What if My Pessary Falls Out?
Make an appointment with your physiotherapist if your pessary keeps falling out.
The pessary can fall out of your vagina, for example, if you strain on the toilet or bend or squat to lift something heavy.
If you find it difficult to open your bowels do not strain (see below.)
If it falls into the toilet retrieve it as it can be sterilised and reused.
If it falls out when you are not straining, this usually means that your pessary is too small or not the right type.
What if I find it difficult to empty my bladder or bowel?
If you find it difficult to open your bowels or bladder do not strain.
Your Bladder
Revise the techniques your physiotherapist discussed with you to help you successfully open your bladder in a relaxed manner.
If you cannot empty your bladder, remove your pessary and try again.
Make an appointment to get an ultrasound check of your emptying with your pessary inside.
The contact phone number for this clinic is 52297963.
Your Bowel
Revise the techniques your physiotherapist discussed with you to help you successfully open your bowel in a relaxed manner.
If you cannot empty your bowel remove your pessary and try again.
You can place one hand covered in toilet paper to support your vaginal opening when using your bowels to keep the pessary in place.
Seek further advice if you find the above strategies are not working. The contact phone number for this clinic is 52297963.
What else do I need to know?
It is normal to notice an increase in vaginal discharge. This is not a cause for concern unless it becomes excessive or has a noxious, fishy smell.
You should continue with pelvic floor exercises as prescribed by your health professional.
Some pessaries, e.g. ring pessaries, can be worn during intercourse.
Your physiotherapist will tell you if your pessary needs to be removed for intercourse.
You may end up trialling a number of pessaries in order to find the best type and fit. This may be within the initial fitting session and possibly on subsequent reviews, depending on how it fits and feels.
Unfortunately, a small proportion of women find a pessary is unsuccessful for them.
When to Stop Using Your Pessary?
If you have pain or can't resolve emptying problems then immediately remove and call your physiotherapist.
If you have a bad vaginal odour, lots of discharge or any blood, you should immediately remove the pessary, contact your physiotherapist and go and see your GP.
The contact phone number for this clinic is 52297963.
Caring for your Pessary
It's important that you care for your pessary well.
Your pessary can be removed as described by your physiotherapist.
After removal, wash your pessary with liquid soap and water, rinse with clear water, being sure to clean any holes.
Dry your pessary and store it in a dry clean cotton cloth overnight or plastic container (a soap container works well).
Re-insert after using your bowels if convenient.
Don’t use any chemicals to clean your pessary. Boiling your pessary is not recommended.
Using your pessary
The following is a list of the types of pessaries and their care, you can revisit this once you have been fitted.
