Non-Surgical Treatment for Pelvic Support Problems and Incontinence

A Gynecology Specialists note: Following is an excellent article on the use of a Pessary to help women with incontinence, loss of bladder control, and pelvic organ prolapse. Since 2004, our GYN doctors have helped women in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and throughout Hampton Roads. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our GYN Clinic at (757) 312-8221.

What is a pessary?

The pelvic organs including the vagina, uterus, bladder, urethra and rectum can drop down. This loss of support occurs when the layers of connective tissue, called the pelvic floor, experience relaxation. The causes of pelvic organ prolapse include:

• Vaginal childbirth
• Menopause
• Aging
• Repeated heavy lifting
• Being overweight
• Being constipated
• Chronic coughing

The symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse may include a feeling of pelvic pressure or fullness. Sometimes patients feel like something is bulging out of the vagina, or leakage of urine. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you may benefit from evaluation and treatment from our Gyn doctors.

Loss of bladder control or incontinence is a common problem and there are many treatment options available. If you have symptoms that affect your daily life you may be a candidate for treatment. Changes in diet and lifestyle may be helpful in relieving some symptoms. If incontinence is a problem, bladder training may be of use. There are exercises that can strengthen the pelvic floor and those are commonly called Kegel exercises. Our Gyn doctors can aid in pelvic floor muscle training.

A pessary is also an option. The pessary is a device that is inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic organs. Pessaries are available in many shapes and sizes. They can be used for short-term or long-term treatment and they can spare the need for surgery. A pessary is a good consideration in older patients who may not be able to have surgery or may have conditions that make it difficult to have surgery.

Most pessaries are shaped like rings or dishes. Support pessaries can be inserted and removed by patients. Pessaries are a low cost, minimally invasive approach for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.

If you are suffering from vaginal discomfort and/or incontinence, a complete and thorough exam by one of our Gyn doctors can help us find the cause of the problem and get treatment started.

If you would like to schedule an appointment or ask questions, please contact our GYN Clinic at (757) 312-8221.