Pessary Fitting Services.
A pessary is used to alleviate the symptoms of a pelvic organ prolapse in women.
FAQs
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Three appointments are required to initial fit the pessary.
1st appointment
60 minutes
This involves a discussion and education around pessaries and pessary management. Management of a pessary from a physiotherapist is self managed, this means regularly removing and inserting the pessary independently. An internal exam to measure up for the pessary and if timing permits the trial of a ring pessary.2nd appointment
60 minutes
Book 1-3 weeks after initial appointment
This involves trial and fitting of a pessary and discussion around self management, the physio will test if you can remove and insert the pessary independently. You may try a few different pessary types and sizes to get the right fit.
A pessary can be purchased at this appointment if an appropriate pessary was successfully fitted.3rd appointment
30 minutes
Must be booked 1 week after the 2nd appointment
If a pessary was not purchased at the last appointment, this appointment can be moved
This ensures you can remove and reinsert the pessary independently. It will also include a bladder ultrasound to ensure the bladder functions normally while the pessary is in place.To ensure that you are able to get appointments in the appropriate time frames we strongly recommend booking all three appointments in when booking.
Subsequent appointments will be booked for 4 months and 12 months to review the pessary fit and progress. -
A pessary is a small device made from medical grade silicone. It is placed in the vagina, similar to a menstrual cup, to support your prolapse and alleviate symptoms. The come in different shapes and sizes.
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A well-fitted pessary should alleviate your symptoms immediately and you should not be able to feel the pessary.
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No, unfortunately, for safety, we are only able to fit pessaries that we sell to ensure quality control. Our pessaries are less than $100 and we use fitting kits, so you will only need to purchase the one that fits, no matter how many we try in clinic.
Important Booking Information
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First Appointment
The 1st appointment is 1 hour in length. We provide a thorough assessment and determine if you are suitable for a pessary. Depending on time, we will likely be able to trial one pessary type. A second appointment is needed exactly one week after the 1st to re-fit and check the pessary.
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Second Appointment
The 2nd appointment is also 1 hour in length. We trial additional pessaries as required and find the fit that suits. This appointment also involves testing where you will place and remove the pessary so we are sure you know how to self-manage the pessary.
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Follow-up
If the second appointment allowed for a successful fit, you will need a review at 4 months, to check on the pessary and ensure continual appropriate management. Then an annual review thereafter, to refit, and replace the pessary every 12 months.
Check in with your GP
Prior to fitting a pessary, we need a general practitioner (GP) to check that you are suitable for a pessary fitting. This does not have to occur prior to the first appointment, however, if you wish to potentially trial one pessary in the first appointment, you will need to see your GP first. If you wish to do this prior to seeing us, you can download this letter to take to your GP. If you have any questions, please give us a call.