Understanding Vaginal Pessaries for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Supportive Solution
- Emily Russell
- Jun 12, 2025
- 3 min read
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition affecting many women, particularly after childbirth or during and after menopause. It occurs when the pelvic organs (the bladder, uterus, or rectum) descend into or outside the vaginal canal due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, laxity in the vaginal canal or a reduction in ligamentous support.
The most common symptoms are:
A visible bulge
Heaviness or dragging
A sensation of something (Iike a tampon) being stuck
Pain
Changes to bladder of bowel emptying
While POP can be distressing, it's important to know that effective, non-surgical treatments are available, and that you are not alone.
One such treatment is the use of vaginal pessaries. These devices can offer significant relief and are often recommended as a first-line, non-invasive option alongside Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapy.
What Is a Vaginal Pessary?
A vaginal pessary is a plastic or silicone device inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic organs, helping to alleviate symptoms of POP. The most commonly used type is the ring pessary, which is designed to hold the vaginal walls in place and reduce the bulging sensation. Pessaries are especially beneficial for women who wish to avoid surgery, are not candidates for surgical procedures, or prefer a reversible option. At Sussex Physiotherapy we fit medical grade silicone pessaries, which are safe, comfortable and supportive.
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), vaginal pessaries are recommended for women with symptomatic POP, either alone or alongside Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapy. They are considered a safe and effective alternative to surgery, particularly for women with moderate to severe prolapse, those who have not yet completed their family, or those who prefer a non-surgical approach.
The UK Clinical Guidelines for best practice in the use of vaginal pessaries, launched by the United Kingdom Continence Society in March 2021, provides comprehensive recommendations to ensure safe and effective use. This guideline emphasizes the importance of proper fitting, regular follow-up, and patient education to minimize risks and enhance outcomes .
Recent research, including the NIHR-funded TOPSY study, has shown that many women can safely manage their pessary use independently. Learning to insert, remove, and clean the pessary can offer greater control and flexibility, reducing the need for frequent clinic visits and promoting a sense of empowerment.
However, it is crucial to receive proper training from a healthcare professional initially and to have regular check-ups to monitor for any potential complications.
"Emily is a kind considerate expert. If you think there isn’t an answer to your prolapse then I can assure you there is. After 20 years of discomfort and pain... crossing your legs and not being able to run or walk properly... I am now a new woman. Emily explains why and what can be done and then she does it. My life is so much better - really better - going to play Padel next week which is all new to me. Life is great again - thank you Emily"
Vaginal pessaries offer a non-invasive, reversible, and effective option for managing pelvic organ prolapse. They can significantly improve quality of life, allowing women to engage in daily activities with greater confidence and comfort.
If you are experiencing symptoms of POP, consult your GP or book in for a consultation at Sussex Physiotherapy to see whether a pessary might be a suitable option for you.
Remember, seeking help is a positive step towards reclaiming your health and well-being. You're not alone, and support is available.
"Ive been to see Emily today, after having 2 years of prolapse misery, through lack of help and advise from both the NHS and the private sector. Within my first hour with her, i know that my journey going forward is going to be one that i can understand and deal with. Emily is so caring and clearly an expert in her field. (one that i didn't even know existed). Thank-you for bringing a hopeful spring back into my step..."
This blog offers a thoughtful and practical explanation of vaginal pessaries as a supportive, non‑surgical option for managing pelvic organ prolapse, which is very helpful for both patients and health professionals. It clearly outlines how pessaries work, the different types available, and the importance of correct fitting and ongoing monitoring to maintain comfort and function. What I especially appreciate is the emphasis on individualised care and the role of pelvic floor physiotherapy alongside pessary use, reinforcing that conservative management can make a real difference in daily life. For students studying physiotherapy or women’s health, this kind of clinical insight is invaluable when writing case studies or reflective assignments. Understanding real‑world applications of treatments like pessaries helps bridge the gap between…
This was a really informative post, especially the way you broke down recent legislative changes in a way that’s easy to follow without getting too technical. A lot of people don’t realize how quickly estate planning rules can shift, and how those changes can directly impact retirees, particularly with things like tax exemptions and inheritance rules. For example, recent updates have increased estate and gift tax exemptions significantly, which can change how families plan wealth transfers, but at the same time, there’s always uncertainty because laws can still evolve over time . I also found the mention of retirement account rules interesting, since changes like the 10-year withdrawal rule under newer regulations can really affect beneficiaries and long-term planning decisions…
This is a very thoughtful and engaging discussion on the ethical dimensions of pharmaceuticals and how art can encourage deeper reflection on science and responsibility. The way the article connects creativity with ethical awareness makes it both informative and inspiring. Topics like this are especially important for students and professionals connected to healthcare and medical education, as ethics plays a major role in future decision-making. While researching study options abroad, I also noticed that many students compare factors such as affordability and transparency, including information related to kemerovo state university fees, before choosing their academic path. Discussions like this remind readers that education in medicine and science should always be guided by ethical understanding alongside technical knowledge. Thank you for…
Thank you for this clear and helpful article! It explains vaginal pessaries and how they support women with pelvic organ prolapse in a way that’s easy to understand. Highlighting how pessaries can improve comfort and quality of life without surgery is especially valuable for anyone exploring non-invasive treatment options. It’s great to see reliable health information like this, which reminds readers that careful research and expert guidance make a real difference — much like how aspiring professionals consider choices such as the top MBA universities in England when planning their future paths.