Pessary: Does your vagina needs a sports bra?!
Did you know that some vaginas need a sports bra?! I know! I was just as shocked when I first found out many years ago.
What's a pessary and do I need it?
A pessary is a medical-grade silicone device that sits in your vagina and supports your pelvic organs in place. It can be really helpful for people with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse, in early postpartum recovery when your pelvic floor is looser and weaker, for high-impact exercise like running or jumping, or even for daily use.
Pessaries are not just for postpartum though; as we age and enter perimenopause, menopause and beyond, estrogen declines and our vaginal walls can weaken. This may be another reason to use a vaginal pessary especially if prolapse becomes more and more symptomatic.
A pessary come in different shapes and sizes, and is fit based on your body anatomy and needs. You need a doctors referral to get a pessary and need to be assessed by a urogynecologist, gynecologist or a specialized pelvic health physical therapist.
Pessaries image from Foundation for Female Health Awareness
What is pelvic organ prolapse and do I have it?
If you're wondering what prolapse is, a pelvic organ prolapse happens when one or more pelvic organs (the bladder, urethra, bowel, rectum or uterus) pushes into the vaginal wall or bulges down out of the vagina. If you feel a bulging or heaviness in your pelvic floor, you may have a prolapse (but this is not always the case, so don’t make assumptions - get assessed by your doctor, gynaecologist or pelvic health physical therapist!). Prolapse can also be associated with other symptoms like urinary leakage, pain or mental health challenges, but this is not always the case.
Prolapse happens in about 50% of vaginal births, and are often completely asymptomatic. Many people have prolapse and don’t even know they have it. Certain things like constipation, breath-holding, and pushing a baby out in a less-than-ideal position can put you at risk of a more severe prolapse, so it's important to be educated during pregnancy and to get support postpartum. A pelvic health physical therapist (like me!) can help you with that.
Pregnant, postpartum or have prolapse? I offer in-person physiotherapy care in Toronto, and virtual appointments globally! Book with me here.
Release the shame around pessary use
Remember, if you need a pessary, it doesn't mean your pelvic floor or body has failed you. Even with a dream birth with no tearing, you may end up with a prolapse (ask me how I know 😉). A prolapse is simply an adaptation and response to the loads in your body. We need to release the stigma, shame and self-blame around prolapse and pessaries.
Just like people with bigger chests may need a more supportive bra, people with more symptomatic prolapse may benefit from a pessary. That's all it means! It has nothing to do with your worth, womanhood or sexiness. You still hot, boo! 🔥 You can still be athletic and fully capable too!
For more on prolapse, pessaries and pelvic floor strength:
Check out my Blog - Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Your Top 10 Questions Answered
Catch Episode 70 of Mom Strength: Pessary Use for Prolapse and Stress Urinary Incontinence with Cara McDougall of the Toronto Pessary Clinic. We answer your top questions about pessaries, who they’re for, the success rate, and how to get one.
Want consistent strength workouts to support your pelvic floor and prolapse? Join my BASE Fitness Membership
Want virtual or in-person support? Click here to book with Surabhi
References:
Toronto Pessary Clinic: https://torontopessaryclinic.com/
