EmSella is a non-invasive treatment designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder control, particularly for stress urinary incontinence. The treatment uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology, similar to that used in EmSculpt for muscle building, but specifically targeted to the pelvic floor. During treatment, you remain fully clothed and sit on a specialized chair that delivers electromagnetic pulses to induce thousands of supramaximal pelvic floor muscle contractions in a single 28-minute session. These contractions are far more intense and frequent than voluntary pelvic floor exercises (Kegels), forcing the muscles to strengthen and become more toned. EmSella is FDA-cleared for treating stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence and mixed incontinence in both women and men, though it is most commonly used by women. The treatment can address leaking when coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising; frequent urgent need to urinate; weakened pelvic floor from childbirth, ageing or other factors; reduced intimate sensation; and overall pelvic floor weakness. The procedure requires no anaesthesia, involves no pain (though sensations can feel unusual), requires no downtime, and allows immediate return to normal activities. A typical treatment course consists of 6 sessions over 3 weeks, scheduled twice per week. Results develop gradually as the pelvic floor muscles strengthen, with many people noticing improvement in bladder control and quality of life.

EmSella typically improves rather than worsens incontinence when used appropriately, as the entire purpose of the treatment is to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and enhance bladder control. However, some people may experience temporary changes or initial worsening in very specific circumstances. During the treatment course, you might temporarily experience increased urgency or frequency as the muscles are being intensely worked and may be fatigued or responding to the stimulation; muscle soreness affecting bladder control briefly; or heightened awareness of pelvic floor sensations. These effects are typically very temporary, resolving within hours to days, and do not represent true worsening of the underlying condition. EmSella could potentially be unhelpful or feel like worsening if you have been misdiagnosed and your incontinence is not due to pelvic floor weakness but rather overactive bladder, neurological issues, or other causes requiring different treatment; you have very severe prolapse that needs surgical intervention rather than muscle strengthening; your pelvic floor is hypertonic (too tight) rather than weak, in which case strengthening could exacerbate problems; or you have other underlying conditions affecting bladder function. Most clinical studies show EmSella improves incontinence in 75% to 95% of appropriate patients, with no reports of causing lasting worsening. If you experience persistent worsening of symptoms during or after EmSella treatment, this suggests either misdiagnosis of the underlying problem; the treatment is not appropriate for your specific type of incontinence; you need additional or alternative interventions; or there are other factors affecting your bladder function. It is crucial to have proper assessment by a urogynaecologist or specialist before starting EmSella to confirm that pelvic floor weakness is indeed the cause of your incontinence and that strengthening exercises are the appropriate treatment approach. For appropriate candidates with stress incontinence or mixed incontinence due to weak pelvic floor muscles, EmSella should improve rather than worsen symptoms.

EmSella is generally not recommended for significant pelvic organ prolapse, and there is debate among specialists about whether it could potentially worsen prolapse or is simply ineffective for this condition. The concern is that while EmSella strengthens pelvic floor muscles through intense contractions, prolapse is primarily a problem of weakened or damaged connective tissue and ligament support rather than just muscle weakness. The intense contractions induced by EmSella could theoretically increase intra-abdominal pressure, potentially putting additional strain on already weakened connective tissue support; cause downward forces that might worsen prolapse; or strengthen muscles around prolapse without addressing the structural support issue. However, there is limited clinical evidence either confirming or definitively ruling out that EmSella worsens prolapse. Current medical consensus suggests EmSella should not be used for moderate to severe prolapse (stage 2 or higher); might be considered for very mild prolapse (stage 1) if supervised by a specialist who can monitor closely; is not a substitute for surgical repair when indicated; and should be approached cautiously by anyone with known prolapse. If you have pelvic organ prolapse, the appropriate first steps are thorough assessment by a urogynaecologist or pelvic floor specialist to determine the grade and type of prolapse; discussion of all treatment options including conservative management with pessaries, appropriate pelvic floor physical therapy (which is very different from EmSella), lifestyle modifications, or surgical repair if indicated; and understanding that strengthening pelvic floor muscles alone may not address prolapse caused by damaged fascial and ligament support. Some specialists believe that controlled, appropriate pelvic floor strengthening might help mild prolapse, while others prefer more targeted pelvic floor physical therapy supervised by specialists rather than device-based treatment. EmSella manufacturers have not specifically studied or claimed effectiveness for prolapse treatment, and the treatment is indicated for incontinence, not prolapse. If you have both incontinence and prolapse, do not seek EmSella without thorough specialist assessment, as treating one condition inappropriately could affect the other.

