What to expect from vaginal pessary fitting for pelvic organ prolapse

A clinician assesses the vaginal support and chooses a device suited to the position and degree of prolapse. The pessary is inserted into the vagina and you may be asked to stand, walk, cough, or pass urine. These checks help show whether it stays in place without uncomfortable pressure. You should be able to breathe, move, and empty your bladder comfortably.

The first device may not be the final choice. Mild awareness can occur at first, but sharp pain, rubbing, bleeding, or a device that slips out should be reported rather than tolerated.

Follow the clinic’s instructions for wearing, removing, and washing the pessary. Attend the recommended review so the clinician can inspect the vaginal tissue and confirm the fit. Keep a note of pressure, discharge, urinary changes, bowel symptoms, or difficulty removing it. Learn what to do if it falls out and keep contact details for the fitting team.

Seek prompt medical advice for significant bleeding, worsening pelvic pain, fever, foul-smelling discharge, inability to pass urine, or a pessary that cannot be removed. Contact the clinic if prolapse symptoms remain troublesome or the device repeatedly moves, because adjustment or another size may help.

Ask which pessary is being tried, how long to wear it initially, how to clean it, whether you can have sex with it in place, and when it needs review. Ask which symptoms should lead you to remove it and call the clinic.