the bladder, urethra, and other pelvic organs. These muscles help maintain bladder control by contracting to hold in urine and relaxing when it’s time to release it. When the pelvic floor becomes weakened or stretched, it may fail to provide adequate support, leading to urinary incontinence. Factors such as pregnancy, childbirth, aging, hormonal changes, and obesity are common contributors to pelvic floor weakness.
Urinary incontinence can also result from other underlying conditions. Overactive bladder, neurological disorders, urinary tract obstructions, or infections can disrupt the normal functioning of the bladder and urinary system. These causes may require specialized treatments beyond pelvic floor rehabilitation, depending on the root of the problem. Identifying the exact cause is essential to determine the most effective approach for managing symptoms.
Traditional Treatment Options for Urinary Incontinence
- Kegels: Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which help maintain bladder control. Patients perform repetitive contractions and relaxations of these muscles to improve strength and endurance. While Kegels can be effective, they require consistent practice over time to see results.
- Physical Therapy: Specialized physical therapy for the pelvic floor includes guided exercises and techniques to improve muscle function and coordination. Therapists may use biofeedback devices to help patients engage the pelvic floor muscles properly. This method can benefit severe muscle weakness but often requires multiple sessions and long-term commitment.
- Medications: Certain medications target urinary incontinence by calming overactive bladder muscles or increasing urethral tone. Examples include anticholinergics, beta-3 adrenergic agonists, and topical estrogen. While medications may provide relief, they can also cause side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, or dizziness.
- Surgeries: For severe or unresponsive cases of urinary incontinence, surgical options may be recommended. Procedures like sling surgeries, bladder neck suspension, or artificial urinary sphincter implantation improve bladder support or control.
A Few Myths About Urinary Incontinence
Myth: Urinary Incontinence Is a Natural Part of Aging
While aging can contribute to weakened pelvic floor muscles or changes in bladder function, urinary incontinence is not an inevitable part of growing older. Many older adults live without this condition, and effective treatments like EMSELLA can address its underlying causes, regardless of age.
Myth: Only Women Experience Urinary Incontinence
Although urinary incontinence is more common in women, men can also experience it due to factors like prostate issues or nerve damage. Both men and women can benefit from treatments that target the root causes, such as pelvic floor muscle weakness.
Myth: There’s Nothing You Can Do About Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is treatable, and there are numerous options to reduce or eliminate symptoms. From exercises and physical therapy to advanced non-invasive solutions like EMSELLA, patients have access to treatments that can improve bladder control and enhance quality of life.
Myth: Drinking Less Water Will Help
Cutting back on water might seem like a solution, but dehydration can irritate the bladder and worsen incontinence. Instead of limiting fluids, focus on treatments that address the condition directly, allowing you to maintain healthy hydration levels.
Myth: Urinary Incontinence Is Embarrassing and Should Be Kept Secret
Many people hesitate to talk about urinary incontinence, but it’s a common medical condition with solutions readily available. Seeking treatment is a proactive step that can make a big difference, and discussing the issue with a healthcare provider can open the door to effective care like EMSELLA.
What Is EMSELLA?
EMSELLA is a treatment that uses a non-invasive device to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder control. It uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate deep contractions in the pelvic floor. This helps restore muscle tone and function. EMSELLA works efficiently during short, comfortable sessions without recovery time.
The Science of EMSELLA
This urinary incontinence treatment delivers electromagnetic energy to the pelvic floor muscles. Each session stimulates thousands of supramaximal contractions, which are much more intense than what can be achieved through voluntary exercises like Kegels. These contractions help rebuild strength and support for the bladder, reducing or even eliminating symptoms of urinary incontinence.
What Are EMSELLA Treatments Like?
An EMSELLA session is simple, comfortable, and completely non-invasive. During treatment, you remain fully clothed and sit on the EMSELLA chair while the device does the work. Most sessions last about 30 minutes, during which you may feel a tingling sensation or muscle contractions. There’s no downtime, so you can resume your daily activities immediately afterward. A full treatment plan typically includes multiple sessions spaced over a few weeks for the best results.
What Makes EMSELLA Unique?
What sets an EMSELLA treatment apart is its ability to provide intensive muscle contractions without effort on your part. While exercises or other treatments may focus on one area at a time, EMSELLA targets the entire pelvic floor. It’s also one of the few non-invasive options that can help men and women alike.
Who Can Benefit From EMSELLA?
Patients experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction treatment, such as urinary incontinence or pelvic muscle weakness, are often ideal candidates for EMSELLA. This includes individuals dealing with stress, urge, or mixed incontinence, as well as those who have difficulty with bladder control after pregnancy or aging. Men experiencing incontinence due to prostate-related issues may also benefit. While EMSELLA is effective for many, it’s important to assess your specific condition with a healthcare provider to determine if this treatment is right for you.
Resolve Urinary Incontinence With Ease Using EMSELLA
EMSELLA provides a non-invasive solution to strengthen the pelvic floor and improve bladder control for those struggling with urinary incontinence. At Lively Wellness & Aesthetics in Odessa, TX, we offer this treatment to help address the root causes of pelvic floor dysfunction effectively and comfortably. To learn more or schedule your consultation, call (432) 580-9168 or contact us through our online form today.