Yes, the EmSella chair can work effectively for stress urinary incontinence and pelvic floor weakness when used on appropriate candidates. Clinical studies and real-world use show that EmSella can produce meaningful improvements in bladder control and quality of life for many people. Research indicates that approximately 75% to 95% of treated patients report significant improvement in incontinence symptoms; around 67% achieve 50% or greater reduction in pad usage; many people report improved quality of life and confidence; and objective measurements show increased pelvic floor muscle strength and thickness. However, effectiveness varies significantly depending on the severity and type of incontinence, with mild to moderate stress incontinence showing the best results; whether pelvic floor muscle weakness is truly the primary cause of symptoms; individual patient factors including age, overall health and previous treatments; realistic expectations about improvement rather than cure; and commitment to the full treatment protocol. EmSella works best for people with stress urinary incontinence from weakened pelvic floor (leaking with coughing, sneezing, exercise); postpartum pelvic floor weakness; mild mixed incontinence; or those seeking to strengthen pelvic floor preventatively. It is less effective or unsuitable for severe prolapse requiring surgical intervention; purely overactive bladder without stress component; neurological causes of incontinence; very advanced age with severe muscle atrophy; or incontinence from anatomical abnormalities requiring surgery. The treatment is not a miracle cure, and some people see minimal improvement while others achieve dramatic results. Success also depends on maintaining pelvic floor health after treatment through continued Kegel exercises, healthy lifestyle, weight management and addressing factors that weaken the pelvic floor. EmSella offers advantages over traditional pelvic floor physical therapy including not requiring you to learn and perform exercises correctly, providing more intense contractions than most people can achieve voluntarily, and being convenient with no homework required between sessions. However, it is more expensive than standard pelvic floor exercises and may not be covered by insurance. For appropriate candidates with realistic expectations, EmSella does work and can provide significant improvement in incontinence and pelvic floor function.

EmSella is not specifically designed or indicated for treating pelvic organ prolapse, and its effectiveness for prolapse is questionable and not well-established. While the treatment strengthens pelvic floor muscles, prolapse is primarily caused by weakened or damaged connective tissue, fascia and ligament support structures rather than simply weak muscles. The pelvic organs are held in place by a hammock of connective tissue, and when this support fails, organs descend, creating prolapse. Strengthening muscles alone cannot repair damaged fascia or connective tissue, so EmSella's muscle-building approach may not address the root cause of prolapse. Some considerations for EmSella and prolapse include: it is not recommended or studied for moderate to severe prolapse; for very mild prolapse (stage 1), some specialists might consider it as part of conservative management, though evidence is limited; EmSella might help associated symptoms like incontinence even if it does not improve prolapse itself; and there is concern it could potentially worsen prolapse through increased intra-abdominal pressure, though this is not definitively proven. If you have pelvic organ prolapse, appropriate management typically includes assessment by a urogynaecologist to grade the prolapse; consideration of conservative options like pessaries for support; specialized pelvic floor physical therapy focusing on proper muscle coordination, not just strengthening; lifestyle modifications including weight management, avoiding heavy lifting and treating constipation; and surgical repair for significant prolapse causing bothersome symptoms. Pelvic floor physical therapy with a specialized therapist is generally preferred over EmSella for prolapse, as therapists can assess whether your pelvic floor is weak, overactive or poorly coordinated and provide tailored treatment. EmSella's one-size-fits-all strengthening approach may not be appropriate if your pelvic floor muscles are already working too hard or are poorly coordinated. If you have prolapse and are considering EmSella, get thorough specialist assessment first, understand that it is not a proven prolapse treatment, consider it only for very mild prolapse and only with specialist approval, and have realistic expectations that it may help associated incontinence without improving the prolapse itself.

