Pessary Fittings

A pessary is a soft, medical-grade silicone device that is placed in the vagina to support pelvic organs. It can help reduce symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (like heaviness or pressure) and urinary leakage by providing gentle internal support to lift the pelvic organs and support the urethra. 

You may be a great candidate if you’re experiencing pelvic organ prolapse symptoms such as vaginal heaviness, pressure, bulging, urinary leakage, or discomfort with activity. Pessaries are also a great option if you want a non-surgical approach or need support during exercise, postpartum recovery, or daily activities.

A properly fitted pessary should feel comfortable—you shouldn’t feel pain or constant awareness of it. Some people notice it initially, but most forget it’s there once they’re in the right size and style.

In many cases, yes. We will guide you through how to safely insert, remove, and clean your pessary if that’s something you’re comfortable with. Some patients prefer to manage it themselves, while others come in for periodic check-ins—we support both options.

If your symptoms are affecting or interfering with your comfort, exercise, daily activities, or quality of life, even if mild, you’re a candidate to explore options. You don’t have to wait until symptoms are severe to benefit from support.

Yes, depending on the type of pessary. Some pessaries can be worn during intercourse, such as a ring pessary, while others, such as cubes, are removed beforehand. We’ll help you choose an option that fits your lifestyle and preferences.

Many patients find the opposite—it actually improves their ability to exercise. A pessary can provide support during activities like running, jumping, or lifting, helping reduce symptoms like heaviness or leakage.

Every body is different. Some patients find the right fit quickly, while others may need to try a few options. Our fittings include the opportunity to trial multiple pessaries to find the best match for your anatomy, symptoms, and goals.

That’s completely normal. There are many shapes and sizes, and finding the right one can take a bit of trial and error. We’ll continue working with you until we find a comfortable and effective option.

Absolutely—and this is often the best approach. A pessary provides support, while pelvic floor therapy addresses the underlying muscle function, strength, and coordination for long-term improvement.

In some cases, a pessary may not be the best fit. This can include things like an active vaginal infection, certain changes in vaginal tissue, or if consistent follow-up care isn’t possible.

We also consider whether managing a pessary feels realistic and comfortable for you. For example, if inserting, removing, or caring for the pessary at home would be challenging—or if you simply don’t feel like it’s the right option for your lifestyle—that matters. Cognitive function, hand dexterity, and overall comfort with self-management are all important factors in deciding if a pessary is a good choice.

Symptoms can worsen over time, potentially leading to increased discomfort, limitations in activity, worsening leakage, or more advanced prolapse. Early support—whether with a pessary and pelvic floor physical therapy can help prevent progression and improve quality of life.

Both. Some patients use a pessary short-term (such as postpartum or while building strength), while others choose it as a long-term solution. It’s a flexible option that can evolve with your needs.

Pelvic health specialists have advanced training in pelvic anatomy, function, and movement, which allows for a much more individualized and functional fitting process.

During your fitting, we make sure the pessary actually works for your real life. That means we’ll have you move and test it with the activities that typically bring on your symptoms, like walking, running, jumping, or lifting. We also ensure you can comfortably and fully empty your bladder, so the pessary isn’t interfering with your urine stream.