Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition where one or more of the pelvic organs—such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum—drop or press into the vaginal walls due to weakness or damage in the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues. This can cause symptoms like a feeling of pressure or fullness, discomfort, or even urinary or bowel changes.
If you’ve been diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse, your healthcare provider may discuss a variety of treatment options with you. One non-surgical option often recommended is a pessary. But what exactly is a pessary, and how can it help?
A pessary is a small, removable device—usually made of silicone or medical-grade plastic—that is inserted into the vagina to provide internal support to the pelvic organs. Think of it as a gentle, internal brace that helps hold the organs in place and relieve symptoms caused by prolapse.
Pessaries come in various shapes and sizes, each designed to fit different anatomies and support needs. They can be customized by a healthcare professional to ensure comfort and effectiveness.
Pessaries are often used as a conservative, non-surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse. They can be especially helpful for people who:
Want to avoid or delay surgery
Are planning pregnancy or want to stay active while managing symptoms
Need relief from prolapse symptoms like pelvic pressure, discomfort, or urinary issues
Are looking for a safe, effective, and reversible option
By providing internal support, pessaries can:
Reduce the feeling of pelvic heaviness or bulging
Improve bladder or bowel function by repositioning organs
Allow you to continue with daily activities more comfortably
Support pelvic floor muscles while you engage in physical therapy or pelvic floor exercises
Pessary fitting is typically done by a pelvic health specialist—such as a pelvic floor physical therapist, urogynecologist, or gynecologist. During a fitting, the provider will:
Assess the type and severity of your prolapse
Measure your vaginal dimensions
Try different pessary sizes and shapes to find the best fit for comfort and support
Teach you how to insert, remove, and care for your pessary (some people manage this at home, while others prefer clinic visits)
Absolutely! In fact, pessaries and pelvic floor physical therapy often work hand-in-hand. While a pessary provides mechanical support, pelvic floor exercises and therapy can help strengthen the muscles and improve coordination, potentially reducing reliance on the pessary over time.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about whether a pessary might be a good option. Every body is different, and treatment plans should be tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle.
If you’re interested in learning more about pessaries or want help managing pelvic organ prolapse with a combination of pessary use and pelvic floor physical therapy, we’re here to support you. Reach out anytime to schedule a consultation or ask questions.
Your pelvic health matters—and there are many ways to find relief and regain comfort. Let’s work together to find the best path for you.