By Pelvic Health Physio, Amy Tinetti
Are you struggling with pelvic organ prolapse? Do you feel discomfort or a bulge in your pelvic area? If so, a pessary fitting could be the solution you’ve been searching for. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of physiotherapy pessary fitting and how it can help you improve your quality of life.
What is a Pessary?
A pessary is a medical device that is inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic organs and treat pelvic organ prolapse. It is usually made of silicone or other soft, flexible materials and comes in different shapes and sizes to suit individual needs.
Physiotherapy Pessary Fitting
Physiotherapy pessary fitting is a specialised service provided by physiotherapists who are trained in pelvic health. It involves assessing and selecting the appropriate pessary for a patient based on their individual anatomy and symptoms. The physiotherapist will also provide education and guidance on how to use and care for the pessary.
Here are some key aspects of physiotherapy pessary fitting:
Assessment: The physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment of the patient’s pelvic health, including their symptoms, medical history, and pelvic anatomy. This will involve an internal examination, pelvic floor muscle assessment, and other relevant tests to determine the most suitable pessary for the patient.
Pessary Selection: Based on the assessment findings, the physiotherapist will select the appropriate pessary for the patient. Pessaries come in various shapes and sizes, such as ring and cube, and the choice depends on the patient’s condition and anatomy. The physiotherapist will also consider the patient’s lifestyle, previous treatment and activity level when selecting the pessary.
Fitting and Insertion: The physiotherapist will then fit and insert the pessary into the patient’s vagina. This will involve demonstrating the proper insertion technique and providing guidance on how to properly position the pessary for optimal support. The physiotherapist will also ensure that the patient is comfortable and able to tolerate the pessary.
Education and Follow-up: Once the pessary is fitted, the physiotherapist will provide education on how to use and care for the pessary, including how to clean it, remove it, and reinsert it if necessary. The patient will also be instructed on when and how to seek follow-up care, as well as any signs or symptoms that may indicate a problem with the pessary.
Benefits of Physiotherapy Pessary Fitting
Physiotherapy pessary fitting can offer several benefits for patients suffering from pelvic organ prolapse:
- Symptom Relief: A properly fitted pessary can provide support to the pelvic organs, helping to alleviate symptoms such as a bulge, pressure, urinary leakage, and discomfort during sexual intercourse. This can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life and enable them to engage in daily activities with more comfort and confidence.
- Non-surgical Option: Physiotherapy pessary fitting is a non-surgical treatment option for pelvic organ prolapse. It can be particularly beneficial for patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery due to their overall health or personal preferences.
- Customised Treatment: Physiotherapy pessary fitting is a personalised treatment approach that takes into account the patient’s individual anatomy, symptoms, and lifestyle. The physiotherapist will work closely with the patient to select the most suitable pessary and provide education on how to use and care for it, ensuring a customised and patient-centered treatment plan.
To make a pessary fitting by a Pelvic Health Physio, call our Nedlands clinic on (08) 6389 2947.
