A pessary can be a simple and effective solution to relieve symptoms for women living with pelvic organ prolapse or bladder leakage. A correctly fitted pessary will support comfort, confidence, and everyday movement. At Active Women’s Health Physiotherapy, we understand that the idea of a using a pessary and having a fitting can feel unfamiliar. This article explains what the process involved and how we support you every step of the way.
Why a Pessary May Help
A pessary is a medical device placed inside the vagina to support the pelvic organs. It can reduce prolapse symptoms, ease pressure or heaviness, and for some women, help with stress urinary incontinence. Because every woman’s anatomy is unique, a pessary must be individually fitted by a trained pelvic floor physiotherapist.
Your Physiotherapy Assessment: Understanding Your Pelvic Support
During your appointment, your physiotherapist will complete an assessment of your pelvic floor muscles and the vaginal walls. This helps us understand which pessary styles are most likely to fit well. Factors such as muscle strength, muscle integrity, and the shape of the pubic bone can influence how easily a pessary stays in place.
The Fitting: A Collaborative, Supportive Process
Pessary fitting is often a process of trial and error. Some women find the right pessary immediately, while others may try a few options. This is completely normal and our physiotherapists guide you through each step with care and reassurance.
You will be asked to complete a number of movements and activities once the pessary is fitted to ensure the pessary will remain secure.
If You Have Bladder Leakage
Women experiencing stress urinary incontinence may require a different type of pessary from those used for prolapse alone. Your physiotherapist will help you trial options that best support both your symptoms and your lifestyle.
Vaginal Oestrogen and Tissue Health
If you are post-menopausal or breastfeeding, local vaginal oestrogen is recommended for safe pessary use. It keeps the tissues healthy and reduces the risk of irritation or bleeding. For all women, before you begin wearing a pessary, we will ask that you see your GP for a speculum examination. This check is repeated every twelve months.
Ongoing Care and Annual Replacement
Pessaries should be replaced yearly as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Active Women’s Health Physiotherapy will send you a reminder and it is vital that you keep this appointment whilst using the pessary. It ensures your pessary use remains safe, effective and comfortable. Regular follow-up helps prevent complications and ensures your pessary continues to support your pelvic health needs.
A Small Device That Can Make a Big Difference
The right pessary can transform daily life by easing prolapse symptoms, improving comfort and allowing you to return to exercise and movement with confidence. Many women describe it as life-changing.
If you think a pessary might help you, or if you would like an assessment with one of our pelvic floor physiotherapists, we warmly welcome you to contact Active Women’s Health. Our team is here to support your wellbeing with respectful, compassionate and evidence-based care.
