Instances When a Pessary May Not Work
Use of a pessary can be life changing for the better when it fits well and does what it's supposed to. Studies have shown that as many as 90% of…
Exercise and Pelvic Organ Prolapse
“Tell me what exercises I can and cannot do!” my clients beg of me. I wish it were that simple. You have been diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), but…
What are My Responsibilities as a Pessary User?
You’ve been fitted for a pessary at your initial physiotherapy appointment, taught how and when to remove and reinsert it at your follow-up appointment, and your tissues have been checked…
Pessary Insertion and Removal Instructions
So you just got your pessary- congrats! Your physiotherapist explained how to insert and remove it and you practiced a few times with her in the clinic, but you can’t…
Pessary Removal and Cleaning
How often do I remove and clean my pessary? There is no consensus on how often a woman should remove and clean her pessary. This decision should be made based…
How do I Know if my Pessary is Working?
When trialing pessaries, women sometimes ask, “How do I know if the pessary is working?”. Pessaries do not directly fix prolapses or the mechanical breakdown behind stress urinary incontinence; rather,…
What is a Pessary?
History of Pessaries Did you know the use of pessaries for pelvic organ prolapse dates back to the days of Hippocrates?! The use of pessaries was even documented in early…
When to Seek Medical Attention
When to seek medical attention when using a pessary If you experience any of the below listed symptoms, remove your pessary, notify your physiotherapist and see your doctor. Medical treatment…
Potential Side Effects and Risks of Pessary Use
Side effects First time users of pessaries may be surprised to find that there is at least one common side effect of pessary use. Some women aren’t bothered by it…
Medical Conditions that may Prevent Pessary Use – Part II
Considerations In addition to the contraindications discussed in part I which must be addressed before a pessary can even be considered (red flags), there are situations in which pessary use…