Postpartum Urinary Incontinence and Emsella

Postpartum urinary incontinence is a common condition that affects many women after childbirth. It occurs due to the weakening of pelvic floor muscles (PFM). The PFM supports the bladder and urethra. After delivery, the uterus shrinks back to its original position. This movement can add pressure on the bladder. Hormonal changes also loosen the PFM and organs. As a result, support decreases. Pelvic organ prolapse is most likely to occur in the third trimester of pregnancy and postpartum.

Postpartum incontinence can take two forms. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) occurs when pressure is placed on the bladder. The compression on it causes urine leakage. On the other hand, urge urinary incontinence (UUI) is characterised by a sudden and urgent need to urinate. Postpartum incontinence is usually short-lived and goes within a year. However, some women still experience it five years after childbirth.

Hormonal changes also weaken and stretch the PFM. This reduces pelvic floor support. During postpartum, oestrogen levels are lowered. Oestrogen plays a key role in the bladder, urethra and PFM’s development. It maintains their strength and elasticity. Lowered levels of oestrogen after delivery can weaken or shrink the tissues. This results in PFM weakness, dysfunction and urinary incontinence.

Pushing during delivery can also cause the PFM to loosen and weaken. This is due to the strong abdominal pressure applied. The PFM may get damaged in a difficult delivery when bearing down. This is especially when the pressure is applied for 10 seconds or more. A long contraction can damage the PFM. If vacuum cups, forceps or stitching are used, incontinence may result.

When the muscles are greatly stretched and strained, pelvic organ prolapse may result. This is where the pelvic organs drop lower in the pelvis. Pain may sometimes be felt. At least 60% of those with prolapse experience incontinence.

Kegels is recommended as the first line of treatment for incontinence. It tones the PFM to prevent urine leak. The difficulty lies in finding the PFM. Emsella is a cutting-edge treatment that offers a breakthrough solution for postpartum incontinence. Women can now restore control of their PFM much more easily postpartum through Emsella.

Emsella
Emsella uses High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy to cause deep and intense PFM contractions. These contractions are like Kegel squeezes. However, with Emsella, the contractions are supramaximal – they are more powerful and effective than what you can achieve on your own. During a single 28-minute session, Emsella can induce up to 11,000 contractions.

This re-educates and strengthens the PFM. Neuromuscular control is also restored after rehabilitation. This will lead to a significant improvement in the quality of life.

Emsella is entirely non-invasive. Patients do not need to remove any clothing during treatment. They only need to sit comfortably on a chair while the HIFEM energy stimulates the entire pelvic floor area. It is pain-free and safe.

Clinical studies have found that Emsella can provide a 95% improvement in the quality of life for patients. There is also a 75% reduction in pad usage. The results are typically noticeable after just one session. Improvement will continue over the next few weeks. Each session is 30 minutes, and four sessions is recommended. Overall, patients feel more confident and empowered after undergoing Emsella treatment.

Let Emsella help you with postpartum incontinence. Book an appointment with one of our authorised service providers now to find out more!