What to expect from vaginal pessary fitting for cystocele

Cystocele, also called bladder or anterior wall prolapse, occurs when the front wall of the vagina bulges because supporting tissues have weakened. A clinician discusses your symptoms, examines the vagina, and selects a pessary shape and size. You may be asked to stand, cough, walk, or empty your bladder while the device is checked.

The pessary should support the prolapse without sharp pain, pressure, slipping, or difficulty passing urine. Finding the right fit can require more than one attempt. Some people learn to remove, clean, and replace it themselves; others arrange removal and checks with a clinician.

Follow the instructions for cleaning, removal, and follow-up. Notice whether the pessary stays in place during walking, exercise, bowel movements, and urination. Ask before leaving it in during sex, because this depends on the device and your plan. Manage constipation and avoid straining where possible, as pressure can worsen prolapse symptoms.

Keep appointments even when the pessary feels helpful. Regular checks can identify pressure irritation or discharge before it becomes more troublesome. Report discomfort rather than trying to reposition a device that feels stuck.

Contact your clinician for persistent bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, increasing pelvic pain, sores, difficulty urinating, or a pessary that repeatedly falls out. Seek urgent help for severe pain, inability to pass urine, heavy bleeding, or fever with feeling unwell. These symptoms can indicate irritation, infection, or a fit that needs prompt correction.

Ask which pessary type is being tried, how to remove and clean it, and how often it needs checking. Ask whether it can be worn during sex or exercise, what to do if it slips, and which symptoms mean you should remove it and call.