Pessary Fitting

What is a Pessary?

A pessary is an orthopedic device inserted vaginally to assist with organ support and/or to prevent urinary incontinence.

Dr. Balzer fits primarily for ring, gellhorn, and cube pessaries.

Ring pessary: Best for incontinence and/or cystocele

Gellhorn pessary: Best for uterine prolpase

Cube pessary: Best for rectocele, cystocele, and/or uterine prolapse in any combination

They are an excellent option for someone who has mild to severe symptoms and wants conservative treatment.1

What to expect during a fitting

During your fitting, Dr. Balzer will evaluate the type and degree of prolapse and use a fitting kit to determine the most appropriate pessary type and size. Once the pessary is inserted, you’ll be asked to move around—such as walking, squatting, and coughing—to ensure it stays in place and feels comfortable. Based on how it performs, we may try a slightly larger or smaller size to achieve the best fit.

Once the optimal type and size are identified, you will typically be fitted with your new pessary to take home the same day. If your specific size or style is not in stock, we will place an order, and it usually arrives within one week. The cost of the pessary is $60.

  1. Jones KA, Harmanli O. Pessary use in pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010;3(1):3-9.