Urinary incontinence affects millions of people, yet it remains a topic many feel uncomfortable discussing. Whether it’s occasional leakage when coughing or laughing, a sudden urge to use the toilet, or ongoing bladder control concerns, these symptoms can have a significant impact on daily life, confidence, and overall wellbeing. The good news is that effective treatment options are available. Emsella is an innovative, non-invasive treatment designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder control without surgery, medication, or downtime. At Cathedral Dermatology in Belfast, patients can benefit from this advanced technology in a comfortable and professional clinical setting.
In this guide, we’ll explain how Emsella works, who it can help, its benefits, how it compares to alternative treatments, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
What Is Emsella?
Emsella is a breakthrough pelvic floor treatment that uses High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM®) technology to stimulate deep pelvic floor muscle contractions. These contractions help strengthen and retrain the muscles responsible for bladder control, bowel control, and pelvic support.
Unlike traditional pelvic floor exercises, Emsella works on the entire pelvic floor area, restoring neuromuscular control and improving muscle function. During a single treatment session, the technology generates thousands of pelvic floor muscle contractions that would be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve voluntarily.
Patients simply sit fully clothed on the specialised chair while the treatment is delivered. No invasive procedures, needles, anaesthesia, or recovery time are required. 95% of patients have experienced a significant improvement on quality of life, and 75% experiencing a reduction in pad usage (Individual results may vary).
Why Pelvic Floor Health Matters
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that supports the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. When these muscles become weakened, symptoms such as urinary leakage, urgency, bowel control issues, and reduced intimate wellness can occur.
Pelvic floor disorders are more common than many people realise. Research from the University of Iowa’s Carver College of Medicine found that at least 32% of women had received a diagnosis of at least one pelvic floor disorder during their lifetime.
Despite how common these conditions are, many people suffer in silence. Studies suggest that around half of women experiencing symptoms do not seek medical treatment, often due to embarrassment or the belief that these issues are simply a normal part of ageing or childbirth.
However, urinary incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction are medical conditions that can often be effectively treated, and Emsella offers a modern solution for those seeking an alternative to surgery or medication.
How Does Emsella Work?
Emsella uses HIFEM technology to create deep pelvic floor muscle contractions. These contractions help:
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- Strengthen weakened pelvic floor muscles
- Improve bladder and bowel control
- Restore neuromuscular coordination
- Improve overall pelvic health
- The treatment also stimulates the growth of new muscle fibres and protein strands, helping improve the structure and function of the pelvic floor muscles over time.
A typical Emsella session lasts around 30 minutes, during which patients can relax while the chair does the work for them.
Benefits of Emsella
Non-Invasive
Unlike surgical procedures, Emsella does not require incisions, injections, or anaesthesia. The treatment is completely non-invasive and comfortable.
Remain Fully Clothed
Patients stay fully clothed throughout their Emsella session, making treatment discreet and convenient.
No Downtime
Following Emsella, patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately. There is no recovery period or disruption to work, exercise, or social commitments.
Results in Less Time
A single session can produce thousands of pelvic floor muscle contractions. In fact, one 30-minute treatment is often compared to performing approximately 11,000 Kegel exercises.
Improves Confidence and Pelvic Health
Many patients report improvements in bladder control, reduced leakage, enhanced confidence, and improved quality of life following treatment.
Who Can Benefit from Emsella?
Emsella is suitable for both women and men experiencing symptoms related to pelvic floor weakness or urinary incontinence.
Postpartum Women
Pregnancy and childbirth place significant strain on the pelvic floor muscles. Many women experience urinary leakage after giving birth, particularly when exercising, coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
Emsella can help strengthen these muscles and restore bladder control without surgery or lengthy rehabilitation.
Women During Menopause
Hormonal changes during menopause can affect muscle tone and tissue elasticity throughout the pelvic region. As a result, some women develop bladder control issues or pelvic floor weakness.
Emsella offers a non-invasive way to support pelvic floor health and improve symptoms.
Older Adults
Ageing naturally leads to some loss of muscle strength throughout the body, including the pelvic floor. Emsella can help older adults maintain better bladder control and quality of life by strengthening these important muscles.
