Incontinence & Overactive Bladder Health Center
Related to Incontinence & Overactive Bladder (OAB)
Using a Pessary to Help Incontinence
Treatments for Incontinence & Overactive Bladder (OAB)
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Vaginal Pessaries as Urinary Control Devices
The use of a urinary device such as a pessary can help a woman control urinary incontinence. The pessary is simply inserted into the vagina to support a prolapsed uterus or bladder. It is also a very effective device for symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
Pessaries used to treat stress incontinence are plastic or silicon devices, similar to vaginal contraceptive diaphragms. They are used to lift the bladder or to put pressure on the urethra during activities that can cause bladder leakage. Frequently, a vaginal estrogen cream is prescribed to women who use a pessary to strengthen the vaginal tissue, especially for women who are in menopause.
Choosing to use a pessary for SUI is a low risk treatment option versus surgical options, which are invasive. Studies show that approximately half of the women who are successfully fitted with a pessary have decreased or stopped being incontinent and continue to use it on a long-term basis.
Women with the following incontinence issues are good candidates for a pessary:
- If you leak urine when exercising, coughing, laughing or sneezing
- If your symptoms are mild and you want to avoid having surgery
- If you have other health problems that makes surgery not an option
Pessaries come in various sizes and shapes to meet the anatomical need of the patient. Some doctors or Continence Nurse Specialists have a wide selection of pessaries to improve improve the chances of getting a comfortable fit. Once you have a pessary placed, it's important to adhere to the maintenance course that your healthcare provider suggests. This will prevent infection or other complications for occurring.
