Specialist Pessary Fitting Clinic in Manchester

What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles, ligaments and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs become weakened or stretched. As a result, one or more pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, bowel or the top of the vagina, may descend into the vaginal canal, causing a feeling of pressure, heaviness or a vaginal bulge.

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition that can affect women of all ages. It is more frequently seen following pregnancy and childbirth, during or after menopause, after pelvic surgery or as part of the natural ageing process. Although common, prolapse is not something you simply have to live with, and many women benefit from specialist conservative treatment.

Common Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

• A feeling of heaviness or dragging within the pelvis
• A sensation of a vaginal bulge or something "coming down"
• Bladder leakage or difficulty emptying the bladder
• Difficulty emptying the bowel completely
• Pelvic discomfort during walking or prolonged standing
• Symptoms that worsen towards the end of the day
• Reduced confidence during exercise or lifting
• Discomfort affecting work, hobbies or everyday activities

Every woman's symptoms are different. Some women experience only mild discomfort, while others find that prolapse significantly affects their daily activities and quality of life. Following a thorough assessment, we will discuss the most appropriate treatment options to help you manage your symptoms and achieve your personal goals.

Why Choose SU Women's Health for Your Pessary Fitting?

Choosing the right clinician is just as important as choosing the right pessary. At SU Women's Health Physiotherapy & Wellness Clinic, we provide specialist pessary fitting with a personalised, evidence-based approach, ensuring every woman receives the most appropriate care for her individual needs.

With over 5 years of specialist experience in pessary fitting and management, we have helped many women successfully manage pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor symptoms using safe, effective and non-surgical treatment.

Unlike many clinics that offer only a limited range of pessaries, we provide specialist fitting and management of a wide variety of vaginal pessaries, including:

• Ring Pessary
• Ring Pessary with Support
• Shaatz Pessary
• Cube Pessary
• Gellhorn Pessary
• Donut Pessary
• Other specialist pessaries where clinically appropriate

Every woman is different. Following a comprehensive pelvic health assessment, we carefully select the most suitable pessary based on your symptoms, pelvic examination findings, anatomy, lifestyle, activity levels and personal goals. There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach.

Our care extends beyond simply fitting a pessary. We provide education, pelvic floor rehabilitation, lifestyle advice, ongoing follow-up and pessary management to help you achieve the best possible long-term outcome.

• ✓ Specialist Women's Health Physiotherapist
• ✓ Over 5 years' experience in pessary fitting and management
• ✓ Comprehensive pelvic health assessment
• ✓ Wide range of pessary options available
• ✓ Individualised fitting and management
• ✓ Pelvic floor rehabilitation alongside pessary fitting
• ✓ Ongoing follow-up and long-term support
• ✓ No GP referral required
• ✓ Private, confidential and compassionate care

What is a Vaginal Pessary?

A vaginal pessary is a removable medical device designed to support the pelvic organs and relieve the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse. It is inserted into the vagina and provides gentle support to the bladder, uterus, bowel or vaginal walls, helping reduce discomfort and improve quality of life.

Pessaries have been used safely for many years and are recognised as an effective non-surgical treatment for many women with pelvic organ prolapse. They can also help selected women with stress urinary incontinence by providing additional support to the bladder neck during physical activity.

When correctly fitted, a pessary should feel comfortable and allow you to continue most of your normal daily activities with little or no awareness that it is in place.

A pessary may be suitable if you:

• Wish to avoid or delay prolapse surgery
• Are waiting for surgical treatment
• Want to remain physically active
• Experience prolapse symptoms during exercise or prolonged standing
• Prefer a conservative treatment approach
• Are not medically suitable for surgery
• Want additional pelvic support during everyday activities
• Would like to improve your comfort, confidence and quality of life

Choosing the right pessary is important. The correct type and size depend on your anatomy, the type and severity of prolapse, your lifestyle and your personal goals. This is why every pessary fitting at SU Women's Health begins with a comprehensive pelvic health assessment to ensure the most appropriate option is selected for you.

Our Specialist Pessary Fitting Process

Every woman is unique, which is why there is no "one-size-fits-all" pessary. Our specialist pessary fitting process is designed to ensure you receive the most appropriate pessary for your anatomy, symptoms, lifestyle and personal goals while maximising comfort and long-term success.

1. Comprehensive Pelvic Health Assessment

Your appointment begins with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, medical history, bladder and bowel function, previous treatments, lifestyle, physical activity and personal goals. This allows us to understand how prolapse is affecting your daily life and determine whether a pessary is the most appropriate treatment option.

2. Specialist Pelvic Examination

With your consent, a gentle pelvic examination is performed to assess the type and severity of prolapse, vaginal tissue health, pelvic floor muscle function and vaginal dimensions. This information helps us select the most suitable pessary for your individual needs.

3. Choosing the Right Pessary

We provide a wide range of vaginal pessaries and carefully select the most appropriate type and size based on your anatomy, symptoms, activity levels, lifestyle and treatment goals. Choosing the correct pessary is essential for comfort, effectiveness and long-term success.

4. Pessary Fitting & Comfort Assessment

Once fitted, we assess the pessary for comfort, support and stability. You may be asked to walk around, sit, stand or empty your bladder to ensure the pessary remains comfortable during everyday activities.

