Will a Pessary Cure My Prolapse or Incontinence?

A Guide from the PhysioFit of NC Women’s Health Physical Therapy Team

If you’ve been diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or urinary incontinence, you may have heard about pessaries as a treatment option. Many women ask us, “Will a pessary cure my prolapse or incontinence?” The short answer is: a pessary won’t “cure” prolapse or incontinence, but it can be a highly effective tool to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

At PhysioFit of NC, we believe in educating and empowering women to make the best choices for their pelvic health. Let’s dive into what a pessary can—and cannot—do for prolapse and incontinence.

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What Does a Pessary Do?

A pessary is a small, removable medical device inserted into the vagina to provide support for the pelvic organs. It is often recommended for:
✔️ Pelvic organ prolapse (bladder, uterus, or rectal prolapse)
✔️ Stress urinary incontinence (leakage with coughing, sneezing, or activity)
✔️ Pregnancy-related pelvic support
✔️ Postpartum recovery
✔️ Women looking to delay or avoid surgery

A properly fitted pessary helps reduce symptoms like vaginal pressure, bulging, or urine leakage. However, it does notreverse or “fix” the underlying cause of prolapse or incontinence.

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Can a Pessary Cure Prolapse?

No, a pessary does not cure prolapse, but it can help manage symptoms effectively by providing external support.

💡 Think of a pessary like a brace for a weak joint—it doesn’t heal the issue, but it provides stability and relief.

How a Pessary Helps with Prolapse:

✔️ Lifts and supports prolapsed organs to relieve pressure and discomfort
✔️ Prevents worsening of prolapse symptoms with daily activities
✔️ Allows women to stay active without feeling heaviness or bulging
✔️ Can delay or prevent the need for surgery in some cases

That said, prolapse is a progressive condition, meaning it may change over time. While a pessary offers symptom relief, pelvic floor therapy is key to strengthening and supporting the underlying muscles.

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Can a Pessary Cure Incontinence?

A pessary does not cure urinary incontinence, but certain pessary types—like the continence ring or dish pessary—can help reduce leakage by supporting the urethra.

How a Pessary Helps with Urinary Incontinence:

✔️ Supports the urethra to reduce stress urinary incontinence (SUI)
✔️ Provides an alternative to surgery or medication
✔️ Works alongside pelvic floor therapy to improve bladder control

However, if incontinence is caused by weak pelvic floor muscles, a pessary alone won’t solve the issue. Pelvic floor strengthening exercises guided by a women’s health physical therapist can be a long-term solution.

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The Best Approach: Combining a Pessary with Pelvic Floor Therapy

While a pessary is a great tool for managing symptoms, it works best when combined with pelvic floor physical therapy.

How Pelvic Floor Therapy Helps:

🔹 Strengthens the muscles that support the bladder and uterus
🔹 Improves pelvic floor coordination and endurance
🔹 Reduces urine leakage and supports better bladder control
🔹 Helps with core stability and overall pelvic health

At PhysioFit of NC, we help women incorporate customized pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle modifications, and pessary use into a comprehensive plan for lasting relief.

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Is a Pessary Right for You?

If you’re experiencing pelvic organ prolapse or incontinence, a pessary may be a great non-surgical option to help you stay active and comfortable. However, it’s important to:
✔️ Get properly fitted by a healthcare professional
✔️ Follow a pelvic floor therapy program for long-term support
✔️ Have regular check-ups to ensure the pessary remains effective

If you’re curious about whether a pessary is right for you, our team at PhysioFit of NC is here to help! We specialize in pessary education, pelvic floor therapy, and holistic approaches to pelvic health.

📞 Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take control of your pelvic wellness!