By Dr Selena Langdon – 1 April 2023

What is stress incontinence?

Stress incontinence is a type of urinary incontinence that occurs when there is pressure or stress on the bladder, causing urine leakage. Here are some of the common causes of stress incontinence:

1. 1. Weak pelvic floor muscles: The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder and urethra. If these muscles become weak due to pregnancy, childbirth, aging, or obesity, they may not be able to support the bladder as well, leading to stress incontinence.

1. 1. Hormonal changes: Menopause can cause a decrease in estrogen levels, which can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and cause stress incontinence.

1. 1. Chronic coughing or sneezing: Chronic coughing or sneezing can put pressure on the bladder and cause urine leakage.

1. 1. Certain medications: Some medications, such as diuretics or blood pressure medications, can increase urine production and contribute to stress incontinence.

1. 1. Smoking: Smoking can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and increase the risk of stress incontinence.

1. 1. High-impact activities: High-impact activities such as running, jumping, or heavy lifting can put pressure on the bladder and contribute to stress incontinence.

1. 1. Neurological conditions: Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or spinal cord injuries can interfere with nerve signals to the bladder and lead to stress incontinence.

It’s important to note that stress incontinence can have multiple contributing factors, and it’s not always possible to pinpoint one specific cause. Treatment for stress incontinence will depend on the underlying causes and severity of the condition.

Emsella Chair for stress incontinence

The Emsella chair is a non-invasive medical device that uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to strengthen and tone the pelvic floor muscles. This type of therapy can be particularly beneficial for patients who are experiencing urinary incontinence or other pelvic floor disorders.

Here are some of the benefits of the Emsella chair for patients:

1. 1. Non-invasive: The Emsella chair is a non-invasive treatment option, meaning that patients do not need to undergo surgery or take medication to see results. This can be a particularly appealing option for patients who are looking for a non-invasive approach to addressing their symptoms.

1. 1. Pain-free: The Emsella chair therapy is pain-free, and patients typically experience a mild tingling or vibrating sensation during the treatment. This makes it a comfortable option for patients who may be sensitive to pain or discomfort.

1. 1. Improved pelvic floor strength: The Emsella chair uses HIFEM technology to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to improved strength and tone. This can be especially beneficial for patients who have weakened pelvic floor muscles due to age, childbirth, or other factors.

1. 1. Reduced urinary incontinence symptoms: Many patients who use the Emsella chair report a reduction in urinary incontinence symptoms after treatment. This can improve their quality of life and help them to feel more confident and comfortable in social situations.

1. 1. Quick treatment sessions: The Emsella chair therapy typically involves a series of short treatment sessions that last around 30 minutes each. This means that patients can fit the therapy into their busy schedules without having to take significant time off work or other activities.

Overall, the Emsella chair can be a highly effective treatment option for patients who are experiencing urinary incontinence or other pelvic floor disorders. It is non-invasive, pain-free, and can lead to improved pelvic floor strength and a reduction in symptoms.

To learn more about the Emsella chair and how it has helped many of our patients improve their condition and their lives please contact our reception team.