By: Andrew Liscio, Clinical Educator
As published in Little Silver Neighbors, April 2020
The funny thing about incontinence is that many of us struggle with variations of it but are too embarrassed to have conversations about it. IT'S TIME TO HAVE THE CONVERSATION.
As of 2019, the billion-dollar industry (yes, I said billion) of adult disposable products has found a place in our population and doesn't seem to show any signs of slowing. A switch was flipped, and disposable briefs for the adult market surpassed infant diaper sales, according to Reuters. Body aging, childbirth, and menopause are just a few of the reasons which lead to stress and urge incontinence - having us literally laugh until we pee. Have you ever been so scared to play outside with your kids because you were scared of a little dribble? You're not alone.
Being a 33-year-old man, I have never had any issues going to the bathroom, and I always thought these issues only happened to women after childbirth in younger populations or as we age. There's no reason why I should be doing kegel exercises, right? WRONG! There was a time when I would wake up throughout the night once or twice to head to the bathroom. It was easy to sum it all up to being hydrated since I always made it a point to drink enough water every day, but why should the trade-off have to be disrupting sleep?
Treatments for incontinence aren't too fun, either. There are a number of medications for men and women that can be of use to many people but don't come without ugly side effects like disorientation, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, and the list goes on. Botox injections can be used in some instances, like overactive bladder, but like other medications, it has its own set of risks. In more severe cases, patients opt for a surgical bladder lift, which will generally give them relief for around three years but not provide a long-term solution to the problem. Our health is our main concern, yet insurance doesn't mind trading one health issue for another. There has to be a better option. Entering the ring comes BTL Emsella.
The chair-looking device by BTL Industries Inc. is the only FDA-cleared treatment of stress and urge incontinence for both men and women worldwide that don't involve medications or surgeries. It works by using HIFEM (high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy) technology. Clinical studies have shown no adverse events, and 81% of users reported significantly reduced symptoms. At their three-month visit, more than 40% of the patients tested reported not using adult briefs anymore. The device stimulates pelvic floor contractions, resulting in about 11,000 kegels in 28 minutes. Did I mention all you have to do is sit on it wearing all your clothes?
While at the moment, BTL Emsella isn't covered by insurance, it could be the long-term answer you've been looking for, especially if you are like me and want something safe and effective with little to no side effects. It is important to know your options.
I decided to give the "chair" a try. The recommended protocol is usually around six to ten treatments depending on the severity of symptoms. The involuntary kegel contractions are a strange sensation at first but not uncomfortable or painful. Did I have a real issue with incontinence? No. After six treatments over three weeks, however, I now sleep through the night and wake up feeling rested and ready for the day. It is also used to improve sexual wellness. While it is not indicated, others also report better intimacy and relief from erectile dysfunction. Better intimacy on a lunch break isn't a bad deal.
コメント