Lipo Sculpt · Non-surgical aesthetics

Faecal Incontinence Treatment Amersham

Understanding Bowel Incontinence, Pelvic Floor Function and Available
 
Treatment Options
Faecal incontinence, also known as bowel incontinence, occurs when someone experiences difficulty controlling bowel movements. This may involve occasional leakage, an urgent need to use the toilet or difficulty preventing accidental bowel movements.
It can affect people of different ages and backgrounds, sometimes impacting everyday activities, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
At Lipo Sculpt, we believe that understanding the possible causes of bowel incontinence and the available treatment options is an important first step towards making informed decisions.
We provide information about EM Chair technology, a non-invasive approach that uses electromagnetic stimulation to activate pelvic floor muscles.
However, the effectiveness and long-term safety of EM Chair technology specifically for treating faecal incontinence have not been firmly established. It should not be regarded as a proven treatment or a replacement for appropriate medical care.
If you experience bowel incontinence, your first step should be to see your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.
Faecal Incontinence Treatment Amersham

Start with a conversation.

Understand your options before deciding on treatment.

Medical assessment first

Bowel incontinence can have several underlying causes that require medical investigation.

Understanding your options

Learn about pelvic floor function, EM Chair technology and its current limitations.

Convenient home visits

Where an appropriate service is available, we may discuss home appointments after suitability checks.

What Is Faecal Incontinence Amersham?

Faecal incontinence is the medical term for difficulty controlling stool.
Symptoms can vary between individuals and may include:
  • Accidental leakage of stool.
  • Difficulty reaching the toilet in time.
  • Unexpected bowel movements without sufficient warning.
  • Leakage associated with diarrhoea or constipation.
  • Difficulty controlling wind alongside bowel symptoms.
  • Occasional staining or soiling of underwear.
Some people experience symptoms infrequently, while others may have more persistent difficulties.
Faecal incontinence is a symptom, not a diagnosis in itself. Identifying the underlying cause is essential when considering appropriate management.

What Causes Faecal Incontinence Amersham?

Bowel incontinence can develop for several reasons, and the underlying causes vary between individuals.
Several factors may contribute, including:
Pelvic Floor Muscle Changes
The pelvic floor muscles support the pelvic organs and help maintain bowel control. Weakness, injury, or poor muscle coordination may affect continence.
 
Childbirth and Pregnancy
Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth can sometimes affect pelvic floor muscles, nerves or the anal sphincter.
 
Constipation and Diarrhoea
Persistent constipation, loose stools or diarrhoea may contribute to episodes of bowel leakage.
 
Nerve-Related Conditions
Certain neurological conditions or nerve injuries can interfere with the signals involved in bowel control.
 
Previous Surgery or Injury
Surgery or injury affecting the rectum, anus or surrounding muscles may contribute to continence difficulties.
 
Other Bowel Conditions
Conditions affecting bowel function, including some inflammatory or functional bowel disorders, may also contribute.
 
Seek urgent medical advice if you notice black or dark red stools or experience bloody diarrhoea.
If you develop sudden loss of bowel control alongside new leg weakness, numbness around your genitals or bottom, or severe new back pain, seek emergency medical assessment immediately by attending A&E. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition requiring urgent investigation.
Faecal Incontinence Treatment Amersham

Understanding Pelvic Floor Function and Bowel Control

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that supports the bladder, bowel and other pelvic organs.
These muscles work alongside the anal sphincter muscles and nervous system to help maintain bowel control.
When pelvic floor muscles are weakened, or their coordination is affected, some people may experience continence difficulties.
However, not all cases of faecal incontinence are caused by pelvic floor weakness.
In some circumstances, muscle strengthening alone may not address the underlying problem.
A GP or continence specialist can assess symptoms and recommend appropriate investigations or treatment.

Your treatment journey

What Is EM Chair Technology?

EM Chair is a device that uses electromagnetic energy to stimulate contractions of the pelvic floor muscles.
During a session, the individual sits on a specially designed chair while the device delivers electromagnetic stimulation.
The technology is intended to activate pelvic floor muscles without requiring the individual to perform voluntary contractions throughout the session.
EM Chair devices have been marketed for pelvic floor muscle stimulation and certain continence-related concerns.
However, the clinical evidence for their effectiveness in managing faecal incontinence remains limited.
It has not been established that EM Chair treatment reliably improves bowel control, prevents leakage or provides lasting relief from faecal incontinence.
The technology should not be considered equivalent to established continence treatments simply because it stimulates pelvic floor muscles.
Anyone considering this type of intervention should first discuss their symptoms with an appropriate healthcare professional.

A considered approach

Can EM Chair Help With Faecal Incontinence?

Electromagnetic pelvic floor stimulation is of clinical interest, but it is important to distinguish between muscle activation and proven improvements in bowel continence.
Although EM Chair technology is designed to stimulate pelvic floor muscles, this does not automatically mean that it can treat the underlying causes of bowel incontinence.
At present, robust evidence is insufficient to establish its effectiveness, ideal treatment schedule, or long-term outcomes specifically for faecal incontinence.
Individual responses vary, and improvement should not be assumed.
For people experiencing bowel leakage, medically recommended treatment and specialist pelvic floor rehabilitation remain important considerations.

