Pessary fittings in Sydney
Pessary fittings
At Papaya Clinic, we offer professional pessary fittings as part of our comprehensive approach to managing incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
Our experienced pelvic physiotherapists in Sydney ensure a comfortable and personalised fitting process, selecting the appropriate pessary type and size to provide optimal support and symptom relief.
By incorporating this non-surgical solution, we help women regain their confidence and improve their quality of life. Our holistic care includes education on bladder health, lifestyle modifications, and ongoing support to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
When to consider a pessary for prolapse and incontinence
Whether due to pregnancy, childbirth or menopause, pelvic organ prolapse and stress incontinence can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life. When dealing with uncomfortable symptoms such as pelvic pressure, urinary issues and vaginal bulging, it may be tempting to seek surgical treatment. However, you may also find the relief you seek with a non-surgical option: vaginal pessaries.
What is a vaginal pessary?
A vaginal pessary is a removable pelvic floor device made of flexible material inserted into the vagina to serve two main purposes:
Supporting prolapsed pelvic organs
Where the pelvic organs like the uterus, bladder or rectum shift out of their normal position – known as pelvic organ prolapse – pessaries can help to reposition and support them.
Managing stress urinary incontinence
Certain pessary types – like incontinence rings or dishes – help support the urethra and bladder, preventing urine leakage during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing or exercise.
Pessaries come in different shapes and sizes to address different types and severities of pelvic floor disorders. By providing structural support, pessaries can help improve symptoms and quality of life without surgery.
Book an appointment with our experienced pelvic physio to discuss whether a pessary is right for you.
What to expect during your pessary fitting appointment
Initial Physio Appointment
During your initial appointment, your physiotherapist will do a thorough assessment, and might conduct an internal vaginal exam to evaluate the type and severity of your pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence, to determine the best pessary option for you.
You will discuss best practice and evidence based treatments for your symptoms.
Pessary Fitting Session
The pessary fitting session involves your physiotherapist inserting the pessary and checking that it’s supporting your prolapsed organs properly. We might need to try different pessary shapes and sizes to find the best fit.
We will then teach you how to insert and remove the pessary yourself to ensure you can self manage at home.
The fitting process is relatively quick, taking around 30-60 minutes.
Pessary Review Session
Once your pessary has been fitted, your pelvic physiotherapist will review the fit in 2 weeks to ensure tissue health is maintained and pessary chosen is appropriate.
The benefits of using a pessary
Vaginal pessaries offer an effective, non-surgical way to manage pelvic organ prolapse symptoms such as:
Pelvic pressure or heaviness
Urinary incontinence or difficulty emptying the bladder
Vaginal bulging or protrusion
Difficulty with bowel movements
Painful intercourse
By supporting the prolapsed organs back into a more normal position, pessaries can provide relief and improve your overall quality of life.
Living with a vaginal pessary
Once you have a properly fitted pessary, you can leave it in place for 3-6 months before needing to remove it for cleaning or replacement. Your physiotherapist will provide full instructions, but here are some key points to note:
Avoid douching or using vaginal products, as these can dislodge the pessary
The pessary may cause some increased vaginal discharge, which is normal
Seek medical attention if you experience bleeding or severe discomfort, or are unable to remove the pessary
Attend regular follow-up appointments to ensure the pessary still fits properly
With proper care and monitoring, many women are able to use vaginal pessaries successfully for years to manage their pelvic organ prolapse symptoms.
Book an appointment with your pelvic health physio
At Papaya Clinic, we understand that pelvic organ prolapse and other pelvic health issues require a holistic approach. In addition to pessary fittings, we offer in-depth solutions for pelvic floor dysfunction, naturopathic care and Clinical Pilates classes to improve core and pelvic stability.
Whether you require a pessary for incontinence or prolapse, our team of compassionate practitioners are committed to creating a personalised treatment plan especially for you. Get in touch with us today to organise your initial consultation.