GLASGOW PESSARY SERVICE

Here at Physio Effect we offer the specialist fitting of Cube pessaries for Pelvic organ Prolapse.

Our Specialist trained Women’s Health Physiotherapists Mariam Kilpatrick & Jenny Devlin can assess, diagnose and fit pessaries when indicated as part of our holistic approach to optimising your pelvic health.

How does a Pessary work?

A vaginal pessary is used as a first-line of treatment for Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP). POP is when one or more of the pelvic organs, such as the uterus, bladder or rectum loses its ligamentous support and it drops down into the vagina. Ligament laxity can be caused by a number of things such as, childbirth, aging and pelvic surgery. Changes such as repeated force like a chronic cough or constant straining due to constipation can gradually worsen this laxity over years.

A pessary is a device made out of silicone which is inserted into the vagina to support the vaginal wall and hold up your prolapse. Once fitted correctly, a vaginal pessary may help to reduce your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable. Some women wear them all the time and some women just need a little extra support when doing sport - just like using a sports bra! You will then be able to continue with your everyday activities including exercising, working and caring for your family.

Pessaries are another management tool along with the rehabilitation of the pelvic floor muscles. A good pelvic floor muscle function is still very important - otherwise the pessary may still fall down/out. Our Women’s Health team take a holistic and individualised approach to Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy & will help guide you on the best rehabilitation and treatment options for your unique situation.

What is a cube pessary?

This is a type of pessary made of silicone which is shaped like a cube (hence its name!) with rounded corners with each side having a circular suction facet and a silicone tie to aid with removal. It comes in different sizes and your size will be determined by your physiotherapist following a full initial pelvic health assessment and internal examination. 

The benefits of having this type of pessary fitted is that it is designed for self-management. This means you will be able to insert and remove the pessary independently at home so it can be used when required (i.e. during exercise). Your physiotherapist will show you how to insert and remove the pessary at your appointment. Please note, getting the right size can be a trial and error process and  it can sometimes take more than one visit to get the right size and fit for you.

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What are the symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Prolapse can present as:

• Back ache or lower abdominal ache

• The sensation of a bulge inside the vagina or a visible bulge, 'something coming down', feeling of heaviness. Some women describe it as a sensation of a heavy tampon falling out.

• Bladder: urinary leakage, incomplete emptying, urgency, waking at night to empty your bladder, weak or prolonged stream, position change to start or complete voiding

• Bowel-difficulty emptying your bowel, incomplete emptying, urgency, faecal incontinence

• Sexual-painful sex, obstructed intercourse, avoidance of intercourse