Let’s Talk Pessaries: What They Are, Who They’re For, and Why It’s Time to Drop the Stigma
If you’ve ever been told to “just live with it” when it comes to pelvic heaviness, bladder leakage, or prolapse symptoms — this one’s for you.
Pessaries are one of the most under-discussed, misunderstood, and underestimated tools in pelvic health. And honestly? It’s time they had a rebrand.
What Is a Pessary?
A pessary is a small, medical-grade silicone device that sits comfortably inside the vagina to provide mechanical support to the pelvic organs. Think of it as internal support that helps counter gravity and pressure — especially when the pelvic floor is under increased load.
Pessaries are commonly used for:
Pelvic organ prolapse (bladder, uterus, rectum)
Stress urinary incontinence (leakage with running, jumping, coughing, or lifting)
Symptom management during pregnancy or postpartum
Support during high-impact exercise
Women navigating perimenopause and menopause
They come in many shapes and sizes, and a proper fit is essential — which is why assessment and individualized fitting matter.
How Do Pessaries Help?
A pessary works by gently supporting the vaginal walls and pelvic organs, helping to:
Reduce sensations of heaviness, pressure, or bulging
Improve bladder control during activity
Allow a return to exercise or sport with more confidence
Reduce symptom flare-ups at the end of the day or during prolonged standing
Provide symptom relief without surgery
Some women wear a pessary daily, while others use one only during certain activities. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach — and that flexibility is part of what makes them so effective.
What Pessaries Are Not
Let’s clear up some common myths.
Pessaries are not:
A last resort
Only for older women
Uncomfortable when properly fitted
A sign that pelvic floor physiotherapy “didn’t work”
A failure of your body
In fact, pessaries are often used alongside pelvic floor physiotherapy to enhance outcomes — especially when strength and coordination are present, but additional support is needed for higher loads or hormonal tissue changes.
Breaking the Stigma Around Support
There’s a long-standing stigma that needing internal support means something is “wrong” with your body. But pelvic floor conditions are common — particularly after pregnancy, childbirth, connective tissue changes, and estrogen fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause.
Using a pessary is no different than:
Wearing orthotics for foot support
Using a knee brace during sport
Wearing glasses to improve vision
Support is not weakness. It’s strategy.
And for many women, it’s the missing piece that allows them to return to movement, work, intimacy, and daily life without fear or discomfort.
Pessary Fitting at Makewell Health
We’re proud to offer pessary fitting at Makewell Health with Sandra Ghaly, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist and clinic owner.
Pessary fitting is a specialized service that includes:
A comprehensive pelvic health assessment
Individualized sizing and device selection
Education on insertion, removal, and care (when appropriate)
Ongoing follow-up to ensure comfort, safety, and effectiveness
Our approach is evidence-based, supportive, and judgment-free. Whether you’re newly postpartum, navigating perimenopause, living with prolapse, or simply curious about your options, our goal is to help you make informed decisions about your body.
The Bottom Line
Pessaries don’t replace movement, strength, or education — they complement them.
They’re not outdated.
They’re not extreme.
And they’re certainly not something to be embarrassed about.
They’re one of many tools we use to help women feel supported, confident, and in control of their bodies again.
If you’ve been wondering whether a pessary could be right for you, we’re here to talk it through — openly, honestly, and without pressure.