All About Pessary Fittings
What does it mean to be “fit for a pessary”?
Information from Dr. Jenn and Dr. Daisy from their recent training with Taryn Hallam, founder of Women's Health Training Associates (WHTA) in Australia
With a diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), there are a few options for treatment. Hopefully, the term “pessary” gets mentioned in addition to pelvic therapy when discussing conservative care.
It’s important to mention that there is no one answer or quick fix when it comes to treating POP. That being said, many patients see success and improvement in symptoms with a combination of pelvic therapy AND a pessary, or pelvic therapy both PRE and POST-surgery. Some patients may even use a pessary post-surgery.
There are several important considerations when treating someone with a prolapse. We need to dig into their medical and surgical history and collaborate with their OB/GYN and/or PCP. Then complete a pelvic exam and measure for the appropriate pessary size. Of course all this happens alongside discussions with the patient about their goals and preferred course of action.
A few things we take into account when determining if a pessary would be a good option include:
tissue quality (does your vaginal tissue have good estrogen and blood supply? If not - we would want to address this first with collaboration from your providers.)
dexterity (are you able to insert and remove something vaginally on a regular basis?)
type of prolapse (both back and front vaginal wall, possibly a cervical prolapse - these are all very important in determining type of pessary)
urinary incontinence symptoms
Once we have addressed all of the above, we decide what type of pessary would be the most beneficial. This could be a ring, a ring with a knob, or a cube. They are all silicone devices that are fit specifically to a person’s vaginal wall to support the symptomatic tissue. Once we determine the right fit - we would insert the device right in the office, have you move around, squat, jump, cough and make sure the fit is right. Ideally you would feel like nothing is even there! We would have you come back in a week for a follow up, and then continue any care related to your symptoms.
Stay tuned for exciting information on pessary-fitting services right here at Root to Rise!
You can check out our additional blog related to POP and pessaries here: Pessaries & Prolapse 101, Pelvic organ prolapse and pessaries and How Pessaries Help Many with Prolapse Reach Their Goals Faster
At Root to Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health, we believe in a holistic approach to physical therapy. Our Doctors of Physical Therapists are specialized in treating both orthopedic and pelvic health conditions. Our practice also integrates acupuncture and yoga and we are always excited to be a resource for the community we practice in. We are located in Scarborough, Saco, and Bath, and are here to support you!
~Dr. Jenn & The Root To Rise Team