Do you wet your pants a little when watching a comedy show? Have you ever considered wearing an adult diaper or panty liner when you go for a run? Are you afraid to sneeze at work because sneezing has caused bladder leakage in the past? If so, you are probably a good candidate for Emsella at Dundee Dermatology in West Dundee, IL. Keep reading to learn more about this treatment, including who generally qualifies and how to prepare.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Emsella?
A good Emsella candidate is a relatively healthy adult with a desire to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles. Women often seek this treatment because stress urinary incontinence (SUI) often occurs after pregnancy, especially if the baby was delivered vaginally. Similarly, stress urinary incontinence is a common symptom of menopause. This treatment is also usually appropriate for men and women who suffer from stress, urge, or mixed urinary incontinence due to:
- Chronic constipation
- Obesity
- Chronic coughing
- Regular heavy lifting
- Regular high-impact exercise
Who Is a Poor Candidate for This Treatment?
While this non-invasive urinary incontinence treatment is appropriate for most adults, it is not appropriate for all adults who are worried about incontinence. It works thanks to HIFEM (high-intensity focused electromagnetic) technology. This technology is akin to an MRI magnet and not recommended for people with metal devices in their body. For example, you will be considered a poor candidate for this treatment if you have a:
- Copper IUD
- Pacemaker
- Plate and screws
- Replaced hip joint
How Should I Prepare for My Treatment Session?
The most important preparation step you must take prior to treatment is to attend an initial evaluation to confirm your candidacy. During this consultation, we will discuss your medical history, including any artificial joints you may have, to verify this treatment will be safe for you. We will also advise you on diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes you can make until you have finished your course of treatments to improve your symptoms.
Due to the non-invasive nature of this treatment, there isn’t a lot you need to do to prepare on the day of your appointment. It is extremely important that you do not wear any clothes that have metal, like zippers or buttons. It is also important that you do not wear any jewelry or accessories, like earrings or a watch, containing metal. If you come in with metal accessories, they will need to be removed prior to the commencement of your session.
Can I Game on My Phone During My Treatment?
No. Each treatment session takes around 30 minutes to complete. There is nothing wrong with bringing in something to entertain yourself with, but a book is a much better idea than a cell phone. The MRI-like magnet may damage your cell phone’s contents. If you don’t want to bring a book, it is okay to bring Bluetooth headphones or a speaker.
What Should I Expect After My Treatment Session?
You should expect no downtime or recovery period after your treatment session. You are free to go back to work or do whatever else you had planned for the rest of the day. What you should not expect is to enjoy complete bladder control as soon as your first treatment session is complete. Most people need approximately six treatment sessions spaced around two to three days apart.
How Long Will the Results of My Treatment Last?
You can generally expect to enjoy a significant improvement in your bladder control symptoms for one to six months after your final treatment session. To help your results last for as long as possible, we recommend doing Kegel exercises daily. This treatment works by causing your pelvic floor muscles to contract over 10,000 times, strengthening them. However, as with any muscle, atrophy can occur if it is not used regularly.
What Diet Changes Can I Make To Improve My Urinary Incontinence Symptoms?
You should strongly consider cutting out carbonated beverages regardless of whether they contain caffeine. For example, you should opt for still water instead of sparkling water especially if you suffer from urge or mixed urinary incontinence. The carbon dioxide that makes sodas and similar drinks fizzy can make you feel like you have to urinate because it can irritate your bladder.
You should also strongly consider cutting back on acidic foods and drinks. Acidic foods and beverages can also irritate your bladder and make you feel like you urgently have to urinate. For example, you should minimize your consumption of pineapples, cranberry juice, tomatoes, and orange juice. Similarly, spicy foods can irritate your bladder lining, increasing the urge to urinate. Furthermore, you should cut back on your consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
Relatively healthy adults who want to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles are generally considered good Emsella candidates. However, this treatment is not appropriate for every adult who is suffering from incontinence. If you are in the Huntley, St. Charles, Geneva, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Elgin, South Elgin, or Carpentersville area, contact us today at Dundee Dermatology in West Dundee, IL to schedule your initial consultation.