Pessaries: What you need to know

We understand that talking about pelvic floor problems—especially those related to your bladder or bowels—can feel uncomfortable or even taboo. But here’s the good news: Women’s Health Physiotherapy can offer effective solutions, and you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. 

Time to Speak Up About Women’s Health

Let’s face it—women’s health is often overlooked or swept under the carpet. That’s why so many women suffer in silence with issues that are common but not “normal.” The truth is these problems can often be treated. One such treatment option is a pessary, which can provide extra support to your pelvic floor and help relieve symptoms like urinary incontinence, stress incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. 

If you’ve been struggling, it’s time to take that first step. A consultation with a Women’s Health Physiotherapist could make all the difference. 

What is a Pessary, and Can It Help You?  

A pessary is a medical-grade silicone device inserted into the vagina to support your pelvic organs. Think of it as a “sports bra” for your vagina. 

Pessaries come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it’s essential to be fitted with the right one for your body by a trained professional. With the right pessary, you can experience relief from symptoms that may have been holding you back.

What do Pessaries do? 

Pessaries offer a safe, non-surgical option for managing pelvic floor problems like pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and incontinence. Here’s how they can help: 

• For pelvic organ prolapse: They can ease symptoms such as a feeling of heaviness or dragging. 

• For incontinence: They may help reduce leakage, offering added confidence during daily activities, exercise or intercourse.  

  
  

Most pessaries are designed to be removed and reinserted by the user after being properly fitted by a specialist pelvic health physiotherapist. Whether you use it daily or just during specific activities like exercise, pessaries are a conservative, effective way to manage prolapse and incontinence. 

The Science Behind Pessaries 

Research shows that wearing a pessary can help: 

1. Reduce prolapse symptoms, such as intravaginal pressure. 

2. Support the pelvic organs, reducing strain on the ligaments and decreasing the grade of prolapse. 

   
   

How is a Pessary Fitted?

Proper fitting is crucial for a pessary to work effectively. You’ll need to see a Women’s Health Physiotherapist, Obstetrician, or Gynaecologist trained in pessary fitting. 

The right pessary should: 

• Relieve or reduce your symptoms. 

• Allow you to void and defecate comfortably. 

• Stay in place during activities. 

• Not cause pain or discomfort. 

A well-fitted pessary can make a significant difference in your quality of life. 

The different types of pessaries

Can You Remove and Reinsert a Pessary Yourself? 

Yes, most pessaries are designed to be user-friendly! Depending on the type you’re fitted with, you can choose to wear it: 

• All the time. 

• Only during exercise or specific activities. 

• Or remove it for intercourse or menstruation. 

Your Women’s Health Physiotherapist will guide you on how to safely and comfortably use your pessary at home. 

What to Do Next 

If you’re ready to explore how a pessary can help you, we’re here to support you. At HLP Therapy, we now offer a dedicated Pessary Clinic, led by our newest team member, Leila. 

She runs the clinic once a month at our Leicester based clinic here at HLP Therapy and you can learn more about this service on our Pessary Fitting page. 

Don’t let pelvic floor issues hold you back any longer. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward feeling more confident and supported in your daily life. 

*Research - 1 .Clemons 2. Handa