Pessary Clinic

One in Five women experience Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Prolapse can affect women of all ages, common symptoms are:

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Feeling a heaviness or weight within the vagina

Experiencing discomfort or pain with sex

Difficulty inserting or retaining period products such as tampons

A sensation of something like a tampon being stuck within the vagina

A visible or palpable bulge 

Incontinence (bladder or bowel)

Difficulty fully emptying bladder and / or bowel 

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Specialist Women's Health Physiotherapy can help the symptoms of prolapse and can include assessment for and fitting of a vaginal pessary.

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There are different types of pessaries: they are small, discrete devices which support the vaginal walls and can help with many of the symptoms of vaginal prolapse. At Sussex Physiotherapy you will receive a comprehensive assessment and explanation about the different types of pessaries available.

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Vaginal pessaries are used inside the vagina to help restore the position of the pelvic organs which have prolapsed. They are usually made of plastic or silicone, and come in a range of sizes and shapes. The choice of pessary is made by the patient and the Specialist Physiotherapist based on they type of prolapse, symptoms, activity levels and whether or not the patients is sexually active. 

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Some vaginal pessaries can be left in situ for 6 months, whilst others can be used as required, for example for exercise or certain activities which aggravate prolapse symptoms. Pelvic Health Physiotherapy can help manage symptoms and rehabilitate the pelvic floor, alongside wearing a vaginal pessary. 

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Some individuals use vaginal pessaries long term, some whilst they are awaiting surgery and some during a period of rehabilitation to provide additional support.