Pessary Fitting
Discomfort, painful intercourse, and urinary troubles? You're not alone. While pelvic floor therapy often helps, sometimes a boost is needed. That’s where pessary fitting comes into play. A pessary, a device placed in the vagina to support pelvic organs, is a time-honored solution for conditions like pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). For centuries, this simple yet effective tool has provided a non-surgical option for various pelvic floor disorders, offering a practical approach to gynecological care.
Pessary Fitting
A pessary is a safe, non-surgical option to help manage the symptoms of vaginal atrophy and related conditions like pelvic organ prolapse and stress incontinence. Think of it as a supportive device, typically made of silicone, that's inserted into the vagina. It supports the pelvic organs, helping to alleviate feelings of fullness or pressure and reduce urine leakage.
- How it Works: A pessary works by physically supporting the vaginal walls and pelvic organs. For prolapse, it gently lifts organs that may have shifted out of place. For incontinence, it can support the urethra, reducing accidental urine leakage.
- Types of Pessaries: There are various types, with the ring and Gellhorn pessaries being the most common. During a fitting, your healthcare provider will determine the best type and size for you.
- Ring pessaries are often recommended for stress incontinence and mild to moderate pelvic organ prolapse.
- Gellhorn pessaries are typically used for more advanced prolapse.
- The Fitting Process: A healthcare provider, usually a Pelvic Floor Therapist performs the fitting. During the appointment at our health care center, they will:
- Conduct a pelvic exam to assess your condition.
- Determine the appropriate type and size of pessary. A well-fitted pessary should be comfortable and stay in place during everyday activities.
- Insert the pessary. They may use lubrication to ensure comfort.
- Check the fit. You may be asked to stand, sit, cough, or squat to ensure the pessary is secure.
- Care and Maintenance: Some pessaries are designed to be removed and cleaned regularly by the patient, while others require professional cleaning. Your provider will give you detailed instructions. Regular follow-up appointments at our health care center are essential to ensure proper fit and monitor for potential issues.
Estriol (Estrogen/Hormone) Therapy
Estriol is a type of estrogen that can be prescribed by a naturopathic doctor or a nurse practitioner. It can help restore the health and elasticity of the vaginal tissues.
- How it Works: Estriol is a natural female hormone. In cases of vaginal atrophy, Estriol helps to normalize the urogenital epithelium, which is the lining of the vagina and urinary tract. This can alleviate dryness, itching, and pain. It also helps restore the normal microflora and pH in the vagina, increasing resistance to infections.
- Forms of Estriol Therapy: Estriol is available in various forms, including creams, tablets, suppositories, and rings. These are typically applied directly to the vagina.
- Application: The method of application varies depending on the form of Estriol. Creams and tablets are often applied with an applicator. Rings are inserted into the vagina and release Estriol over time. Your doctor will provide specific instructions based on the chosen form.
- Benefits: Estriol therapy can significantly improve symptoms of vaginal atrophy, such as dryness, itching, pain during intercourse, and urinary problems. It can also reduce the risk of vaginal and urinary infections.
- Important Considerations: While Estriol is generally safe, it's crucial to discuss your medical history with your doctor. They can assess whether Estriol therapy is appropriate for you and monitor for any potential side effects.
Pelvic Floor Therapy: A Holistic Approach
At The Village Health Clinic, we believe in a holistic approach to health. Pelvic floor therapy is often the first line of defence for vaginal atrophy and related issues. Our experienced pelvic floor physical therapists will assess your individual needs and create a personalized treatment plan. This may include exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, manual therapy, and education on lifestyle modifications. Pelvic floor therapy can address disorders of the bladder & bowel, sexual dysfunctions, pelvic pain/dysfunction, tail bone pain, pre & postnatal care and post-surgical issues.
We are a healthcare center dedicated to providing comprehensive, natural, and adjunctive therapies to support your body's healing process. We work to understand the source of your health concerns by addressing the whole picture by following evidence-based medicine and safety guidelines in conjunction with conventional medicine. If you're experiencing symptoms of vaginal atrophy or other pelvic floor issues, we encourage you to contact us. If you ever find yourself searching for a “health clinic near me,” We are ready to partner with you on your journey to better health.
FAQs
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Is pelvic floor therapy painful?
Pelvic floor therapy should not be painful. Our therapists use gentle techniques and will work within your comfort level. You may experience mild discomfort during the internal examination or manual therapy, but it should not be painful. If you experience any pain, be sure to communicate with your therapist so they can adjust their approach. We prioritize your comfort and want to ensure you have a positive experience.
I have chronic pelvic pain. Can pelvic floor therapy help alleviate my discomfort?
Yes, pelvic floor therapy can be a valuable tool in managing chronic pelvic pain. Often, pelvic pain is related to tight or spasming pelvic floor muscles. Our therapists will use manual therapy techniques, such as massage and stretching, to release tension in these muscles. They'll also teach you relaxation techniques and exercises to help you manage pain at home. We also look at other contributing factors like posture and breathing patterns. Our goal is to help you find long-term relief and improve your overall comfort.
How often will I need to attend pelvic floor therapy sessions?
ButtonThe frequency of your sessions will depend on your individual needs and the severity of your symptoms. Typically, patients attend sessions once or twice a week for several weeks. As you progress, the frequency may decrease. We will work with you to create a schedule that fits your lifestyle and helps you achieve your goals. It is important to remember that consistency is key to seeing results. We will also provide you with a home exercise program to supplement your in-clinic sessions.
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