EmSella can improve pelvic floor muscle tone and strength, which may create a sensation of improved tightness or control, though this depends on what 'tighter' means in context. If you are asking about vaginal tightness or sensation during intercourse, EmSella can potentially improve this by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles that surround the vagina, improving muscle tone and control, enhancing the ability to voluntarily contract pelvic muscles during intimacy, and increasing overall pelvic floor function and awareness. Many people report improved intimate sensation and satisfaction after EmSella, both for themselves and their partners, as stronger pelvic floor muscles can create better sensation and control. However, it is important to understand that 'tightness' is not always desirable or beneficial: if your pelvic floor is already hypertonic (too tight), adding more tension would worsen problems; vaginal tightness is not the same as pelvic floor strength, as you can have weak but tense muscles; and excessive tightness can cause pain, difficulty with intimacy or other dysfunction. EmSella strengthens and tones pelvic floor muscles, which is different from creating abnormal tightness. The goal is functional strength, control and coordination, not excessive tension. For vaginal tightness specifically, other treatments like vaginal rejuvenation lasers or surgical procedures might be more directly targeted if looseness is the primary concern. However, many people find EmSella improves their experience of intimacy through better muscle control and strength. If you are asking about tightness in terms of bladder control and pelvic floor support, yes, EmSella does help create better 'tone' and support through strengthened muscles. The treatment improves your ability to control your pelvic floor, close the urethra effectively, support pelvic organs, and maintain continence. This functional improvement might be described as improved tone or control rather than tightness per se. Results vary individually, with some people noticing significant improvement in sensation and control while others experience more modest changes. EmSella works best when your issue is genuinely weak pelvic floor muscles rather than other causes of looseness or dysfunction.

EmSella results typically last 6 to 12 months for most people, with some experiencing benefits for up to a year or longer, though longevity varies based on individual factors and whether you maintain pelvic floor health after treatment. The muscle strengthening and improved bladder control achieved through EmSella represent real physiological changes, but like any muscle that is not maintained, pelvic floor muscles can gradually weaken again over time. Factors affecting result duration include your age and natural muscle maintenance capacity, with younger patients sometimes maintaining results longer; whether you continue doing Kegel exercises or pelvic floor exercises after EmSella to maintain strength; lifestyle factors including weight gain, heavy lifting, high-impact exercise, chronic coughing or constipation, all of which can re-weaken the pelvic floor; future pregnancies or childbirth, which significantly affect pelvic floor strength; your overall health, hormonal status and natural ageing processes; and the severity of your initial condition, with mild cases often maintaining improvement better than severe ones. To maximize longevity of EmSella results, continue regular Kegel exercises to maintain the strength you have built; maintain healthy weight and avoid significant weight gain; practice proper lifting techniques and avoid straining; treat chronic coughing or constipation; and consider maintenance EmSella sessions every 6 to 12 months. Many practitioners recommend a maintenance session every 6 to 9 months after the initial treatment series to sustain improvements, though this varies individually. Some people find their symptoms gradually return as muscles naturally weaken with time, while others maintain excellent control for a year or more, particularly if they support their pelvic floor through lifestyle and exercises. EmSella should be viewed as a treatment that provides significant improvement and a strengthened foundation, but ongoing maintenance through exercises and healthy habits is important for long-term success. Unlike surgical interventions that create permanent structural changes, EmSella's muscle strengthening benefits will diminish without maintenance, similar to how gym-built muscles weaken without continued exercise.

Each individual EmSella treatment session lasts 28 minutes, during which you remain fully clothed and seated on the specialized chair while it delivers thousands of pelvic floor muscle contractions. This makes it one of the most convenient medical aesthetic treatments, as you literally just sit and let the device do the work. A complete EmSella treatment course typically consists of 6 sessions scheduled over 3 weeks, with treatments performed twice per week (usually with 2 to 3 days between sessions). This means the entire treatment program spans about 3 weeks from start to finish, with approximately 168 minutes (just under 3 hours) of actual treatment time total. The session timing is standardized at 28 minutes because the protocol involves a specific number and pattern of electromagnetic pulses designed to optimally stimulate pelvic floor muscles, trigger 11,000 to 12,000 supramaximal contractions per session, allow adequate intensity without causing excessive fatigue, and provide consistent, reproducible results across patients. During the 28-minute session, you will feel intense pulsing sensations in your pelvic floor, muscle contractions that feel unusual but generally not painful, possibly some vibration or tingling, and increasing intensity as the session progresses with built-in rest periods. Most people find they can read, use their phone or simply relax during treatment, though the sensations are distracting. There is absolutely no downtime - you can return to all normal activities including work, exercise and intimacy immediately after each session. Some people choose to schedule treatments during lunch breaks or between other appointments due to the short duration and lack of recovery needed. After completing the initial 6-session course over 3 weeks, results continue to develop over the following weeks to months as muscle strength builds. Maintenance sessions, if recommended, are typically single 28-minute treatments every 6 to 12 months.

