Pessary Management
Our team offers pessary fitting and ongoing care as a safe, non-surgical option for managing pelvic organ prolapse and urinary stress incontinence. When you prefer to avoid or delay surgery, a properly fitted pessary offers effective support and improved daily comfort.
What is a Pessary?
A pessary is a soft, medical-grade silicone device that is gently inserted into the vagina. It provides support to pelvic organs that have descended, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, helping to relieve the pressure caused by prolapse. By physically supporting these structures, a pessary can improve comfort and function while your pelvic tissues strengthen through exercises or physiotherapy.
Certain pessary designs also provide support to the urethra and bladder neck, helping to reduce or prevent leakage associated with stress urinary incontinence.
Pessaries are non-surgical, removable, and reusable, and your physiotherapist will guide you on the correct type, size, and care routine to ensure safety and comfort.
Why use a Pessary?
Pessaries are a versatile, non-invasive option for managing prolapse and incontinence. They can be used to:
- Relieve prolapse symptoms: Reduce feelings of heaviness, bulging, pelvic pressure, or discomfort caused by descended organs
- Support pelvic floor rehabilitation: Provide structural support while you perform pelvic floor exercises, allowing for more effective strengthening and coordination
- Manage stress urinary incontinence: Help prevent leakage during daily activities such as coughing, sneezing, or exercise, without needing surgery or medications
- Postpone or avoid surgery: For many women, a pessary can effectively manage prolapse for months or even years, delaying or preventing the need for surgical intervention
- Improve quality of life: By alleviating discomfort and supporting normal bladder function, pessaries can allow women to continue working, exercising, and participating in daily activities with greater confidence
- Your physiotherapist will assess your anatomy, symptoms, and lifestyle needs to select the most suitable pessary type and ensure it fits comfortably. Follow-up care ensures the device remains effective, safe, and hygienic
Pessary management and care at PFM Physio.
Our team will provide a thorough assessment including gathering a detailed medical and pelvic floor history, physical examination and prolapse grading. We may trial different shapes and sizes of pessary until the right pessary is found and this is inserted high in the vagina. The right pessary should be comfortable, stay in place and not interfere with urination or bowel emptying.
Some pessaries can be cleaned at home. We will teach you how to remove, clean and reinsert. If your pessary cannot be cleaned at home, or you simply prefer not to do it yourself, we are here to assist.
A follow-up review will be booked to ensure the fit and comfort is maintained and regularly monitored the avoid complications.
Why choose PFM Physio for your Pessary care?
Our experienced pelvic health physiotherapists are trained in pessary fitting and long-term management, working to Australian competency standards.
We will also offer collaborative care, linking with your GP and/or specialist when medical reviews are needed.
Pessary support + pelvic floor exercises + lifestyle advice = optimal outcomes.
If you think you might benefit from a pessary, give our team a call.