USING PESSARIES TO TREAT PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE

Pelvic organ prolapse is when there is a descent of one or more vaginal walls and can cause pain resulting in symptoms that can directly affect your ability to do day to day tasks. There are different times of prolapses as well as grades of severity of which your PEAK Women’s Health Coach can assess.

A pessary is a soft, flexible silicone device that is used to provide support to the pelvic organs like the bladder, uterus and bowel when there has been a loss of internal support to these organs. This is usually known as prolapse. A pessary is a non- surgical way to manage symptoms associated with prolapse and can allow daily activities or exercise to be performed with less symptoms. The device is usually inserted daily or can be used during specific tasks (exercising, heavy lifting). Pessaries come in different shapes or sizes depending on the person’s anatomy, type of prolapse and symptoms. 

Pessaries have a low risk of complication if care instructions are followed. You will be required to have a follow up both with your Women’s Health Coach and also your GP at 3 months to check the health of the tissue. In certain circumstances you may be suggested to use a topical oestrogen to help with tissue health.

Pessary fittings are a service offered by our Women’s Health Coaches at PEAK. Pessaries can be used to help treat symptoms related to Prolapse such as heaviness, bladder and bowel concerns, incontinence and lower back pain. Every body is different, therefore our Women’s Health Coaches will complete a thorough assessment to ensure the right type and fit for you. Pessaries are usually used in conjunction with pelvic floor strengthening and advice and education to help with the management of your symptoms.