When it comes to pelvic floor health, we’re proud to be a broken record; the fact is that strengthening the pelvic floor is considered a first-line treatment for urinary incontinence, one kegel grip at a time.
With Elitone, working on your pelvic floor may be more attainable than you think. Elitone is the company behind an FDA-cleared device that delivers neuromuscular stimulation to your pelvic floor through your skin. Broadly speaking, this type of treatment has been around for a while. In the past, however, this kind of neuromuscular stimulation had to be administered in a doctor's office using a vaginal probe, making it less accessible. Elitone brings the power of clinical pelvic floor stimulation into the comfort of your home, making it possible for you to to train your pelvic floor without doing those classic kegels many of us dread.
Our Founder, Alexandra Fennell, recently sat down to learn more with Elitone’s Founder, Gloria Kalb. Tune in below, and if you're interested in giving high-powered kegels a try, get $25 off your Elitone with code: ATTNG25.
Alex at Attn: Grace: What inspired you to create Elitone, and how can it help with bladder leaks? How did your background lead you to create this technology?
Gloria Kolb, Elitone Founder: After I gave birth to 13 pounds of twins, I started to leak. It was frustrating, and the treatments that were out there were invasive and took up time I didn’t have. I learned that 1 in 3 women leaked and knew other women out there must feel the same about the available solutions. My background in biomedical engineering gave me the tools to turn this frustration into action. By blending technology with a deep understanding of women’s health, I created a product that is convenient and life-changing for so many women. Elitone is unique because it is non-invasive, easy to use, and tones the pelvic floor without taking up your time, directly tackling the root cause of bladder leaks.
Alex: What kinds of bladder leaks is Elitone designed to address?
Gloria: Elitone solutions are designed to help with various bladder leak issues with our different products. Elitone targets those who have stress and mixed incontinence, while Elitone URGE targets those who have only overactive bladder. Our products are engineered to deliver gentle neuromuscular stimulation to the pelvic floor muscles and treat bladder leaks. Additionally, we have compression socks for nocturia.
Alex: How does someone use Elitone? What is the best way to use it to get the desired results?
Gloria: Elitone is designed to be as simple and hassle-free as possible. It’s an external device, so there’s no need for insertion–just apply the GelPad to the skin where a pad goes and let the device do its thing. For best results be consistent. You can pair Elitone with other pelvic floor exercises like Kegels, as well as maintain a healthy lifestyle that supports bladder health.
Alex: Elitone is FDA-cleared. What does that mean exactly and why does it matter?
Gloria: Our products are FDA-cleared for incontinence. It is huge. It gives women confidence in our product by verifying that Elitone has been rigorously tested clinically for both safety and effectiveness, and it isn’t just another gadget on the market. Don’t be fooled by kegel exercisers that have no approval, that claim to be FDA-registered, or that say they are FDA-approved but not for incontinence! The process to become “FDA-cleared” is very involved with clinical trials, data analysis, and ensuring the device meets strict good manufacturing process standards. With this approval, we can have more open conversations with healthcare professionals, and others can have insurance coverage for expanded access to effective treatment options.
Alex: We’ve seen some kegel trainers that are internal devices. How is an external device different?
Gloria: The biggest difference is efficacy, comfort, and ease of use. Many women find internal devices uncomfortable or invasive, and so difficult to use regularly. Many studies also report up to twenty percent infection rates with vaginal devices. Most kegel trainers don’t elicit any contractions but simply give you feedback if you are doing it. Elitone is completely external, so you can wear it under your clothes for only 20 minutes and go about your day while it does the hard work for you. It’s discreet, and since it is easy, regular use makes it a game changer for those who want a less invasive solution. Many women say their vaginal devices just sit in a drawer.
Alex: Urinary incontinence is often dismissed as just something we have to deal with rather than a legitimate health condition that can sometimes be treated or at least mitigated. How would you like to see that shift in the coming years?
Gloria: I would love to see a cultural shift where women feel empowered to discuss incontinence and seek solutions, especially earlier. It shouldn’t be something that we just “live with.” There are effective treatments available, and I want to help break the stigma that keeps so many women from seeking help. Incontinence is a medical condition, and like any other, it deserves serious attention and care.
Alex: To that end, we’re finally seeing once-taboo topics in women’s health – from our periods to menopause – being more openly discussed. . Our hope is that incontinence is headed in the same direction. Do you see the conversation around UI and how women manage this condition opening up at all?
Gloria: Absolutely. I believe the more we talk about urinary incontinence, the more normalized the conversation will become. If women felt more comfortable sharing their experiences, they’d realize they weren’t alone, and that seeking treatment isn’t something to be ashamed of. This openness would lead to more women getting the help they need and living their lives without the stress and embarrassment of leaks.
Alex: What are you most excited to see happen with Elitone in the next couple of years?
Gloria: I’m excited about the growing awareness and innovation in the incontinence space. With more options available, women are starting to realize that they don’t have to suffer in silence. For Elitone, we’re working to reach even more women and continue improving the technology to make it even more effective and accessible. The future holds so much potential for change in how incontinence is viewed and treated, and I’m thrilled to be able to help others in their journey.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This content is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.