Do you need a referral for vaginal pessary fitting?

A pessary is a removable device placed in the vagina to support pelvic organs. During an assessment, the clinician asks about pressure, bulging, urinary or bowel symptoms, bleeding, and activity. They examine pelvic support, select a shape and size, and check that it is comfortable and stays in place when you move, cough, or strain. More than one fitting may be needed.

Ask your family doctor or women’s health provider whether they can refer you to urogynaecology, a pelvic health clinic, or a trained pessary service. Mention previous pelvic surgery, pregnancy history, vaginal bleeding, and any trouble emptying your bladder. Ask who removes and checks the pessary, how often follow-up is arranged, and whether you can manage removal yourself.

Contact the fitting team for persistent discomfort, new bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, difficulty passing urine or stool, or a device that slips out repeatedly. Seek urgent care for severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fever with feeling unwell, or inability to urinate.

Ask which pessary type may suit your symptoms, how to clean it, what lubricant is compatible, which changes are expected, and when it must be checked or replaced.