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 assess for the type and degree of prolapse and will use a fitting kit to determine the correct type and size pessary. Once inserted, you will be asked to move around, squat, cough, etc. to see if the pessary is pushed out or if it is uncomfortable. We may need to try the next size up or down depending on the result.
Once the correct pessary type and size is determined, we will fax an order form to Personal Med. They charge $49.95 + $10 shipping that you will pay them directly with either credit card or check. If you have a preference for a different company, I’m happy to accommodate your request.
Once your new pessary arrives, you will schedule a follow up visit to ensure independence with proper placement and use.
Therapist has a limited supply of the most common sizes of pessaries in stock. If your type and size is in stock, you will be billed $60 for it in office and be able to go home with it that day.
- Jones KA, Harmanli O. Pessary use in pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010;3(1):3-9.
Pelvic Health Physical Therapy 