What to do if you’re peeing when you sneeze
Millions of people experience urinary or bowel incontinence. Urinary incontinence is the accidental leaking of urine, while bowel incontinence is the accidental leaking of stool. Either way, it can have a major impact on your quality of life.
Pads can help, but they’re not always convenient, and they can take a toll on your self-esteem. If you’re looking for real solutions, you may have heard about the Emsella chair. Emsella is a non-invasive treatment for strengthening your pelvic floor muscles.
If you want to avoid the Emsella chair, you have options. There are lifestyle changes, exercises, devices, and even some high-tech solutions that can help you strengthen your pelvic floor and stay dry. In this article, we’ll look at several Emsella chair alternative treatments that may be right for you.
Understanding Emsella and How It Works
Let’s break down what Emsella is and why people are looking for alternatives.
What is Emsella?
Emsella is a non-invasive treatment designed to combat urinary incontinence. It uses High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to kickstart and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
How Emsella Works
Basically, you sit in a chair, and it delivers the equivalent of about 11,000 Kegel contractions in a single session. The HIFEM tech targets the entire pelvic floor area for maximum impact.
The Upsides of Emsella
People like Emsella because it’s non-invasive, requires practically no downtime, and can help with stress, urge, and mixed incontinence. Plus, it works for both men and women.
Lifestyle Changes for Better Bladder Control
Sometimes, small changes to your daily habits can make a big difference in managing urinary incontinence. Before exploring Emsella alternatives, consider these lifestyle adjustments:
Dietary Adjustments
What you eat and drink can significantly impact your bladder control, and some even wonder about intermittent fasting for improving performance.
Identifying Trigger Foods and Drinks
Certain foods and drinks are known to irritate the bladder and worsen incontinence symptoms. These often include caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and acidic foods. It’s a good idea to keep a food diary to track what you eat and drink and note any correlation with increased urgency or leakage.
The Importance of Fiber and Hydration
Constipation can put extra pressure on your bladder, exacerbating incontinence. Eating a high-fiber diet can help regulate bowel movements. It’s also important to drink plenty of water to maintain overall bladder health, although you’ll want to avoid overdoing it right before bedtime.
Exercise and Weight Management
Physical activity plays a crucial role in bladder control.
The Role of Exercise
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Regular physical activity can improve overall health and strengthen the muscles that support your bladder.
Weight Management
Excess weight can put extra pressure on your bladder, leading to increased urgency and leakage. Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly improve bladder control.
Good Toilet Habits
How you use the toilet can also impact bladder health.
Avoiding Rushing
Practice good toilet habits, such as taking your time when urinating and ensuring your feet are flat on the floor for better muscle relaxation.
Quitting Smoking
Smoking can irritate the bladder and worsen incontinence symptoms. Quitting smoking is beneficial for overall health and bladder control.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
If you’re looking for an Emsella chair alternative, you may want to consider pelvic floor physical therapy, or PT.
Understanding Pelvic Floor PT
Pelvic floor PT is a type of physical therapy that’s designed to strengthen and rehabilitate the pelvic floor muscles.
Your pelvic floor PT might use a variety of techniques, including:
- Kegel exercises
- biofeedback
- other exercises meant to improve muscle strength and coordination
Benefits of Pelvic Floor PT
One of the biggest benefits of pelvic floor PT is improved bladder control. People who undergo this therapy often see a significant improvement in their incontinence symptoms.
Another advantage is that PTs develop personalized treatment plans based on your individual needs and the specifics of your condition.
Finding a Qualified Therapist
If you decide to give pelvic floor PT a try, it’s important to seek out a physical therapist who is licensed and experienced in this area. Look for someone who has specific training and expertise in pelvic floor rehabilitation to ensure you receive the best possible care.
Other Non-Invasive and Minimally Invasive Treatment Options
While the Emsella chair is a popular option for treating urinary incontinence, it’s not the only one. Several other approaches can help manage symptoms and improve pelvic floor strength.
Pessaries: A Supportive Solution
A pessary is a small device inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic organs and reduce leakage. Think of it as a scaffolding to hold things in place.
There are different types of pessaries, and a healthcare provider can help determine which is best depending on the specific condition. Some are shaped like rings, while others are more like cups or cubes.
Pessaries are easy to use and don’t require surgery, but they do need to be cleaned and replaced regularly. Some women can insert and remove them independently, while others need a doctor’s assistance.
Bladder Training: Retaking Control
Bladder training is a behavioral technique designed to increase the time between bathroom visits and reduce the feeling of urgency. It’s like retraining your bladder to hold more urine.
