The Emsella chair is a non-invasive medical device that strengthens pelvic floor muscles using focused electromagnetic energy. You sit on it fully clothed while it delivers approximately 11,000 muscle contractions in a single 28-minute session, far more than you could ever achieve through manual pelvic floor exercises. The FDA cleared the device in November 2018 for treating urinary incontinence in both men and women.
How the Emsella Chair Works
The chair uses a technology called High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy. When you sit on the device, it generates a powerful electromagnetic field that penetrates deep into the pelvic floor muscles, triggering involuntary contractions at what’s called “supramaximal” intensity. That means contractions stronger than what your muscles could produce on their own, no matter how hard you tried. These contractions force the muscles to adapt, rebuild, and strengthen over a series of treatments.
Think of it as a turbocharged version of Kegel exercises. A single session delivers roughly 11,000 contractions in under 30 minutes. Even the most disciplined person doing manual Kegels daily couldn’t come close to that volume. The key difference is also depth: the electromagnetic energy reaches muscle fibers that are difficult to engage voluntarily, which is why many people struggle with traditional pelvic floor exercises in the first place.
What a Treatment Session Looks Like
You remain fully clothed the entire time. There are no probes, no undressing, and no preparation needed. You simply sit on the chair, which looks similar to a padded seat, and the provider adjusts the intensity to a level that feels like strong but tolerable pelvic contractions. Sessions last about 28 to 30 minutes.
The standard protocol is six sessions, scheduled twice per week, meaning you complete the full course in about three weeks. Some people notice changes after a few sessions, though the most significant improvements often appear after the full series or in the weeks following. Results from clinical studies continued to improve even at the three-month follow-up, suggesting the muscles keep strengthening after treatment ends.
Clinical Results for Urinary Incontinence
A study of 75 patients published in a peer-reviewed journal found that 81% reported significant reduction in incontinence symptoms after completing six sessions. Among those who were using absorbent pads daily (averaging about 2.5 pads per day), pad usage dropped by roughly 44% immediately after treatment and by nearly 54% at the three-month follow-up. About 70% of pad users reported needing fewer pads overall.
These numbers are meaningful for people dealing with stress incontinence (leaking when you cough, sneeze, or exercise), urge incontinence (sudden, hard-to-control urges), or a mix of both. The treatment won’t eliminate incontinence for everyone, but the majority of participants in clinical trials experienced measurable improvement in both symptoms and quality of life.
Benefits Beyond Bladder Control
Because the pelvic floor muscles support more than just the bladder, strengthening them can have effects that extend into sexual health. Stronger pelvic floor muscles are linked to improved sexual satisfaction and a greater ability to achieve orgasm. Providers also use the Emsella chair for concerns like vaginal laxity, which can develop after childbirth or with aging. The device is cleared for use in both women and men, and in men, pelvic floor strengthening can support better bladder control and sexual function as well.
How Long Results Last
Most studies show that positive results last somewhere between six and 12 months after completing the initial six-session course. Like any muscle-building effort, the gains gradually fade if you stop maintaining them. Many providers recommend single maintenance sessions periodically to preserve the improvements. How often you need maintenance varies by individual, but it’s common to schedule a session every few months.
Who Should Not Use the Emsella Chair
The electromagnetic field is powerful enough that certain conditions make the treatment unsafe. You should not use the Emsella chair if you have:
- Metal implants in the lower spine, pelvis, or hip joints
- An IUD containing metal components
- A cardiac pacemaker or other implanted electronic device
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Pregnancy (confirmed or suspected)
The electromagnetic energy interacts with metal and electronic devices, creating a real safety risk in those situations. If you’re unsure whether an existing implant disqualifies you, your provider can evaluate the specific device and its location.
What It Feels Like During Treatment
Most people describe the sensation as intense tingling and a pulling feeling in the pelvic region as the muscles contract and release rapidly. It’s unusual at first, but it’s not painful. Providers typically start at a lower intensity and increase gradually so you can acclimate. There’s no recovery time afterward. You can walk out and resume your normal activities immediately, which is part of what makes the treatment appealing compared to surgical options for incontinence.
Side effects are minimal. Some people report mild muscle soreness in the pelvic area afterward, similar to what you might feel after an intense workout. Serious adverse events in clinical trials have been rare.
Cost and Accessibility
Emsella treatments are typically offered by urology practices, gynecology offices, medical spas, and pelvic health clinics. The treatment is generally not covered by insurance, since it’s considered an elective procedure. A full course of six sessions typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on geographic location and provider, though pricing varies widely. Some clinics offer package discounts or financing options.