Pessary Fitting
What is a pessary?
A pessary is a silicone device that is placed inside the vagina to treat exertional urinary leakage and pelvic organ prolapse.
How does a pessary treat pelvic organ prolapse?
A pessary acts by either being space occupying or providing support.
How does a pessary treat stress urinary incontinence?
It compresses the urethra, the tube connected to the bladder where you pee out of, when performing activities like running, jumping that can cause leakage.
How is a pessary selected?
Your provider will perform what is called a pessary fitting. There are many different types of pessaries. They come in many different shapes and sizes. You will try different types of pessaries until you find one that fits you the best.
How is a pessary placed?
The most commonly used pessary is the ring. By folding the ring in half and placing a small amount of lubricant on the tip of the pessary to aide in insertion. It is then placed into the vagina where it unfolds once above the pubic symphysis. For removal, the pessary is gently pulled and folded in half.
When is a pessary the right option for me?
- Leakage with activities leak laughing, coughing, sneezing (Stress Urinary Incontinence)
- You are interested in avoiding surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Surgery is not an option due to medical reasons
- Planning on getting pregnant in the future and would like an option until you complete your family