Pelvic floor concerns are common, but they are not always easy to talk about.
Changes in bladder control, urgency or pelvic floor strength can occur at many stages of life. Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, ageing, surgery and changes in muscle condition may all influence how well the pelvic floor functions.
While these concerns can affect confidence and everyday activities, many people delay seeking support because they feel embarrassed or assume urinary leakage is simply something they have to live with.
At Ocean Cosmetics, our doctor-led approach begins with understanding why these changes are occurring. EMSELLA is one technology that may be considered as part of an individualised approach to pelvic floor rehabilitation and urinary incontinence.
Using patented HIFEM® technology, EMSELLA stimulates the pelvic floor muscles while the patient remains fully clothed. It is non-invasive, requires no internal applicators and involves little to no downtime for most suitable patients.
Rather than treating every patient in the same way, we begin with a consultation to understand your symptoms, health history and personal goals and to determine whether EMSELLA is an appropriate option for you.
Why Pelvic Floor Strength Matters
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues located at the base of the pelvis. These muscles support the bladder, bowel and, in women, the uterus.
They also contribute to:
● Bladder and bowel control
● Core stability
● Support of the pelvic organs
● Sexual function
● Movement and everyday physical activity
Like other muscles in the body, the pelvic floor can become weakened or lose coordination. However, because these muscles are not visible, changes in their function may not be recognised until symptoms begin to affect daily life.
When the pelvic floor is not providing adequate support or contracting effectively, some people may experience urinary leakage, urgency or difficulty maintaining bladder control during certain activities.
What Can Weaken the Pelvic Floor?
Pelvic floor weakness is rarely caused by one factor alone. It may develop gradually or follow a particular life or health event.
Contributing factors may include:
● Pregnancy and childbirth
● Perimenopause and menopause
● Natural changes associated with ageing
● Pelvic or prostate surgery
● Chronic coughing
● Constipation and repeated straining
● High-impact exercise or heavy lifting
● Changes in body weight
● Reduced muscle condition
● Certain neurological or medical conditions
For women, hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause may also affect the tissues surrounding the bladder, urethra and pelvic floor. For men, pelvic floor changes may occur with ageing or following prostate related procedures.
Understanding the underlying cause is important because urinary symptoms can have different origins. Pelvic floor weakness is only one possibility, and appropriate medical investigation may be recommended before treatment begins.
Understanding Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine. It can occur in both women and men and may present in different ways.
Stress Urinary Incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence occurs when pressure placed on the bladder exceeds the support provided by the pelvic floor and urethra.
Leakage may happen during activities such as:
● Coughing or sneezing
● Laughing
● Running or jumping
● Exercising
● Lifting
● Standing up or changing position
This form of urinary leakage is commonly associated with reduced pelvic floor support.
Urge Urinary Incontinence
Urge urinary incontinence involves a sudden, difficult-to-control need to urinate. Some people may not reach the bathroom before leakage occurs.
Urgency can be influenced by several factors and is not always caused by pelvic floor weakness alone. A medical assessment may therefore be required to investigate other possible causes.
Mixed Urinary Incontinence
Mixed urinary incontinence includes symptoms of both stress and urge incontinence.
Because symptoms vary between individuals, treatment should be guided by a careful assessment rather than by the presence of leakage alone.
What Is EMSELLA?
EMSELLA is a non-invasive treatment designed to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles using high-intensity focused electromagnetic technology, known as HIFEM®.
During treatment, patients sit on a specially designed chair while remaining fully clothed. The technology produces electromagnetic stimulation that causes repeated contractions throughout the pelvic floor musculature.
These contractions are sometimes described as similar to Kegel exercises. However, the stimulation is delivered automatically and does not depend on the patient being able to identify or voluntarily contract the correct muscles.
The aim is to engage the pelvic floor muscles, support muscle re-education and improve neuromuscular control.
EMSELLA does not involve surgery, needles or an internal treatment device. Most suitable patients can return to their usual activities following a session.
How Does HIFEM® Technology Work?
A healthy pelvic floor depends on both muscle strength and neuromuscular control — the communication between the nervous system and the muscles.
EMSELLA's HIFEM® technology generates an electromagnetic field that penetrates the pelvic floor region and induces thousands of muscle contractions during a treatment session.