Men Following Prostate Cancer Treatment
Men who have undergone treatment for prostate cancer may experience urinary leakage due to nerve damage or weakened muscles around the bladder outlet.
For men who are in remission, Emsella can help rebuild neuromuscular control and strengthen the muscles responsible for bladder function. This may significantly reduce or even eliminate post-surgical urinary leakage.
Men Experiencing Age-Related Pelvic Floor Weakness
As men age, pelvic floor muscles can weaken, contributing to bladder control issues. The treatment can be an effective option for improving muscle strength and supporting urinary function.
Emsella vs Alternative Incontinence Treatments
When considering treatment options for urinary incontinence, it’s important to understand how Emsella compares to other approaches.
Kegel Exercises
Kegel exercises can be effective, but they require consistency, dedication, and proper technique.
Many people struggle to identify the correct muscles or maintain a regular routine. By comparison, Emsella can deliver the equivalent of approximately 11,000 Kegel contractions during a single 30-minute session.
At-Home Devices
Home pelvic floor devices are available, but they typically operate at much lower intensities than professional Emsella technology.
They often require additional wiring, accessories, and significantly longer treatment periods to achieve results.
Medication
Certain medications may help manage urinary incontinence symptoms, but they can also cause side effects, including:
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- Dry mouth
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- Constipation
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- Dizziness
Emsella addresses the underlying muscle weakness rather than simply managing symptoms.
Surgery
Surgical procedures such as bladder slings or bladder lifts can be effective but involve anaesthesia, recovery time, and the potential for complications.
Emsella offers a completely non-invasive alternative with no downtime, making it appealing for many patients seeking a lower-risk option.
What Happens During an Emsella Treatment?
Many patients are pleasantly surprised by how straightforward Emsella treatment is.
During your appointment:
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- You remain fully clothed.
- You sit comfortably on the Emsella chair.
- The HIFEM technology stimulates pelvic floor muscle contractions.
- The session lasts approximately 30 minutes.
- You can return to your normal activities immediately afterwards
Patients commonly describe the sensation as a tingling feeling or strong muscle contractions in the pelvic region rather than discomfort or pain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emsella
How many Emsella treatments will I need?
Most patients require a course of between three and six Emsella treatments, usually spaced around one week apart. Your practitioner will recommend a personalised treatment plan based on your symptoms and goals.
How soon will I see results?
Many patients begin noticing improvements in bladder control within a few weeks of starting Emsella treatment. Results typically continue to improve throughout the treatment course and in the weeks afterwards.
Is Emsella painful?
No. Emsella is considered completely painless. Most patients describe the treatment as feeling like a tingling sensation or intense muscle contractions in the pelvic floor area.
Are there any side effects?
Emsella is a safe, non-invasive treatment with no significant side effects. Some patients may experience mild muscle fatigue afterwards, similar to the feeling after exercise, but this typically resolves quickly.
Can Emsella be used on men?
Yes. Emsella is suitable for both men and women. It can be particularly beneficial for men experiencing urinary incontinence after prostate surgery or age-related pelvic floor weakness.
Is there any downtime?
No. One of the key advantages of Emsella is that there is no downtime. Patients can resume normal activities immediately following treatment.
Emsella Treatment Cost at Cathedral Dermatology
At Cathedral Dermatology, patients can currently benefit from an Emsella treatment package of six treatments for £695. Individual pay-as-you-go sessions are also available at £200 per treatment. A course of treatments is generally recommended to achieve optimal results.
Regain Confidence with Emsella
Living with urinary incontinence can be frustrating, embarrassing, and limiting. However, it doesn’t have to be something you simply accept.
Emsella offers a clinically advanced, non-invasive approach to strengthening the pelvic floor, improving bladder control, and restoring confidence. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms following childbirth, menopause, ageing, or prostate cancer treatment, this innovative technology could help you regain control and improve your quality of life.
At Cathedral Dermatology Belfast, our experienced team provides professional, patient-focused care and personalised treatment plans to help you achieve the best possible results with Emsella.
Get in touch today to book your treatment:
028 9032 2020 | info@cathedraldermatology.com