Does this sound like you?
Bladder leakage is common, and it’s rarely talked about. It may be worth seeing an Olika GP if any of these are familiar.
- Leaks when you cough, sneeze, laugh or jump
- A sudden need to go, and not always making it
- Heaviness or dragging in the pelvis
- Hard to feel your pelvic floor since having a baby
- Still leaking despite exercises, physio or pads
- Skipping running, the gym or sport
- Planning outings around the toilets
- Less sensation or confidence during intimacy
You don’t have to put up with it. An Olika GP can help work out why it’s happening and what may help.
Book Online
Who Emsella may help
Your pelvic floor supports the bladder, bowel and pelvic organs. It can weaken for many reasons, at many stages of life.
After childbirth
As part of postnatal recovery, when the pelvic floor has been stretched or weakened.
Perimenopause and menopause
Hormone changes can weaken pelvic floor muscles and affect bladder control.
With age
Muscles lose strength over time, including the ones that hold the bladder.
After pelvic surgery
Such as a hysterectomy, which can affect pelvic floor support.
Years of strain
From a chronic cough, constipation, heavy lifting or high-impact exercise.
What Emsella may help with
- Stress incontinenceLeaks when you cough, sneeze, laugh, lift or exercise
- Urge incontinenceA sudden, strong need to go
- Mixed incontinenceA combination of both
- Pelvic floor weaknessIncluding pelvic and core stability
- Mild pelvic heavinessEarly signs of reduced pelvic support. Not moderate or severe prolapse.
- Intimate sensationBetter sensation and confidence, as a secondary effect of a stronger pelvic floor
It may also suit you if
- You want to strengthen your pelvic floor, even without major symptoms
- Exercises, physio or pads haven’t given you the results you hoped for
- You find pelvic floor exercises hard to do correctly, or to keep up
Emsella isn’t right for everyone, so your GP checks first.
How Emsella works
The chair does your pelvic floor exercises for you
You sit, fully clothed, and the chair works the muscles while you relax. No counting, no holding, and no wondering whether you’re doing them right.
It uses focused electromagnetic energy to make your pelvic floor muscles contract. Over a course of sessions, this may help strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and pelvic organs.
Thousands of contractions
More than most people can do on their own, and deeper than they can reach.
Fully clothed
No undressing and no internal exam. The treatment is non-invasive.
Adjusted to you
You’ll feel tingling and tightening. The nurse can turn the strength up or down.
Straight back to your day
About 28 minutes on the chair, with no recovery time needed.
What happens at Olika
Your treatment is part of your medical care, from first appointment to review.
Assessment
Our registered nurse records your symptoms, history and medicines. Your GP then goes over these with you, makes an assessment and decides whether Emsella is suitable. If another treatment may suit you better, your GP will discuss it with you.
Your sessions
Our registered nurse runs each session in a private room, and your GP monitors your progress. The standard course is 6 sessions. Depending on your assessment and pelvic floor muscle tone, you may need more.
Review
At the end of the course we look at how you’re going. Next steps may include occasional top-up sessions or a specialist referral.
Medically overseen, for your safety
Before and during your treatment, our doctors check that Emsella is safe and right for you.
A doctor checks the cause
Your GP looks at what’s behind your leaks and reviews your current medicines before treatment starts.
Similar conditions ruled out
Conditions that cause similar symptoms are checked for, so nothing is missed.
Safety checked by a doctor
Your GP checks for anything that may make Emsella unsuitable, such as implants, devices, pregnancy or recent surgery.
Referred when needed
If something else needs attention, your GP can refer you to the right specialist, such as a urologist or gynaecologist.
Nurse-led, GP-supervised
Every session is run by our registered nurse, with our GPs overseeing your care.
Progress monitored
Your GP follows how you’re going and adjusts your plan if needed.
How Emsella fits with other options
Emsella is one option. Your GP may suggest it on its own or alongside other care.
| Option | What it does | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Pelvic floor exercises | You strengthen the muscles yourself | Hard to hold long enough to make a difference. Very weak muscles may not lift or hold at all, so many people give up. |
| Pads and products | Manage leaks day to day | Don’t address the cause. An ongoing cost. |
| Bladder medicines | Help calm an overactive bladder | Usually taken long term, as symptoms often return when stopped. May cause side effects. |
| Emsella | Strong muscle contractions while you sit | Non-surgical. A course of sessions. Not suitable for everyone. |
| Surgery | Supports or repairs structures | For some people when other options haven’t helped. We refer to specialists. |
Fees
Comprehensive assessment and GP review
Bulk billed
For eligible Medicare card holders
This initial bulk-billed consultation is where your Olika GP checks that Emsella is safe and suitable for you, and looks for anything that may make it unsuitable.
Emsella session fees
For current session and course pricing, book through HotDoc or talk to our team.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book an assessment directly with us.
Do I have to undress?
No. You stay fully clothed, and there’s no internal examination.
What should I wear?
Loose, comfortable clothes. You’ll be asked to take phones, keys and other metal items out of your pockets before you sit down.
Does it hurt?
Most people feel tingling and strong tightening of the muscles. The nurse can turn the strength up or down to suit you.
How long does a session take?
About 28 minutes on the chair. Allow around 45 minutes for the visit.
How many sessions will I need?
The standard course is 6 sessions over about 3 weeks. Depending on your assessment and pelvic floor muscle tone, you may need more.
When might I notice a change?
It varies from person to person. Some people notice a difference during the course, while for others it takes longer. Your review is a chance to talk about how it’s going.
I’ve recently had a baby. Can I have it?
Talk with an Olika GP. The right timing depends on your recovery. Emsella isn’t used during pregnancy.
Can Emsella help with intimacy?
For some women, a stronger pelvic floor brings better sensation and more confidence during intimacy. This is a secondary effect, not the main purpose of treatment. An Olika GP can talk this through with you.
I already do pelvic floor exercises. Is Emsella still worth it?
Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) are hard to do well, and it’s hard to hold each contraction long enough to make a difference. Emsella does the contractions for you, so there’s nothing to hold or count. It can be used on its own or alongside your own exercises.
Can men have Emsella?
Yes. We see men for leaks after prostate surgery and with age. See our page for men.
Is it covered by Medicare?
Your first assessment and GP review are bulk billed for eligible Medicare card holders. Emsella session fees aren’t covered by Medicare.
When Emsella may not be suitable
Your GP checks this at your first appointment. Emsella may not be suitable if you:
- Are pregnant
- Have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device
- Have metal implants in or near the pelvis
- Have a copper IUD
- Have recently had pelvic surgery
- Have any other condition your GP finds makes it unsuitable
Not sure? Ask us. We’ll check before you start.
(02) 5133 9053Book a consultation in Phillip
Talk with an Olika GP about your symptoms and whether Emsella may suit you. Book online, or call if you’d rather talk it through first.
Olika Medical CentreLevel 8, 1 Bowes Place, Phillip ACT 2606