These contractions are designed to:
● Recruit the pelvic floor muscles
● Support muscle re-education
● Improve muscular strength and endurance
● Restore neuromuscular control
● Support bladder control where pelvic floor weakness is contributing to symptoms
The treatment does not require patients to consciously perform each contraction. This may be helpful for people who have difficulty locating or correctly activating their pelvic floor muscles.
However, technology is only one part of pelvic health care. Depending on the individual, pelvic floor physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, bladder training, medical treatment or further investigation may also be recommended.
What Does an EMSELLA Treatment Feel Like?
During the treatment, you remain fully clothed and sit on the EMSELLA chair.
You may feel strong, repetitive contractions or tingling through the pelvic floor. The intensity can be adjusted according to your comfort and clinical assessment.
A session generally takes approximately 30 minutes. No anaesthetic is required, and there is usually little to no downtime for suitable patients.
You may return to most normal daily activities immediately after treatment unless your clinician advises otherwise.
How Many EMSELLA Treatments May Be Recommended?
EMSELLA is generally performed as a course of treatments rather than as a single session.
The number and timing of treatments will depend on factors including:
● The type and severity of your symptoms
● The underlying cause
● Your medical history
● Pelvic floor muscle condition
● Your response to treatment
● Your broader pelvic health plan
Some patients may also require maintenance sessions. Outcomes and timeframes vary, and improvement cannot be guaranteed.
Your clinician will discuss a recommended treatment plan after assessing your individual circumstances.
Who May Be Suitable for EMSELLA?
Following appropriate assessment, EMSELLA may be considered for women or men experiencing concerns associated with pelvic floor weakness, including:
● Stress urinary incontinence
● Some symptoms of mixed urinary incontinence
● Reduced pelvic floor strength
● Changes following pregnancy or childbirth
● Age-related pelvic floor changes
● Menopause-related changes
● Changes following selected pelvic or prostate procedures
● A desire to support pelvic floor function as part of a broader health plan
EMSELLA may also be of interest to people who find it difficult to perform pelvic floor exercises correctly or consistently.
It is not suitable for everyone. Certain implanted electronic or metal devices, pregnancy and some health conditions may affect suitability. A comprehensive consultation is required before treatment.
When Should Urinary Symptoms Be Medically Investigated?
Urinary leakage should not automatically be assumed to result from a weak pelvic floor.
Medical assessment is particularly important if symptoms are new, worsening or accompanied by:
● Pain or burning during urination
● Blood in the urine
● Recurrent urinary tract infections
● Difficulty emptying the bladder
● Pelvic pain
● Significant changes in urinary frequency
● Neurological symptoms
● A sudden loss of bladder control
These symptoms may require investigation or management outside the scope of an EMSELLA treatment programme.
At Ocean Cosmetics, patient safety begins with recognising when treatment is appropriate and when another form of care or referral may be more suitable.
EMSELLA as Part of a Broader Pelvic Health Plan
Pelvic floor health is influenced by more than muscle strength alone.
Depending on your symptoms, a comprehensive plan may also consider:
● Pelvic floor physiotherapy
● Bladder training
● Fluid and caffeine habits
● Constipation management
● Hormonal and menopause-related changes
● Weight management
● Exercise technique
● General strength and core conditioning
● Medical or specialist care
EMSELLA is not intended to replace appropriate medical assessment or pelvic floor physiotherapy. Instead, it may provide another option within a coordinated and personalised approach to pelvic wellness.
This reflects how we practise at Ocean Cosmetics. We do not begin with a device; we begin with the patient. Technology is considered only after we understand the concern, its likely causes and the most appropriate pathway forward.
Why Choose Ocean Cosmetics for EMSELLA in Perth?
At Ocean Cosmetics, our approach to functional wellness is doctor-led, evidence-informed and personalised.
We understand that pelvic floor and bladder concerns can be sensitive. Our aim is to provide a professional and supportive environment where patients can discuss their symptoms openly and without judgement.
Every recommendation considers your health history, symptoms and longer-term wellbeing. If EMSELLA is not considered suitable or if further medical assessment would be more appropriate, we will guide you towards the next step.
