What Causes Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is one of the most common yet least discussed health concerns affecting women and men as they age. Millions of people experience sudden urges to urinate or difficulty controlling their bladder, but many assume it is simply a normal part of aging they must accept.

The reality is that, although it is natural for the muscles and tissues supporting your bladder and pelvic floor to weaken as you get older, you do not have to resign yourself to urinary incontinence. There are treatment options.

At Lucienne Salon & Medical Spa in South Jordan, Utah, Emsella treatments provide a noninvasive option for strengthening the pelvic floor and improving bladder control without surgery. A consultation with our team is the first step toward finding relief and restoring your confidence and quality of life.

What Is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence occurs when your bladder loses its ability to store or control urine. Normally, your pelvic floor muscles and urinary sphincter work together to prevent leakage and sudden urges. If these muscles weaken, or if there is a disruption in the communication between your brain and bladder, you can start to experience accidental leakage.

Urinary incontinence varies widely in severity. Some people experience occasional leaks while sneezing or laughing, while others feel frequent, urgent needs to urinate that are difficult to control.

Although urinary incontinence is more common in women, especially after pregnancy or menopause, it can affect men as well.

What Are the Common Causes of Urinary Incontinence?

Several factors can contribute to bladder control problems. You may experience one or a combination.

Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles

One of the most common causes of urinary incontinence is a weakened pelvic floor. The muscles in your pelvic floor support your bladder, uterus, and bowel while helping control urinary function.

When your pelvic floor weakens, it becomes harder to prevent leakage during activities that place pressure on your abdomen, such as:

  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Laughing
  • Exercising
  • Lifting heavy objects

Pelvic floor weakness can develop gradually due to the natural aging process or occur after an event like childbirth and surgery.

Pregnancy and Childbirth

Pregnancy places significant stress on the pelvic floor and bladder due to the increased weight and pressure in the abdomen. Vaginal delivery can further stretch or weaken the muscles and connective tissues.

Many women develop urinary leakage after childbirth, especially during exercise or sudden movements. Pelvic floor weakness can continue progressing if it is left untreated.

Aging and Menopause

As your body ages, your muscles naturally lose strength and elasticity. Your bladder may also become more sensitive and less able to hold urine comfortably for extended periods.

For women, menopause can worsen urinary incontinence because declining estrogen levels affect the tissues surrounding the bladder and urethra. Reduced collagen and tissue support may increase leakage and urgency symptoms.

Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence refers to urine leakage caused by physical pressure placed on the bladder. It is not related to emotional stress.

This type of urinary incontinence commonly occurs during:

  • Laughing
  • Sneezing
  • Jumping
  • Running
  • Exercising
  • Coughing

Stress incontinence is strongly linked to weakened pelvic floor muscles and is especially common after pregnancy or menopause.

Urge Incontinence

Urge incontinence, sometimes called overactive bladder, occurs when patients feel a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary leakage.

Common triggers may include:

  • Hearing running water
  • Drinking caffeine
  • Sudden movements
  • Cold temperatures

Urge incontinence may develop due to nerve signaling issues, bladder irritation or muscle overactivity.

Lifestyle and Health Factors

Certain lifestyle habits and medical conditions can increase the risk of urinary incontinence or worsen existing symptoms.

These may include:

  • Obesity
  • Chronic coughing
  • Smoking
  • Constipation
  • High-impact exercise
  • Diabetes
  • Neurological conditions

Excess body weight places additional pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor, while chronic coughing repeatedly strains supportive tissues.

How Does Emsella Help Treat Urinary Incontinence?

Emsella treatments at Lucienne Salon & Medical Spa use advanced high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles without surgery.

During treatment, you sit fully clothed in the Emsella chair while electromagnetic energy stimulates thousands of supramaximal pelvic floor contractions. These contractions are far more powerful than traditional Kegel exercises and help retrain and strengthen your weakened muscles.

The intense muscle stimulation improves neuromuscular control within the pelvic floor, helping you regain bladder support and urinary function. As your muscles become stronger, you may notice fewer leaks and reduced urgency that gives you more comfort and confidence during daily activities.

A single Emsella session delivers the equivalent of thousands of pelvic floor muscle contractions in approximately 30 minutes. Because the treatment is noninvasive, you can return immediately to work, exercise and other normal activities afterward.

What Are the Benefits of Emsella for Bladder Control?

Patients often choose Emsella because the treatment is comfortable, convenient and noninvasive.

Potential benefits may include:

  • Reduced urinary leakage
  • Improved bladder control
  • Stronger pelvic floor muscles
  • Better confidence during daily activities
  • Reduced urgency symptoms
  • Improved quality of life
  • No downtime or recovery period

Many patients begin noticing improvements after only a few sessions, with continued progress throughout their treatment series.

Who Is a Good Candidate For Emsella?

Emsella may be a good option for patients experiencing mild to moderate urinary incontinence or weakened pelvic floor muscles. Ideal candidates often include:

  • Women after pregnancy or childbirth
  • Patients experiencing age-related bladder leakage
  • Women dealing with menopausal pelvic floor changes
  • Individuals with stress incontinence
  • Patients seeking a nonsurgical treatment option
  • Men and women wanting improved pelvic floor strength

A consultation can help determine whether Emsella is appropriate for your needs.

Take Control of Bladder Leakage With Emsella

Urinary incontinence can affect your confidence, comfort and daily quality of life, but effective treatment options are available. Emsella at Lucienne Salon & Medical Spa offers a noninvasive way to strengthen your pelvic floor and improve bladder control.

If bladder leakage, urgency, or pelvic floor weakness is interfering with your life, our experienced South Jordan team can help you explore personalized treatment options designed around your goals. Call us today at 801-280-9990 or click here to schedule your consultation and learn more about how Emsella can help restore confidence and comfort.