A connected medical device revolutionising pelvic floor health.
The challenge
Forty million women in Europe are affected by urinary incontinence. [1] Bladder weakness is a widespread public health issue that affects women across different age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds, placing a significant burden on healthcare systems globally. It affects 1 in 3 women. [1] Often after childbirth or during menopause, the pelvic floor weakens, and when women jump, sneeze or cough, they may experience urine leakage, or if their pelvic floor is not sufficiently strengthened, they can also experience anal incontinence, prolapse or sexual difficulties. [2] Strengthening the pelvic floor can help prevent bladder weakness, delay or avoid surgery, or simply speed up postpartum recovery. This is a taboo public health issue, but which is largely treatable.
Current solutions, such as absorbent pads, medications, and temporary pelvic floor therapy, only manage symptoms rather than addressing the underlying issue. These approaches often fail to provide lasting results because they do not strengthen the pelvic floor effectively over time or require continuous use without long-term improvement. With physiotherapists, we developed a connected medical device so that women could do their exercises at home to obtain the benefits of a strong pelvic floor and maintain them over time.
The solution
Emy is a biofeedback medical device (CE marked, Class I) designed to help users strengthen their pelvic floor in complete privacy and autonomy. It connects to a mobile app that provides personalised exercise programmes based on real-time pressure data. By contracting their pelvic floor, users interact with engaging app-based games, track their progress in real time, and share results with healthcare professionals. Each session lasts between 5 and 20 minutes, allowing flexibility to fit different lifestyles. Emy’s internationally patented technology ensures high sensitivity and precision in measuring pelvic floor strength. Advanced algorithms continuously adapt training programmess to each user’s progress, optimising effectiveness over time.
With Emy, women can conveniently train their pelvic floor at home, on their own schedule, while staying motivated and in control of their well-being.
Expected impact
This project aims to drive meaningful change by strengthening healthcare systems, improving citizens’ health, and contributing to a sustainable health economy in Europe.
Femtech Growth: The rapid expansion of the Femtech market is fueled by increasing awareness, the breaking of taboos, and the recognition that solutions exist – urinary incontinence does not have to be an inevitable condition.
Health Impact: By the end of the project, the goal is to make Emy accessible to millions of women suffering from incontinence, improving their quality of life.
Economic Impact: Emy significantly reduces the financial burden of incontinence by decreasing the need for disposable pads or diapers, which cost patients between €200 and €600 per year.
Social Impact: Eliminate the stigma surrounding incontinence and empower women with an accessible, long-term solution that helps them prevent urinary leakage and prolapse. By regaining control over their health, women can restore their confidence and well-being. As an impact-driven company, Fizimed is committed to addressing this major societal challenge.
Environmental Impact: Emy helps reduce the use of disposable pads, which contribute significantly to non-recyclable waste. By minimising the need for frequent travel to medical appointments, Emy also lowers carbon emissions and energy consumption. The consortia’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the choice to manufacture Emy exclusively with French and German partners, while assembly takes place in Portugal – limiting transportation-related emissions for European users. Additionally, product repair over replacement will be prioritised whenever possible, ensuring that defective electronic components are refurbished to reduce environmental impact.
External Partners
- Fizimed (Activity Leader)
References
[1] ANAES. Prise en charge de l’incontinence urinaire de la femme en médecins générale. Services des recommandations professionnelles (2003).
[2] Faltin, D.L,. ‘Epidémiologie et définition de l’incontinence urinaire féminin’. Journal de Gynécologie Obstétrique et Biologie de la Reproduction (2009) 38, S146-S152.
