Prolapse & Pessary Fittings at Pelvic Pride
What is prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when the pelvic organs (bladder, rectum, anus, uterus, and intestines) shift downward leading to a protrusion into the vaginal canal. This occurs due to weakening of the connective tissues and pelvic floor muscles that support these pelvic organs.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone! In fact,
1 in 3 women experience pelvic organ prolapse in their lifetime.
What is a pessary?
A pessary is a flexible, silicone device that is inserted into the vaginal canal to support the pelvic organs. Pessaries offer a non-surgical solution to prolapse by minimizing the feeling of pressure, heaviness, or falling out of prolapse. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be removed and reinserted by the person wearing it.
Why Choose a Pessary?
Immediate Relief - you can feel the relief as soon as the pessary is in place
Support with Physical Activity - pessaries can be worn with physical activities like running, working out at the gym, or chasing after little ones
Non-surgical - a pessary can help you delay or even avoid surgery
Safe for long-term use - you can wear a pessary for multiple days, just be sure to remove it for cleaning as directed
Customizable - since pessaries come in different shapes and sizes, we will pick the right one for you and your body
What to Expect at Your Fitting
Evaluation: Begin with an evaluation to discuss your medical history including prolapse symptoms as well as your goals for therapy & a pessary. We will perform a comprehensive assessment of your pelvic floor tissues to determine the next steps.
Fitting: Next, your provider will recommend the best shape and size of pessary based on your evaluation. Once the right fit is made, they will show you how to insert and remove the pessary to ensure confidence and independence at home.
Movement Assessment: Before you leave with your pessary, you will perform some functional movements to ensure everything feels just right and your pelvic floor feels supported.
Following Up: Our goal is that you feel supported as you begin the use of your pessary. Patients typically return at 1-week post-fitting to ask any questions and make sure the fit is right - if it’s not this is the time to replace it! Regular follow-ups are vital to check for proper fit and monitor your vaginal wall health.
Incorporating Pelvic Floor Therapy
While a pessary is a useful tool, it is also important to treat any underlying muscle weakness, tension, and pressure management issues as these can all negatively impact your prolapse symptoms. In pelvic floor therapy we will work to address these complicating factors and ensure you can return to the activities you love. Want to learn more? Check out what we do in Pelvic Floor Therapy
here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a pessary is the right choice?
Pessaries can be a great tool for anyone who is experiencing pelvic pressure, heaviness, or the feeling that something is falling out as well as those who have been formally diagnosed with a prolapse.
What if I am 'too young' or not ‘bad enough’ for a pessary?
Pessaries can be helpful for people at any age or degree of prolapse.
Even if you feel too young or not 'bad enough', a pessary can be a great tool to offer support so you can to return to the activities you love.
Do I have to wear my pessary all the time?
Pessaries do not have to be worn at all times or even long term. They can be used intermittently or for short stints (such as going for a run or exercising), and most pessaries can be removed independently at home depending on individual comfort and ability.
Does it hurt to insert or wear a pessary? What if it falls out?
While inserting your pessary takes some getting used to, it should not hurt to insert or wear your pessary. And it falls out it may mean the size isn't quite right or was not inserted well.
We will work together to make sure the fit is just right! This is also why follow up appointments are important so that we can monitor your independence and fit as you get acustomed to your pessary.
Can I go to the bathroom or have sex with a pessary in?
Yes, you can use the bathroom (both urination and bowel movements) and have sex with your pessary in.
While toileting should not be a concern, navigating intimacy may be more or less comfortable depending on the shape of your pessary. We can discuss this more in depth during your appointment.
How often do I need to come in for follow-up?
We recommend follow up with us in one week to ensure the fit is right and you feel confident with insertion and removal. After that we will check in at 4-weeks and then 6-months, unless you have questions or concerns that require an appointment prior to that.
