Pessary Fitting for Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Farnham
A non-surgical option for managing prolapse symptoms.
.jpeg)
What is a Pessary Fitting for Prolapse?
A vaginal pessary is a soft silicone device inserted into the vagina to help support the pelvic organs and reduce symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse.
Many women describe a pessary as being like a "sports bra for the pelvic floor", providing support from within and helping reduce symptoms such as heaviness, dragging, bulging sensations and discomfort during everyday activities or exercise.
Some women choose to wear a pessary daily, whilst others use one only during exercise, lifting, running or other higher-impact activities.
As a Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist with additional training in pessary fitting, I offer assessment, fitting and ongoing pessary management in line with current POGP (Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy) guidance and CQC standards.
I routinely fit ring and cube pessaries and may recommend alternative pessary types where clinically appropriate. The most suitable pessary will depend on your symptoms, prolapse type, anatomy and individual goals.
Many women experience immediate relief from symptoms such as heaviness, dragging, pressure or vaginal bulging following a successful pessary fitting. For some, a pessary can be life-changing, allowing them to return to exercise, lifting, work and everyday activities with greater comfort and confidence.
Who is it for?
Pessaries can be an excellent option for women who:
-
Experience symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse
-
Wish to avoid or delay surgery
-
Are awaiting surgical treatment
-
Want additional support during exercise or lifting
-
Are seeking symptom relief alongside pelvic floor rehabilitation
-
Would like a non-surgical treatment option
Whilst many women experience significant symptom improvement, pessaries are not suitable for everyone and successful fitting cannot be guaranteed.
A comprehensive Pelvic Health Initial Assessment is required before a pessary fitting appointment. This assessment allows me to:
-
Confirm that a pessary is appropriate for you
-
Assess the type and severity of prolapse
-
Identify any contraindications
-
Discuss your goals and expectations
-
Determine which pessary types may be most suitable
This assessment must be completed before a pessary fitting appointment can be arranged.
What happens during a pessary fitting appointment?
Every woman is different and pessaries come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Whilst every effort will be made to find a suitable pessary, successful fitting cannot be guaranteed at the initial appointment.
Some women require:
-
Multiple sizes to be trialled
-
Different pessary styles
-
A follow-up fitting appointment
-
Alternative management options
This is completely normal and does not mean there is anything wrong. The aim is always to find the most comfortable and effective solution for your individual anatomy, symptoms and lifestyle.
Pessary fitting appointments are up to 90 minutes long.
The appointment will include:
-
Review of your symptoms and current management
-
Discussion of relevant medical history
-
Discussion of the benefits, risks and alternatives to pessary use
-
Explanation of suitable pessary options
-
Internal vaginal examination (with your consent)
-
Assessment of prolapse type and severity
-
Trial fitting of an appropriate pessary
-
Assessment of comfort, support and symptom improvement
-
Walking and movement assessment to ensure the pessary remains comfortable and effective during functional activities
-
Education regarding insertion, removal and self-management where appropriate
-
Discussion of ongoing follow-up requirements
You may be asked to walk around, sit, stand, squat, cough or perform other everyday movements during the fitting process to assess how the pessary performs during activity.
For this reason, comfortable clothing is recommended.
Follow-up Care
Regular follow-up appointments are recommended to ensure:
-
The pessary remains comfortable
-
The vaginal tissues remain healthy
-
The pessary continues to provide appropriate support
-
Any concerns can be addressed promptly
The frequency of reviews will depend on:
-
The type of pessary used
-
Whether you self-manage removal and reinsertion
-
Vaginal tissue health
-
Individual symptoms and circumstances
It is important that pessaries are reviewed regularly, as neglected pessaries can occasionally lead to vaginal irritation, erosion or infection.
Pessary Fitting for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Booking Options
£130
STEP 1
Pelvic Health Assessment
A comprehensive Pelvic Health Initial Assessment is required before a pessary fitting appointment. A 1:1 clinic based appointment based at Meadowside Osteopathy Clinic in Farnham. GU9 9JE.
Free Parking available and a calm, friendly and welcoming clinic.
Up to 75 minutes
£220
+ Pessary cost
STEP 2
Pessary Fitting
Appointment
A 1:1 clinic based appointment at Meadowside Osteopathy Clinic in Farnham.
Free Parking available and a calm, friendly and welcoming clinic.
Pessaries are charged separately and are not included in the fitting appointment fee.
The cost varies depending on the type of pessary required (roughly £55-£75).
Up to 90 minutes
Small Print
-
A Pelvic Health Initial Assessment must be completed before booking a pessary fitting appointment.
-
Pessary fittings are not carried out during menstruation.
-
Successful pessary fitting cannot be guaranteed.
-
Additional appointments may occasionally be required to achieve the most appropriate fit.
-
The appointment fee covers the assessment and fitting process and is payable regardless of whether a suitable pessary is ultimately identified.
-
Pessary costs are additional to the appointment fee.
-
Whilst ring and cube pessaries are most commonly fitted, alternative pessary types may be recommended depending on your clinical presentation and symptoms.
-
If you are unsure whether a pessary may be appropriate for you, please book a Pelvic Health Initial Assessment and we can discuss all available treatment options together.
Pessary Fitting FAQ's
Will a pessary cure my prolapse?
No. A pessary does not cure prolapse, but it can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Many women choose to use a pessary alongside pelvic floor rehabilitation and lifestyle advice.
Can I exercise with a pessary?
Often yes. Many women use a pessary to support exercise, running, lifting, fitness classes and other physical activities that may otherwise aggravate prolapse symptoms.
Will I feel the pessary?
A correctly fitted pessary should be comfortable. Most women are unaware it is there once fitted. If a pessary feels uncomfortable, slips, or causes pain, it may require adjustment or a different size or style.
Why book with me?
You deserve the best care. I have 18+ years’ physiotherapy experience and specialise solely in pelvic health - bladder, bowel, prolapse, pregnancy, postnatal recovery, and peri/menopause. I believe you should be listened to, with your goals at the centre of every session.
That’s why with me you get:
-
Extended 90-minute sessions to fully understand your needs and goals
-
Full assessment focusing on your scar, abdomen and core mechanics including breathing and stability.
-
Written advice sheet so you can focus on your session
-
Evidence-based care tailored to you