The process involves gradually increasing the intervals between bathroom visits. For example, if you typically go every hour, you might try to stretch it to an hour and 15 minutes, then an hour and a half, and so on.
Studies have shown that bladder training can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of leaks. It takes commitment and consistency, but it can be a very effective way to manage urinary incontinence.
Absorbent Underwear: A Discreet Option
Absorbent underwear has come a long way! Modern absorbent underwear is a comfortable and reliable alternative to pads. They’re designed to look and feel like regular underwear while providing discreet protection against leaks.
There are different styles and absorbency levels to choose from, depending on your needs. Some are designed for light leakage, while others offer more substantial protection. They can be a great option for managing urinary incontinence and maintaining an active lifestyle.
High-Tech Solutions: Advanced Treatments for Incontinence
Sometimes, lifestyle changes and exercises aren’t enough to manage incontinence. Luckily, there are some pretty impressive high-tech options out there.
Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS)
How SNS Works: This involves surgically implanting a device that stimulates the sacral nerve. Think of the sacral nerve as the control center for your bladder; stimulating it can help regulate how your bladder functions.
Benefits of SNS: SNS can really make a difference, especially if you’re dealing with urge incontinence or an overactive bladder. It can significantly reduce those sudden urges and frequent trips to the bathroom.
Botox Injections for Overactive Bladder
The Use of Botox: Yes, the same Botox used for wrinkles can also help with an overactive bladder. Injecting Botox into the bladder muscle helps relax it, which in turn reduces that feeling of urgency.
Procedure and Results: The procedure itself is relatively quick, and the relief can last for several months. Your doctor will discuss the specifics with you, but it’s a pretty straightforward way to get some control back.
Urethral Bulking Agents
What are Bulking Agents? These are substances injected into the urethra to narrow it. The idea is to create a tighter seal to prevent leakage.
Procedure and Effectiveness: The injection process is fairly simple, and while the success rates can vary, many people find it to be a helpful solution for managing stress incontinence. Your doctor can give you a better idea of what to expect based on your specific situation.
Alternative Technologies: ThermiVa and Other Emerging Treatments
While the Emsella chair is a popular option, other technologies are available and new treatments are always being developed. Here’s a look at one notable alternative:
ThermiVa: Radiofrequency for Vaginal Health
How ThermiVa Works: ThermiVa uses radiofrequency energy to gently heat vaginal tissues. This heat is intended to improve the elasticity and overall function of these tissues.
Differences from Emsella: The key difference is that ThermiVa focuses its energy on the vaginal tissues themselves, aiming to improve their condition directly. The Emsella chair, on the other hand, primarily targets the pelvic floor muscles, strengthening them through electromagnetic stimulation.
Treatment Details: A typical ThermiVa treatment plan involves three sessions, each spaced about a month apart. This allows for gradual improvement and gives the tissues time to respond to the radiofrequency energy.
Other Emerging Technologies
The field of feminine health is constantly evolving, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for other potential treatments that are currently under development or starting to gain popularity. Talk with your doctor about the best options for your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chair is best for pelvic floor problems?
That’s tricky, because there’s no one “best” chair for pelvic floor problems. The Emsella chair is a popular option, but the right choice really depends on your individual needs and what a healthcare professional recommends. It’s always best to explore all your options.
What is the difference between Emsella and EMS?
Emsella uses High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles, causing them to contract involuntarily, but there are EMSELLA vs. At-Home Options to consider. EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contractions. The key difference is that Emsella penetrates deeper and targets the pelvic floor muscles more effectively.
Does Elitone really work?
Elitone is an over-the-counter device that uses electrical stimulation to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. Research shows that Elitone may be effective for some people. It’s essential to talk with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment to see if it’s right for you.
Is Emsella treatment covered by Medicare?
Generally, no. Emsella treatment is not typically covered by Medicare because it’s considered an elective procedure. Coverage can vary depending on your specific Medicare plan and medical necessity, so it’s best to check with your insurance provider.
How many Kegels are in the Emsella chair?
One 28-minute Emsella treatment is equivalent to doing approximately 11,200 Kegel exercises. The chair stimulates the entire pelvic floor region, providing a much more intense and effective workout than you could achieve on your own.
Putting It All Together
The Emsella chair is just one of many treatments that can help with urinary incontinence. Other options include simple lifestyle changes, physical therapy, devices you can use at home, and other technologies.
It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional to figure out which treatment is best for you. They can help you find the right plan based on your individual needs and concerns.
Incontinence can be a frustrating problem, but it can be managed. With the right approach, you can improve your quality of life and feel more confident.