Support pessaries for prolapse symptoms and urinary leakage
Pessaries are used in the management of pelvic organ prolapse and can also be used for managing stress urinary incontinence. Some women may wear the pessary all the time and others for when they need a little extra support for exercise and other
activities. Pessaries come in lots of different sizes and styles and not everyone will suit the same type. Along with pelvic floor exercises, pessaries can be used as a management tool to
relieve your symptoms of prolapse and/or urinary leakage.
What happens at a pessary fitting appointment
An appointment with Susannah has been recommended by your Specialist or physiotherapist to discuss, and potentially fit, a pessary for you. After an initial introductory telephone call, we will arrange a face-to-face 45-minute appointment, either at your physiotherapist’s clinic or an alternative local venue). We will discuss your symptoms and current management and the indications and contraindications for pessary use, and show you some examples of the types of pessaries suitable for your particular prolapse.
You will be examined (vaginally) to allow the size of pessary to be decided upon. There is an element of trial and error, so once the pessary is inserted you may need to have a walk around, pass urine and even carry out some gentle activity. A standing assessment may also be carried out to check the pessary is positioned correctly. We may need to try more than one pessary.
You will also be shown how to insert and remove the pessary, and this will allow you to use the pessary as much or as little as you need. Plenty of instruction and support will be given with this.
A plan will be made regarding follow-up, this will depend on how often you use the pessary. We will organise a telephone call in the first week. If you wear a ring pessary all the time and do not self-manage a face-to-face review will
be needed at 6 months.