Pessary Fitting
Pessary fittings for postnatal recovery, prolapse and incontinence
What is a Physiotherapy Pessary Fitting?
A pessary is a device that goes inside the vagina to help support the organs. It may be advised as part of your post-natal recovery or to address a mild to moderate prolapse of the uterus (womb), bladder and/or rectum. A pessary could also be considered to help with incontinence. A pessary is a conservative, low risk measure to help support the organs, help with post-natal recovery, support a prolapse and can enable you to continue chosen activities which may typically worsen by descent or having a prolapse.
Who is Pessary Fitting For?
A pessary is suitable for you if you are wishing to use one for post-natal recovery, incontinence or to support a mild to moderate prolapse. Descent of the organs or a prolapse and/or incontinence can be caused by childbirth, the accumulative effect of heavy lifting, having a chronic cough and/or straining on the toilet or alternatively due to the aging process. Symptoms you may experience are a feeling of heaviness or bulging around the vagina/ incontinence, frequency and/or the inability to evacuate the bowels effectively.
What is Included in a Pessary Fitting Package?
- 1 x face to face fitting appointment (approx. 60 minutes in total)
- A full prolapse/and or incontinence assessment
- Pessary fitting
- Self practice of insertion and removal of pessary
- 1 x silicone pessary to take home on the day
- A verbal or paper guide to the use and care of your silicone pessary
- Your follow-up appointment approx. 2 weeks after fitting (up-to 30 mins)
- A letter to the GP/specialist explaining the fitting and ongoing management plan.
What to Expect from your Pessary Fitting Appointment
There are several types of pessaries and during your consultation your women’s health physiotherapist will show you the options of which pessaries are appropriate for you. The pessary will be fitted on the day, it is not unusual to try more than one pessary before we get the correct size that suits.
After the first fitting, it is a requirement that you attend the clinic again in approx. 2 weeks’ time to have the pessary checked. If all is OK on that assessment, then you need to be routinely checked by our clinic every 6 months. Sometimes a different size or shape of pessary will have to be fitted, as things may improve or change over time.It may be necessary to wear the pessary all the time or a self-management approach can be adopted. On your initial assessment your women’s health physiotherapist will help determine what the best course of action for you will be.
Why Choose Us?
- Part of the 1st team of UK trained Physios to fit pessaries
- Trained by a world leading australian physiotherapist
- Physiotherapy and medically trained to fit pessaries
- Use pessaries for postnatal recovery with great results
- Return ladies safely to the exercise they used to love
- Prevention of future problems
‘I sought the help of Bump to Beyond as I had a bladder and bowel prolapse, I had everyday symptoms of bulging, heaviness, feeling uncomfortable and feeling like something was falling out, especially after exertion. I came for a fitting for a cube pessary, and I cannot believe the difference that such a tiny object can make!! I now feel like I did before I had a baby! I can walk my dog and power walk again, walking up the hill used to be a nightmare, but now I have no symptoms! Everything feels like its back where it should be, I was so nervous at first thinking about having to inset a pessary daily, but I got used to it easily. I cannot feel it at all and I can’t believe what a massive difference it has made! When Debs fitted the pessary immediately, I felt normal again, she got me doing some star jumps, something I haven’t been able to do for such a long time! I had no symptoms whatsoever! I thought Id be stuck with this problem forever and I’m so grateful that I’m not! It’s been absolutely brilliant!! Every time I picked my baby up, I thought I was damaging myself further and I’m so glad that I now feel like I’m not! I’ve told all my friends about my cube pessary, I had no idea previously that they existed and I’m just glad something can be done to help me feel like me again!!’
– Rachel Whittaker 2021
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FAQs
What are the Side Effects of Pessary Fittings?
Side effects of using a pessary under the correct instructions, with the correct follow up are very low. You will be shown how to remove the pessary if you are experiencing any problems. You may experience more vaginal discharge than normal. Vaginal irritation is another possible side effect. Women may need to use oestrogen cream (this should be prescribed by a GP and used for 2-4 weeks prior to attending the appointment).
If you have an offensive vaginal odour, copious amounts of discharge or unexplained pain or bleeding, you should immediately remove the pessary and contact your health care provider.
How are Pessaries Fitted?
Once you choose your pessary, your clinic lead physiotherapist will size and fit you. The pessary is placed inside the vagina, this may feel a little uncomfortable but should not hurt. You will then be shown how to insert and remove yourself. You will then be asked to exercise and pass urine before you leave. If all is ok, we will see you in 2 weeks time for your pessary aftercare appointment.
Will a Pessary Work for Me?
Everyone’s anatomy and birthing history is different. There may be some pessaries that are not right for you, based upon your history. Some prolapses may also be too severe to support the pessaries we have in stock. If you are unsure whether a pessary is suitable for you, or want your prolapse or incontinence assessed prior to booking, you can see our clinic lead physiotherapist for a pelvic health assessment beforehand. Pessaries are not suitable for those who have had mesh in a previous pelvic surgery.