“How a pessary changed my life – It could change yours too”
A pessary can significantly improve the quality of life for women affected by pelvic organ prolapse, a condition that can impact women of all ages.
I use a ring pessary to provide support, this helps me to feel more confident in daily life. Whether I am exercising, spending time with family and friends, or simply going about my daily routine, the ring pessary offers a sense of security and well-being. It has improved my quality of life, allowing me to live more actively and with greater peace of mind.
By inserting the ring into the vagina, it helps lift and hold the prolapsed organs in their correct position. This support can significantly reduce the symptoms of prolapse, such as pressure, bulging and discomfort. It can also help to reduce stress urinary incontinence allowing for a more active and comfortable lifestyle.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse or POP occurs when weakened pelvic floor muscles cause the pelvic organs like the bladder, uterus, or rectum to descend, creating a bulge inside or outside the vagina. Prolapses can cause incontinence with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. They can cause pain and sex can be painful.
POP in women is primarily caused by weakened or stretched pelvic floor muscles and tissues. This weakening often occurs due to pregnancy and childbirth, where the pelvic floor undergoes significant strain. Other contributing factors include aging, which naturally leads to muscle and tissue laxity, as well as hormonal changes such as menopause that can further weaken pelvic support structures. Chronic conditions like obesity, chronic coughing and heavy lifting also exert pressure on the pelvic organs, increasing the risk of prolapse. Genetic predisposition and prior pelvic surgeries can also play a role in the development of pelvic organ prolapse.
A traumatic childbirth caused my problems. I would describe my experience of POP as a combination of uncomfortable sensations inside my vagina, including dragging, heaviness and soreness. I also had a visible bulge and lower backache.
I had significant problems with stress urinary incontinence, difficulties emptying my bowel and faecal incontinence. These symptoms had a severe impact on my quality of life. They can be distracting and all-consuming. As a result, I have had extensive prolapse surgeries to address these problems. Although I do not have incontinence symptoms now, I use a ring pessary to help maintain support of my bladder and I have used ring pessaries in the past as part of my treatment plan.
Urinary incontinence is a common symptom of pelvic organ prolapse, particularly when the bladder or urethra is involved. A ring pessary can help alleviate stress urinary incontinence by supporting the bladder neck and reducing the likelihood of leakage during coughing, sneezing, or exercising.
The physical symptoms of POP can negatively impact emotional and mental health, leading to poor body image, low self-esteem, reduced confidence and feelings of misery, demoralisation, and isolation.
Often the stigma, shame and embarrassment stop women from seeking help with incontinence and prolapse. Discussing these problems is not easy but it is important to advocate for your own health.
50% of women are affected by POP so, if you are experiencing symptoms, you are not alone. If you are concerned that you may have a prolapse, it is important to get support and seek help from your GP or a Women’s Health physiotherapist, as prolapses do not resolve on their own.
The severity of your symptoms and the size of the prolapse will determine what treatment is suitable. Surgery is not always the only solution to manage prolapse. A ring pessary offers a non-invasive alternative that can be easily managed and adjusted. It allows women to avoid or delay surgery while still managing their prolapse symptoms effectively.
Ring pessaries come in various sizes, allowing for a customised fit that can accommodate different anatomies and degrees of prolapse.
When properly fitted, a pessary can be worn comfortably for extended periods and during physical activities. Many women find that they can go about their daily routines without feeling the pessary or experiencing discomfort.
For women seeking a long-term solution to manage pelvic organ prolapse, a ring pessary can be a reliable option. It can be used continuously or intermittently, depending on the individual’s needs and lifestyle.
Many women successfully use a pessary for years, finding it a valuable tool in maintaining their pelvic health.
A ring pessary is a versatile and effective device for managing pelvic organ prolapse. It offers support, comfort, and a non-surgical solution for women seeking to alleviate the symptoms of prolapse. With the guidance of a healthcare professional, a ring pessary can be a crucial part of maintaining pelvic health and enhancing the overall quality of life.
Author
Jo Prance joprance.com