Pessary Fittings

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more pelvic organs—such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum—descend into the vaginal canal due to poor intra-abdominal pressure management and it can be coupled with weakened pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue laxity.

Common symptoms include a sensation of heaviness, pelvic pressure, or feeling like something is “falling out” of the vagina. A pessary offers internal support to lift and hold the pelvic organs in place, reducing these symptoms and improving day-to-day comfort and getting you back into the activities you love!

Stress urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine during physical activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing, laughing, sneezing, or exercise.

A pessary can provide gentle pressure against the urethra to help reduce or prevent these leaks. It is often used in combination with pelvic floor physiotherapy for a comprehensive, conservative approach to managing symptoms.

During pregnancy, hormonal changes and the growing uterus can place increased pressure on the pelvic floor, sometimes leading to symptoms of prolapse or discomfort. In some cases, obstetricians or gynecologists may fit a pessary to provide relief from pelvic pressure, stress incontinence, or worsening prolapse symptoms in pregnancy.

At Bump, we do not fit pessaries during pregnancy, but we do work in tandem with your medical team to support your pelvic health and provide guidance to help you understand your options and navigate conversations with your care provider.

In the postpartum period, a pessary may be used to support healing from childbirth and manage symptoms such as prolapse or incontinence. It provides internal support to reduce strain on healing tissues and can be an effective tool during the early stages of recovery.

Activities like running, jumping, and dynamic sports can place significant load on the pelvic floor—especially for those managing pelvic organ prolapse (POP), stress urinary incontinence (SUI), or recovering from childbirth. A pessary can offer internal support during these high-impact movements, helping reduce symptoms such as heaviness, bulging, or urinary leakage. For many active individuals, using a pessary during exercise is a valuable part of a conservative care plan alongside pelvic floor physiotherapy.

While lifting isn’t typically considered a high-impact activity, it can still generate substantial intra-abdominal pressure—particularly during Olympic lifting or CrossFit. For those rehabbing their pelvic floor and eager to return to barbell training, a pessary can provide structural support to reduce organ descent and manage pressure-related symptoms. It may help bridge the gap between early recovery and full return to sport, especially when paired with a targeted pelvic floor rehab program.

After pelvic surgeries—such as prolapse repairs or hysterectomies—a pessary may be recommended as part of your recovery plan. It can provide gentle, internal support to the vaginal walls and pelvic organs, helping to maintain surgical outcomes and reduce the risk of recurrent prolapse symptoms.

Using a pessary post-operatively may also help minimize strain on healing tissues during daily activities and exercise. A pelvic health physiotherapist can assess your needs and collaborate with your medical team to determine if a pessary is appropriate during your recovery.

After menopause, declining estrogen levels can lead to changes in the vaginal and pelvic tissues—often resulting in symptoms such as vaginal dryness, pelvic heaviness, or urinary leakage. These changes may also increase the risk of developing a pelvic organ prolapse or worsen existing symptoms.

A pessary can offer structural support to the pelvic organs, helping to relieve pressure and improve comfort with daily movement. It may also be used alongside vaginal estrogen therapy to maintain vaginal tissue health and reduce irritation or discomfort while wearing the device.

Your pelvic health physiotherapist can work with your healthcare provider to determine if a pessary, with or without estrogen support, is the right fit for your post-menopausal pelvic health needs.