Pessary Fitting

A pessary is a device made of medical grade silicone or plastic. It acts like a sports bra for the pelvic organs – lifting and supporting them to help relieve pressure within the pelvis. Pessaries can be very effective in the treatment of prolapse and urinary incontinence.

What is a Pessary?

A pessary is a device made of medical grade silicone or plastic. It is inserted into the vagina (like a tampon) and properly positioned to help support the vaginal wall and elevate the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, rectum, and/or uterus. Think of it as a sports bra for the pelvic organs. The goals of using a pessary are to:

• Alleviate uncomfortable sensations of pelvic heaviness/pressure due to pelvic organ prolapse

• Improve difficulties associated with emptying the bladder or bowel as a result of pelvic organ prolapse

• Prevent stress urinary incontinence associated with coughing, sneezing, laughing, jumping or any other form of higher impact activities

Using a pessary is a conservative management option (non-invasive) that can greatly improve the quality of life for those suffering from pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence. Pessaries are a great adjunct to Pelvic Health Physiotherapy and are often considered when surgery is not an option, or an individual decides not to have surgery.

Pessaries do not work for all women or vagina owners, but because they are very low risk, it is definitely worth exploring to see if it is a good option for you!

What conditions can Pessary Fitting Treatment help with?

Pessary use can be very beneficial for people suffering from prolapse and urinary incontinence

Prolapse occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs, which includes the uterus, bladder, rectum and small intestine, descends into the vaginal canal. Prolapse is very common, occurring in up to 50% of women in varying degrees of severity. Common symptoms include:

• Feeling like there’s something bulging or protruding in the vaginal area

• Sensation of pressure or heaviness

• Urinary and/or fecal incontinence, or leakage

• Incomplete emptying of the bowel and/or bladder

The pelvic floor is closely connected to prolapse. If the integrity and strength of the pelvic floor and/or connective tissue are weakened, this can reduce the support to the pelvic organs. This, in turn, can increase the pressure in the abdomen and add more downward strain, result in a lowering of the organs into the vaginal canal (i.e., prolapse). A pessary works by lifting and supporting the pelvic organs to decrease symptoms of heaviness, pressure or bulging.

Urinary incontinence is the medical term for the involuntary loss of urine. Basically, peeing when you don’t want to – or should be! Stress urinary incontinence is the most common form, where an increase in intra-abdominal pressure (like when you cough, sneeze, laugh or jump) causes a leakage of urine.