There are usually 4 stages of pelvic organ prolapse:
STAGE 1
The prolapse is at a mild level. The pelvic organs are still reasonably in their place.
STAGE 2
The pelvic organs remain inside the vagina but have started to fall.
STAGE 3
The pelvic organs have fallen into or beyond the vaginal opening.
STAGE 4
The pelvic organs have completely fallen beyond the vaginal opening.
The most common reason we recommend a pessary for our patients is to address symptoms of vaginal heaviness and urinary leaking caused by pelvic organ prolapse.
Assessing the active support of the pelvic organs will decide the course of treatment. This is to determine whether pelvic organ muscle strengthening is required excessively.
Our pelvic organ physiotherapists also provide information regarding safe exercises and how to engage deep core muscles appropriately to reduce downward pressure on a prolapse. These exercises are recommended in regard to daily activities – especially childcare.
However, if our patients are experiencing symptoms of heaviness or urinary incontinence, we strongly recommend a pessary fitting service for the pelvic health benefits. A pessary can improve passive support immediately and reduce long-term pelvic issues.
The most daunting question that often bothers ladies after pessary fittings are: Is sexual intercourse an option after pessary fitting?
Well, some pessary types allow sexual intercourse while some pessaries must be removed for the sexual intercourse. The pessary types used for severe prolapse cannot be removed by the user (e.g., Gellhorn).
At Impact Physiotherapy clinic, our physiotherapists will take into account your sexual activity preferences in order to make the right decision for your pessary fitting. Then, we will fit you into an appropriate pessary type for your lifestyle.
You can either take care of your pessary at home or have our physiotherapists do it for you with much care. To take care of the pessary, you need to know how to remove the pessary. Here is how you remove a pessary –
You must remove and clean the pessary at least once or twice a week. Once removed, clean the pessary with mild soap and warm water and rinse it. Our physiotherapists prescribe a vaginal estrogen cream to apply inside your vagina while the pessary is out to prevent irritation.
Many women find the insertion process easier when standing up with one foot resting on a stool. Use a water-based lubricant for pessary insertion.
An Easy, Pain-Free Way To Beat Pelvic Prolapse
Put a stop to bothersome pelvic prolapse complications and urinary incontinence in a non-surgical way. A small, flexible, removable plastic device that holds your prolapsing organs in place, so you no longer feel the bulge.
Our physiotherapists at Impact Physiotherapy clinic provide women’s healthcare, including pelvic healthcare. During our pessary fitting service, our therapists will first take measurements to make sure you get the pessary that is the right size and fit for your condition.
Once the fitting is done, you will receive clear and specific instructions on removing, inserting and maintaining your pessary. You will be asked to consult with our physiotherapists usually within a week to check on the fit and examine for signs of discomfort or any complications if they arise.
Impact Physiotherapy clinic provides a specialized pessary fitting service, comprehensive pelvic floor assessment, and a treatment plan for better pelvic health. Visit us TODAY!
You’ll know the pessary fits you well if:
You can use a pessary for years without any worries if you like the results and don’t have any complications.