The standard EmSella protocol consists of 6 treatment sessions scheduled twice per week over 3 weeks, which is considered the optimal initial treatment course for most people. This protocol has been studied and shown to produce the best balance of effectiveness and efficiency. The 6-session standard exists because clinical trials found this number provides optimal muscle strengthening and functional improvement; allows adequate recovery between sessions while maintaining momentum; triggers sufficient adaptation of pelvic floor muscles; and produces measurable, significant results for most appropriate candidates. However, individual needs may vary, and some practitioners may recommend 4 to 8 sessions initially depending on the severity of your incontinence or pelvic floor weakness, with milder cases sometimes responding to 4 to 5 sessions; your response to initial treatments, with some people needing additional sessions if progress is slower; your age and overall muscle condition; specific treatment goals and expectations; and practitioner assessment and protocols. After the initial treatment series, maintenance sessions are recommended to sustain results, typically one session every 3 to 6 months or when you notice symptoms returning; every 6 to 12 months if you are maintaining well through exercises and lifestyle; or more frequently if symptoms recur quickly. Some people return for periodic refresher courses of 3 to 4 sessions rather than single maintenance treatments. The treatment is not typically done indefinitely in continuous series but rather as courses with breaks between. Most people complete the initial 6-session course, maintain results for 6 to 12 months, then have maintenance as needed. It is important not to expect instant results or judge effectiveness after just 1 or 2 sessions, as the benefits are cumulative and muscle strengthening takes time. Similarly, having more than 6 sessions initially does not necessarily produce proportionally better results and may not be cost-effective. Follow your practitioner's recommendations based on your initial assessment and response to treatment. If you are not seeing any improvement after 4 to 5 sessions, this may indicate EmSella is not effective for your specific situation rather than meaning you need more treatments.

Before EmSella treatment, people typically have stress urinary incontinence causing embarrassing leaking with coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercise or sudden movements; need to wear pads daily to manage leaking; frequent urgent need to urinate or inability to reach the toilet in time; weakened pelvic floor from childbirth, ageing or other factors; reduced confidence in social situations or during physical activities; avoided certain exercises or activities due to leaking; reduced intimate sensation or satisfaction; and overall quality of life significantly impacted by bladder control issues. Many people have tried Kegel exercises without success or found them difficult to perform correctly. After EmSella treatment, following completion of the standard 6-session protocol over 3 weeks and allowing time for results to fully develop (typically assessed 4 to 8 weeks after the final session), most appropriate candidates experience significant improvements. Common reported benefits include substantial reduction or elimination of stress incontinence episodes; decreased pad usage or complete elimination of pad need; reduced urgency and better ability to reach the toilet in time; improved confidence during exercise, laughing or coughing; better intimate sensation and satisfaction; stronger awareness of and control over pelvic floor muscles; and significantly improved quality of life and confidence. Clinical studies show approximately 75% to 95% of patients report significant improvement, with around 67% reducing pad usage by 50% or more. The degree of improvement varies considerably depending on the severity of initial incontinence, with mild to moderate cases often achieving dramatic improvement or complete resolution; the underlying cause of incontinence, with pelvic floor muscle weakness showing better results than other causes; age and overall health, with generally better results in younger, healthier individuals; adherence to the full treatment protocol; and maintenance of pelvic floor health through continued exercises and healthy habits after treatment. Some people achieve nearly complete resolution of incontinence symptoms, while others experience moderate improvement but still require some intervention. During and immediately after the treatment course, you may notice gradual improvement developing over the 3 weeks of treatment and continuing for several weeks after; some people see changes after just 2 to 3 sessions while others need the full course; and peak improvement typically occurs 4 to 8 weeks after completing treatment as muscle strengthening fully develops. Because EmSella addresses internal pelvic floor muscles rather than external appearance, there are no visible before and after photos like with cosmetic treatments. The improvements are functional and quality-of-life related rather than aesthetic. Assessment is based on symptom questionnaires, pad usage tracking, and quality of life measures. Your practitioner may use validated incontinence questionnaires before and after treatment to objectively measure improvement. Most people with stress incontinence due to weak pelvic floor muscles find EmSella provides significant, worthwhile improvement that enhances their quality of life and confidence. The treatment is particularly valuable for people who have not responded to or struggled with traditional pelvic floor exercises, though maintaining results requires ongoing attention to pelvic floor health. While EmSella is not a permanent cure and results gradually fade without maintenance, the improvement during the effective period can be life-changing for people dealing with embarrassing incontinence affecting their daily activities and confidence.