Specialist Women's Health Service
Pessary Fitting Service
Specialist Women's Health Physiotherapist with 30 years experience providing expert care for women experiencing pelvic organ prolapse. Our comprehensive approach ensures faster recovery and effective pain management.
Contact meAbout Pessaries
Understanding how pessaries can help with pelvic organ prolapse
What Are Pessaries?
Pessaries are silicone or PVC medical devices used in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. At Lambert Sports Clinic, we primarily use silicone pessaries for comfort and flexibility, though firmer PVC pessaries are available when clinically appropriate.
These devices come in various shapes and sizes, carefully selected based on individual assessment to ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness for each patient. The right pessary can significantly improve quality of life by providing support to the pelvic organs and reducing symptoms associated with prolapse.
Our specialist physiotherapist, Sharon Edwards, has extensive experience in selecting and fitting the most appropriate pessary for each individual's specific condition and anatomy.
How They're Used
Some women choose to wear pessaries all the time, while others use them as needed for specific activities or situations. The flexibility in usage allows for personalized treatment plans tailored to your lifestyle and needs.
Pessaries complement other pelvic health treatments, including pelvic floor exercises, bowel care advice, and other therapeutic approaches to provide comprehensive care for pelvic organ prolapse.
When properly fitted and maintained, pessaries can provide significant relief from prolapse symptoms such as pelvic pressure, urinary or bowel issues, and discomfort during physical activities. They serve as an effective non-surgical option for managing prolapse and improving quality of life.
Types of Pessaries
There are several types of pessaries available, each designed to address specific types of prolapse and individual anatomical differences:
Ring Pessaries
The most common type, suitable for mild to moderate prolapse. They provide support to the vaginal walls and pelvic organs.
Cube Pessaries
Used for more severe prolapse, these provide support through suction against the vaginal walls.
Gellhorn Pessaries
Designed for advanced prolapse, offering more substantial support for the pelvic organs.
During your assessment, Sharon will determine which type and size of pessary is most appropriate for your specific condition, ensuring optimal comfort and effectiveness.
Service Details
Our comprehensive approach to pessary fitting and follow-up care
Initial Assessment (90 minutes)
Our comprehensive initial assessment includes:
- Full assessment of symptoms and medical history
- Discussion of pessary indications and contraindications
- Physical examination of posture and movement patterns
- Breathing and abdominal examination
- Vaginal pelvic floor assessment
- Prolapse measurement with a speculum
- Selection and fitting of appropriate pessary
- Trial period with comfort check
- Self-management instruction
This thorough assessment ensures we understand your specific condition and needs, allowing us to provide the most effective treatment plan. Sharon's extensive experience means you'll receive expert care throughout the process.
Follow-Up Care
After your initial fitting, we provide a structured follow-up care schedule:
- 2-week initial follow-up to ensure proper fit and comfort
- 3-month check-up to assess effectiveness and make adjustments if needed
- 6-month assessment to monitor progress and tissue health
- 12-month review for long-term management
All follow-up appointments are 30 minutes in duration, allowing time for tissue checks and addressing any issues or concerns that may arise.
During these appointments, we ensure your pessary continues to fit properly and provide the support you need, making adjustments as necessary for your comfort and health. Regular follow-ups are essential for maintaining the effectiveness of your pessary and preventing complications.
Benefits of Pessary Treatment
Why choose a pessary for pelvic organ prolapse management
Non-Surgical Solution
Pessaries provide an effective non-surgical alternative for managing pelvic organ prolapse, avoiding the risks and recovery time associated with surgery.
Improved Quality of Life
Many women experience significant relief from prolapse symptoms, allowing them to return to normal activities with greater comfort and confidence.
Maintain Active Lifestyle
Properly fitted pessaries provide support during physical activities, allowing you to exercise and stay active without discomfort.
Personalized Treatment
Each pessary is selected and fitted based on your specific anatomy and condition, ensuring optimal comfort and effectiveness.
Reversible Option
Unlike surgery, pessary treatment is completely reversible, giving you flexibility in your treatment choices over time.
Expert Care
With Sharon Edwards' 30 years of experience in women's health physiotherapy, you'll receive expert care throughout your treatment journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about pessary fitting and treatment
Is pessary fitting painful?
No, the fitting process should not be painful. You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort during the examination and fitting, but Sharon ensures the process is as comfortable as possible. If you experience pain, a different size or type of pessary will be tried.
How long does a pessary last?
With proper care, a silicone pessary can last between 1-2 years. Regular follow-up appointments help ensure your pessary remains in good condition and continues to provide effective support.
Can I exercise with a pessary?
Yes, many women find that a properly fitted pessary allows them to exercise comfortably. In fact, some women specifically use pessaries during physical activities to provide additional support when needed.
How do I care for my pessary?
Care instructions will be provided during your fitting appointment. Generally, silicone pessaries need to be removed, cleaned, and reinserted regularly. Sharon will teach you how to do this safely and comfortably if you choose to manage it yourself.
Contact Us
We're here to answer your questions and schedule your appointment
Please complete the form and we can email you, or give you a call, so you can ask us any questions you might have.
We look forward to hearing from you.
T: 07484 782713