5. Education & Self-Management

Before you leave, we provide personalised advice on pessary care, physical activity, bladder and bowel habits, pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle modifications and, where appropriate, self-management techniques. We want you to feel informed and confident in managing your pessary.

6. Follow-Up & Ongoing Care

Regular follow-up appointments are an important part of successful pessary management. These reviews allow us to check that your pessary remains comfortable and effective, monitor vaginal tissue health, answer any questions and make adjustments if required.

Our goal is not simply to fit a pessary but to provide ongoing support that helps you remain active, comfortable and confident for the long term.

Types of Pessaries We Fit

There is no single pessary that is suitable for every woman. The most appropriate pessary depends on the type and severity of prolapse, your anatomy, symptoms, lifestyle, activity levels and personal preferences. During your assessment, we will recommend the option that is most likely to provide effective support while remaining comfortable for everyday use.

If one pessary type is not suitable or comfortable, this does not mean pessary treatment has failed. There are many different shapes and sizes available, and finding the most appropriate option may occasionally require adjustment. Our goal is to provide a comfortable, effective solution that supports your lifestyle and helps you remain active and confident.

Living Well with a Pessary

A correctly fitted pessary should help you return to your normal daily activities with greater comfort and confidence. Most women quickly adapt to wearing a pessary and are able to continue work, exercise and many of the activities they enjoy.

During your appointment, we will provide personalised advice based on your symptoms, lifestyle and the type of pessary fitted. Our aim is to help you feel confident managing your prolapse while maintaining an active and fulfilling lifestyle.

You can usually continue:

• Walking and gentle exercise
• Gym-based exercise with appropriate guidance
• Swimming (depending on the pessary type and your individual circumstances)
• Travelling and holidays
• Work and most daily activities
• Looking after children and family responsibilities
• Social activities and hobbies

Exercise & Physical Activity

Remaining active is important for your overall health and wellbeing. Many women find that a correctly fitted pessary allows them to exercise more comfortably by reducing feelings of heaviness and improving pelvic support. We can also advise on pelvic floor exercises, lifting techniques and activity modifications where required.

Sexual Activity

Some pessaries can remain in place during sexual intercourse, while others should be removed beforehand. This depends on the type of pessary used and your personal circumstances. We will discuss this with you during your appointment and provide advice that is appropriate for your individual situation.

Ongoing Support

If you experience discomfort, notice changes in your symptoms or have any concerns about your pessary, our team is here to help. Regular reviews and ongoing support are an important part of successful pessary management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does pessary fitting hurt?

Most women find pessary fitting comfortable and well tolerated. You may feel some pressure during the examination and fitting, but it should not be painful. We take time to ensure you feel relaxed throughout the appointment.

How long does the appointment take?

Your initial appointment usually lasts around 45–60 minutes, allowing enough time for a detailed assessment, pelvic examination, pessary fitting (if appropriate) and personalised advice.

Do I need a GP referral?

No. You can book directly with us without a GP referral.

Can I exercise with a pessary?

Yes. Many women find they can return to walking, gym exercise and other physical activities more comfortably after a correctly fitted pessary. We also provide advice on safe exercise and pelvic floor rehabilitation.

Can I remove my pessary myself?

This depends on the type of pessary fitted. Some women are able to remove and reinsert their pessary independently, while others prefer regular follow-up appointments for ongoing management. We will discuss the most suitable option for you.

How often does my pessary need to be checked?

Follow-up appointments vary depending on the type of pessary and your individual circumstances. We will recommend a review schedule to ensure your pessary remains comfortable, effective and safe.

What if the first pessary doesn't fit?

Finding the right pessary sometimes requires trying a different size or type. We offer a wide range of pessaries and will work with you to find the option that provides the best support and comfort.

Can a pessary prevent surgery?

Many women successfully manage their symptoms with a pessary for years. While a pessary does not cure prolapse, it can significantly improve symptoms and may delay or remove the need for surgery for some women.

Can I have a pessary if I have had a hysterectomy?

Yes. Many women with vaginal vault prolapse following a hysterectomy can benefit from pessary treatment. During your assessment, we will determine the most appropriate option for your condition.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring details of any medications, previous pelvic surgery, relevant medical history and any questions you would like to discuss. Wearing comfortable clothing can also make your visit easier.

What Our Patients Say

"I saw Saira for support with vaginal prolapse and pessary fitting. She was compassionate, knowledgeable and helped me feel more confident and active again. I felt listened to throughout the whole process and would highly recommend her."

"Amazing service from start to finish. Saira made me feel comfortable, explained everything clearly and gave me confidence to return to my normal activities. I only wish I had sought help sooner."

"Professional, caring and extremely knowledgeable. I felt completely at ease during my appointment and received excellent advice alongside my treatment. I would highly recommend SU Women's Health."

Our Promise to You

We understand that discussing pelvic health can feel personal and, for many women, difficult to talk about. Our aim is to provide a welcoming, private and supportive environment where you feel listened to, respected and involved in every decision about your care.

Every consultation is delivered with compassion, professionalism and evidence-based clinical practice. We take time to understand your concerns, answer your questions and develop a personalised treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.

Whether you are seeking help for newly diagnosed prolapse or have been living with symptoms for many years, we are committed to supporting you throughout your journey.