A simple, non-surgical device called a pessary began my journey toward finding comfort and confidence. This small, flexible ring, typically made of medical-grade silicone, is placed inside the vagina to provide gentle support to the pelvic organs and manage symptoms related to pelvic floor changes. Discovering this solution shifted my perspective on managing my health, moving me from constant worry to a renewed sense of physical freedom.
Identifying the Hidden Struggle
Before the pessary, my daily life was shaped by discomfort and a pervasive fear of physical exertion. The sensation of internal pressure and heaviness was a constant companion, feeling that something was always “falling” or out of place. This physical burden was compounded by involuntary urine leakage, particularly when I would cough, laugh, or try to exercise.
The emotional toll of this struggle was immense, leading to a quiet withdrawal from activities I once loved. I started avoiding walks with friends, hesitated to lift my grandchildren, and constantly scanned my environment for the nearest restroom.
The Practicalities of Getting Started
The first step toward relief was a consultation with a specialist to discuss management options. Since a pessary is a removable support device, we agreed to try it as a first-line, non-surgical treatment.
The fitting appointment involved a pelvic examination to determine the ideal shape and size for my specific anatomy. Pessaries come in many forms, such as the common ring or the space-filling Gellhorn, and finding the correct one is often a process of trial and error. The provider placed several trial sizes, asking me to move, cough, and squat to ensure the device stayed securely in place and offered adequate support without causing discomfort. A correctly fitted pessary should be completely unnoticeable.
Integrating the Pessary into Daily Routines
Learning to use the device at home was an adjustment, but it quickly became a routine part of my self-care. My specialist taught me how to insert and remove the silicone ring, often suggesting I stand with one foot propped up or lie down to make the process easier. The device is typically folded to make insertion smoother, and a water-based lubricant can assist with this step.
I chose to follow a schedule of removing the pessary once a week for thorough cleaning, using mild soap and warm water before reinserting it. For women who are post-menopausal, a healthcare provider may also recommend a topical estrogen cream to help maintain the health and thickness of the vaginal tissue and prevent irritation. Regular follow-up appointments, initially scheduled a few weeks after the fitting, are necessary to ensure the continued health of the vaginal walls and check the device’s fit.
Reclaiming Quality of Life
The most significant change was the immediate and sustained improvement in my physical symptoms, which translated directly into a psychological shift. The constant feeling of internal pressure vanished, replaced by a sense of stability and normalcy.
I was finally able to return to activities I had abandoned, like jogging and lifting weights, without the fear of leakage or discomfort. I now travel without the anxiety of locating a bathroom every hour, and I can laugh heartily with my friends and family without a second thought. The pessary restored my confidence and improved my perception of my own body, giving me back my freedom and a greater overall quality of life.