Pessary? What is that?
Have you ever felt a bulge when sitting down or when trying to use the bathroom? Or felt a heaviness at your vaginal entrance when trying to go for a run? You may be a candidate for a pessary.
What exactly is a pessary?
It is a prosthetic device inserted into the vagina that can be used to hold up it’s internal structures (pelvic organs).
Why would you use it?
The pessary device can be used for various reasons. The main reason being for those individuals that may have a pelvic organ prolapse. A pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor, which works like a sling for your organs, becomes weak or ligaments lose integrity and the bladder, uterus, or bowel start to encroach into your vaginal opening. Surgery too or near your abdomen, estrogen deficiency (think menopause), chronic constipation, heavy lifting can all contribute to this.
How do you use it?
The pessary is a small device that is prescribed by your doctor. It is inserted into your vaginal opening similar to a tampon. The device can be inserted by your doctor, but you can also learn how to remove it and reinsert yourself. The device can be used for extended periods of time, or can be used when there is an increase in activity like running, sprinting or lifting and your symptoms are more prevalent.
For more info on how it’s used you can visit:
Need more guidance?
If you find yourself with symptoms described above, it may be time to visit your doctor or pelvic floor therapist. Further discussions can be had on pessaries for pelvic organ prolapse. Body Harmony Physical Therapy offers one on one physical therapy, both for pelvic floor and orthopedic concerns. Our treatments are for up to one hour in a private treatment room. We offer a quick call back option for potential patients who have questions or concerns related to physical therapy.
