If you’re struggling to find a pessary that fits, I want you to know that you are not alone. I’ve been there—going through the frustrating, often disheartening process of trying different shapes, sizes, and materials, only to find that nothing quite works the way I hoped. It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that pessary fitting isn’t always straightforward, and sometimes, the perfect solution just doesn’t exist. But through my own trial and error, I learned a lot, and I want to share what helped me get through it.
What to Do If No Pessary Seems to Fit
If you’ve been searching for the right pessary without success, here are four practical options to consider:
Go with the Best Bad Fit
If you’ve tried multiple pessaries and none of them fit perfectly, you may consider using the best available option. That’s what I did for a while. It wasn’t ideal—it moved around more than I wanted, and some days were more comfortable than others—but it still gave me a level of support that was better than nothing. If you go this route, work with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s as comfortable as possible and doesn’t cause unnecessary irritation. Sometimes, a slight adjustment or a different material can make all the difference.
Go Without a Pessary
At one point, I had to make peace with the idea that no pessary was going to work for me at that moment. And you know what? It wasn’t the end of the world. Many women, including myself, manage pelvic organ prolapse symptoms without using a pessary. I focused on lifestyle changes, posture adjustments, and exercises that helped me feel more in control. Compression garments also became a go-to for me, providing external support that made a noticeable difference. If no pessary fits, that doesn’t mean you have no options—you can still find ways to support your body and feel good.
Try Pelvic Floor Therapy
Pelvic floor therapy was a game-changer for me. At first, I wasn’t convinced that exercises alone would help, but working with a pelvic floor therapist gave me tools I didn’t even know I needed. Strengthening my core and learning how to move and lift differently made a huge impact on my daily comfort. I also learned techniques to reduce pressure on my pelvic area, which meant fewer symptoms overall. If you haven’t explored therapy yet, I highly recommend giving it a try. It’s one of the best things I did for myself.
Try Again After Some Time Has Passed
Something I didn’t realize in the beginning was that my body was still changing. A pessary that didn’t fit me a few months postpartum might fit better later. After focusing on pelvic floor therapy and giving my body time to heal, I eventually tried again—and this time, the fit was different. Sometimes, what doesn’t work now might work in the future. If you’re feeling frustrated, it’s okay to take a break and revisit the idea later.
You Are Not Alone
Dealing with pelvic organ prolapse after childbirth is challenging, and I know how discouraging it can feel when pessary fitting doesn’t go as planned. But please, don’t lose hope. There are many ways to find relief, and what works for you might not be what you initially expected.
You are strong. You are not broken. And no matter what path you take, you are not alone in this journey. Reach out for support, be kind to yourself, and trust that with time and the right approach, you will find what works best for you.