Why Medical Assessment Matters

Faecal incontinence can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition requiring investigation.
If you are experiencing bowel leakage, speak to your GP, particularly if your symptoms are new, persistent or changing.
A medical assessment may involve discussing bowel habits, reviewing medication, examining the affected area, or arranging further investigations.
Seek urgent medical advice if you experience black or dark red stools or bloody diarrhoea.
Sudden loss of bowel control accompanied by new leg weakness, numbness around the groin or saddle area, or significant new back pain requires emergency assessment.
At Lipo Sculpt, we encourage anyone experiencing bowel incontinence to obtain appropriate medical advice before considering EM Chair technology.

What Treatment Options Are Available for Faecal Incontinence?

The most appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause, symptoms and individual circumstances.
Following medical assessment, options may include:

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

A structured exercise programme may help some individuals improve pelvic floor muscle strength and coordination.
Appropriately trained pelvic health professionals often supervise these programmes.

Bowel Retraining

Bowel retraining involves techniques intended to help establish more predictable bowel habits.

Dietary and Lifestyle Adjustments

Healthcare professionals may recommend reviewing diet, fluid intake, bowel habits and other factors that can influence stool consistency.

Medication

Depending on the underlying cause, a healthcare professional may recommend medication to help manage diarrhoea, constipation or other contributing conditions.

Specialist Continence Treatments

If initial management is not effective, specialist services may consider biofeedback, electrical stimulation, rectal irrigation, or other interventions.
In selected circumstances, specialists may also discuss surgical options.
The aim is to identify an approach suited to the individual’s symptoms, rather than assuming one treatment suits everyone.

What Happens During an EM Chair Consultation?

If you would like to understand more about EM Chair technology, our team can provide general information about how the device works, its limitations and relevant safety considerations. This discussion is not a medical assessment and does not establish that the technology is appropriate or effective for treating faecal incontinence.
This may include:
  • Understanding your reasons for enquiring.
  • Discussing whether you have already received a medical assessment.
  • Explaining how electromagnetic pelvic floor stimulation works.
  • Reviewing relevant precautions and potential contraindications.
  • Explaining the limitations of the available clinical evidence.
  • Considering whether further medical or specialist assessment would be more appropriate.
A consultation does not replace a medical diagnosis or specialist continence assessment.
Suitability cannot be confirmed without appropriate screening, and treatment should not proceed if medical assessment is indicated but not completed.

Are There Any Risks or Limitations?

Although EM Chair treatment is non-invasive and does not involve surgery, it is not risk-free.
Some people may experience temporary muscle discomfort or other effects associated with electromagnetic stimulation.
Certain medical conditions or implanted electronic or metallic devices may make treatment unsuitable.
Precautions and contraindications depend on the exact equipment being used and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Before considering a session, it is important to understand:
  • Whether the device is appropriate for your circumstances.
  • The relevant contraindications and precautions.
  • The limitations of the available clinical evidence.
  • Whether there is any realistic expectation of benefit.
  • Whether medical or specialist treatment should take priority.
No improvement in bowel continence can be guaranteed.

Faecal Incontinence and Emotional Wellbeing

Living with bowel incontinence can affect more than physical comfort.
Some people plan activities around toilet availability, worry about leakage, or avoid certain social situations.
These experiences can affect confidence, independence and emotional wellbeing.
Seeking medical advice can help you understand symptoms and access appropriate support.
Bowel incontinence is a recognised medical concern, and people experiencing symptoms should feel able to discuss them without embarrassment.

Your questions, answered

Frequently Asked Questions

These answers offer a starting point. Your consultation provides information specific to the treatment and your circumstances.

Yes. A range of established treatments and management approaches are available. The best option depends on the underlying cause and symptom severity. Some people improve significantly, while others require ongoing management.
Not always. Pelvic floor weakness may contribute, but bowel conditions, nerve problems, constipation, diarrhoea and other factors can also play a role.
No. The evidence currently available is insufficient to establish EM Chair technology as a reliably effective treatment for faecal incontinence. It should not replace established medical assessment or recommended continence care.
The technology involves electromagnetic muscle stimulation. Sensations and tolerability may vary between individuals and devices. Any discomfort, precautions and potential adverse effects should be discussed before a session.
Lipo Sculpt provides selected mobile services, subject to equipment availability, location and individual suitability. Whether a particular service can be offered at home must be confirmed during an enquiry.
No established, evidence-based EM Chair treatment schedule exists for faecal incontinence. A particular number of sessions should not be presented as necessary or effective without appropriate supporting evidence.
Yes. A GP or other appropriate healthcare professional should assess faecal incontinence to identify possible underlying causes.

Let's talk about your options

Learn More About Pelvic Floor Treatment Options
At Lipo Sculpt, we help individuals understand available technologies and make informed decisions.
If you would like information about EM Chair technology, the consultation process or the services available in your area, our team can discuss your enquiry.
Please remember that EM Chair is not an established substitute for medical treatment of faecal incontinence.
Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Anyone experiencing faecal incontinence should seek assessment from an appropriate healthcare professional. EM Chair treatment has not been established as an effective treatment for faecal incontinence, and individual results cannot be predicted or guaranteed.