The BTL Emsella chair is a noninvasive treatment that uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate your pelvic floor muscles and treat urinary incontinence and pelvic floor disorders. It’s FDA-approved for both men and women.
Though it’s a safe procedure for most people, there are some Emsella contraindications you need to know about before considering it.
This article will help you understand when you shouldn’t use Emsella to make sure you stay safe and get the best possible results.
Understanding the Emsella Treatment and its Benefits
Emsella is a non-invasive treatment that uses electromagnetic stimulation to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Let’s take a closer look at how it works and what it can do.
How Emsella Works
Emsella utilizes High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles. During a single 28-30 minute session, the device induces thousands of contractions — more than 11,000, in fact!
This process strengthens the pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to better bladder control and improved sexual function.
Conditions Treated by Emsella
Emsella is mainly used to treat urinary incontinence, including stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and mixed incontinence. It can also help with overactive bladder symptoms and may improve sexual wellness by addressing issues like vaginal laxity and orgasmic dysfunction.
Men can also benefit from Emsella, as it can be used to treat erectile dysfunction, though other options such as BioTE Pellets may also be considered depending on the underlying cause.
Efficacy and Results
Research shows that Emsella can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life. Studies have reported up to a 95% improvement in quality of life for those who undergo the treatment.
Many patients also experience a reduction in the number of pads they need to use, with reports of up to a 75% reduction.
Absolute Contraindications for Emsella Treatment
While Emsella is a non-invasive procedure, some conditions make it unsafe. These are called absolute contraindications, meaning you absolutely shouldn’t have Emsella treatment if any of these apply to you:
Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant, you can’t get Emsella. Scientists don’t yet know how the high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy used in Emsella could affect a developing fetus.
Metal Implants
If you have metal implants in the area to be treated, Emsella is off-limits. The electromagnetic energy could interact with the metal, leading to heating or even displacement of the implant. This includes things like metal hip replacements or screws/plates in your pelvic area.
Pacemakers and Defibrillators
Patients with pacemakers or defibrillators should avoid Emsella. The electromagnetic field generated by the device can interfere with how these devices work, potentially causing them to malfunction.
Implanted Neurostimulators
If you have an implanted neurostimulator (often used for pain management), you’re not a good candidate for Emsella. Again, the electromagnetic field could mess with the device’s programming or function.
Certain Types of Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
Copper IUDs may be a contraindication because they contain metal. It’s best to talk with your healthcare provider to be sure your IUD is compatible with Emsella before starting treatment.
Relative Contraindications and Precautions
While Emsella is generally safe, certain conditions may mean it’s not the right treatment for you, or that you should proceed with extra caution. Here’s a rundown:
Bleeding Disorders
If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medications, talk to your doctor. HIFEM (High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic) technology could potentially cause localized bleeding in these cases.
Recent Surgeries
If you’ve recently had pelvic surgery, it’s best to postpone Emsella treatment to allow adequate healing time.
Skin Conditions in the Treatment Area
Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or open wounds in the pelvic area may make Emsella inadvisable. The treatment could irritate or worsen these conditions.
Acute Infections
If you have an active urinary tract infection (UTI) or another infection in the pelvic region, it should be treated and cleared up before starting Emsella. There’s a risk that the infection could spread or worsen with treatment.
Piercings
Metal piercings in the treatment area must be removed before each session. Metal can heat up during the procedure and cause burns.
Sensitivity to Electromagnetic Fields
In rare cases, some individuals may be particularly sensitive to electromagnetic fields. These individuals may experience discomfort or adverse reactions during Emsella treatment.
Consultation and Assessment
Before starting Emsella treatments, it’s essential to have a thorough consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. They’ll want to take your complete medical history and perform a physical exam to assess your individual risk factors.
Be sure to discuss all your medical conditions, any medications you’re taking, and any previous surgeries you’ve had. Choosing the right patients for Emsella is key to minimizing risks and ensuring the best possible treatment results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should not do pelvic floor exercises?
Pelvic floor exercises, while generally beneficial, aren’t for everyone. Individuals with already overly tight pelvic floor muscles may find that Kegels exacerbate their symptoms. It’s best to consult a pelvic floor physical therapist to determine if these exercises are appropriate for your specific condition.
What are the contraindications for pelvic floor exercise?
While not a direct contraindication, hypertonic pelvic floor muscles may indicate that more relaxation techniques are needed. Emsella is contraindicated for individuals with metal implants (like hip replacements or certain IUDs) near the treatment area, those who are pregnant, or those with implanted electrical devices such as pacemakers.
Can Kegels make a tight pelvic floor worse?
Yes, if your pelvic floor muscles are already too tight, performing Kegels can worsen the tightness and lead to pain, discomfort, and even difficulty with urination or bowel movements. This is why a proper assessment by a healthcare professional is crucial.
What is the age limit for Emsella?
There’s no strict upper age limit for Emsella. The suitability of the treatment depends more on the individual’s overall health and the severity of their incontinence rather than their age. However, it’s less common for those under 18 to seek this treatment.
Does incontinence get worse after Emsella?
Incontinence does not generally get worse after Emsella. Emsella is designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, therefore reducing urinary incontinence.
The Bottom Line
Emsella can be a great option for some people, but it’s not for everyone. Safety is key, so it’s important to know about the contraindications.
Before you try Emsella, make sure you talk to a healthcare professional. They can give you a thorough evaluation and help you decide if Emsella is a good fit for you.
Understanding and following the contraindications can help make sure that Emsella treatments are safe and effective for the people who can benefit from them most.