Conservative Prolapse Management - Pessary

What is a Pelvic Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition, particularly affecting older women. Prolapse literally means ‘to fall’ and it occurs when the structures designed to keep organs in place weaken or stretch so that one or more pelvic organs (the uterus, bladder, bowel or rectum) start to slip out of place.

Causes of a Pelvic Prolapse

It is the pelvic floor muscles and supporting ligaments that keep the pelvic organs in their proper position. The pelvic floor muscles may become weakened for many reasons, such as pregnancy and childbirth, ageing, heavy lifting, obesity, chronic straining, surgery or injury.

Types of Prolapse

As with many conditions, the prolapse maybe

• mild,
• moderate or
• severe

There are a range of management options and some do not require surgery

Conservative Treatment using Pessaries

Pessaries are a non-surgical treatment option for pelvic organ prolapse.

What are Pessaries?

Benefits of Pessaries

Women may use a support pessary for a number of reasons including:

• Avoid or delay prolapse surgery
• Allow exercise with a prolapse
• Manage stress incontinence
• Help during pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation

Other Reasons for Pessaries

For many women with or affected pelvic floor muscles pessaries may help:

• During pregnancy or following childbirth
• When unsuitable for pelvic prolapse surgery
• Previous failed prolapse surgery
• To support the possibility of future pregnancy

With advanced age, it may be worth discussing with your general practitioner as a possible management option if this applies to you.