FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 3, 2023) – Everyone faces insecurities from time to time, but the life-altering effects of urinary and bowel incontinence can lead adults to face major challenges with self-esteem, depression, and social withdrawal. Dr. Melissa (Mel) Irvine, DNP is offering relief to both men and women through a revolutionary device called the BTL EMSELLA® chair, a life-changing non-invasive treatment for incontinence – and your confidence! The treatment involves rehabilitating weak pelvic muscles, which means it can also be used to improve sexual pleasure for women and their partners.
“There are different reasons patients benefit from the EMSELLA® chair. Pelvic muscles can weaken due to aging, pregnancy, childbirth, constipation, being overweight, and other factors. Symptoms can include frequent urgency, and leaking urine or stool,” explained Dr. Mel. “To fix that, we want to strengthen the pelvic floor, which is a layer of muscles ranging from the pubic bone to the tailbone. These muscles support the small intestines, bladder, and rectum. In women, they also surround the vagina and support the uterus. Tightening these muscles can significantly improve symptoms of urinary and bowel incontinence while also making sex more pleasurable.”
Kegel exercises are typically recommended to strengthen the pelvic floor. To perform Kegel exercises, focus on repeatedly contracting the muscles you use to stop urine. Try holding for five seconds before releasing, then repeat. You can practice Kegels anytime, anywhere. Start with a few a couple of times a day. When that seems easier, simply increase the number of repetitions and sets you do each day. It may take months to see results depending on the frequency and quantity of exercises you perform daily.
“The BTL EMSELLA® chair uses electromagnetic technology to contract the pelvic floor muscles for you and helps tighten them up much faster. It’s far superior to what you can do yourself,” said Dr. Mel. “One treatment takes about 30 minutes, fully clothed, and delivers the equivalent of 12,000 Kegels!”
Every patient is different and will need to consult a provider to see if they are a good candidate for treatment. Studies (available on the BTL EMSELLA® website) show 75% pad reduction, and improved quality of life for 95% of patients. There is no downtime, and some patients see a difference after the first session, with continued improvements as treatments progress over the following weeks.
“It’s incredible to see the change in a patient’s demeanor and confidence after they go through treatment with the EMSELLA®. The results are life-changing for some,” said Dr. Mel. “I typically recommend 16 treatments, starting at once or twice a week. We then go into maintenance with one or two sessions a month. It depends on how much improvement they see and what their goals are.”
As a Sexual Medicine provider with over 15 years of experience, Dr. Mel takes pride in empowering and educating men and women so they can be their own health advocates and make the best-informed decisions regarding treatment options and quality of life. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit drmelirvine.com, or call 239-351-5663. You can also follow her on Facebook for news, updates, and special offers.
About Dr. Melissa (Mel) Irvine, DNP
Dr. Mel has been in the medical field for over 15 years and is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Brenau Women’s College, in Gainesville, Georgia, her Master of Science in Nursing at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, and her doctorate degree at Florida Gulf Coast University. Dr. Mel is passionate about empowering and educating women so they can be their own advocates and make the best-informed decisions regarding treatment options and quality of life. As a Sexual Medicine provider, she takes pride in providing high-quality personalized care to meet the sexual health needs of both men and women. Her interest in Sexual Medicine took her to San Diego, where she completed a preceptorship with the leading Sexual Medicine provider in the U.S., Dr. Irwin Goldstein. She is an avid learner and regularly attends educational training and conferences to stay current on the latest and most innovative treatment options.