Can You Do Pelvic Floor Exercises with a Pessary?

Ever since you were a kid, you’ve probably heard about the importance of doing exercises to stay strong and healthy. We’re encouraged to lift weights, run, swim, and cycle, yet rarely do we hear about the essential muscles that support our bladder, bowels, and uterus. These muscles, collectively known as the pelvic floor, are vital for a range of bodily functions, and their health can be significantly impacted by factors like aging, pregnancy, and childbirth.

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Enter the pessary. This small, often discreet device has become a popular solution for women experiencing pelvic organ prolapse, a condition where these organs descend into the vagina. But can you actually strengthen your pelvic floor muscles while using a pessary? This is a question that many women grapple with, and the answer, thankfully, is more complex than a simple yes or no.

Understanding the Pessary

What is a Pessary?

Imagine a small, donut-shaped device that can be inserted into the vagina to provide support. That’s essentially what a pessary is. It’s made from various materials like silicone, rubber, or plastic, and comes in different shapes and sizes to fit a woman’s anatomy. While there are many types of pessaries, they all serve a similar purpose: to hold the pelvic organs in their correct position, preventing prolapse from worsening.

Types of Pessaries

The world of pessaries is surprisingly diverse! There are numerous types, each with its own unique design and function. Some common examples include:

• Ring Pessary: This type resembles a ring and is often used for mild prolapse.
• Cage Pessary: With a larger, cage-like structure, this pessary is suitable for more severe prolapse.
• Donut Pessary: This pessary has a central hole, making it ideal for women with a history of bladder problems.
• Cube Pessary: This pessary is designed to support the uterus.

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Benefits of Pessaries

Pessaries offer a non-surgical option for managing pelvic organ prolapse, providing several benefits:

• Symptomatic relief: They can alleviate symptoms like urinary incontinence, bowel issues, and pelvic pain.
• Improved quality of life: Pessaries can empower women to resume activities they might have had to restrict due to prolapse.
• Delay surgery: They can serve as a temporary solution while a woman considers other treatment options, such as surgery.

Pelvic Floor Exercises: A Vital Component

While pessaries provide structural support, they don’t actually strengthen the muscles that are weakened in prolapse. To achieve that, pelvic floor exercises are crucial. These exercises, often referred to as Kegels, target the pelvic floor muscles, helping them regain their strength and tone.

Why Pelvic Floor Exercises Matter

Imagine your pelvic floor muscles as a hammock supporting your organs. Weakness in this hammock can lead to prolapse, where the organs start to sag. Strengthening these muscles is like tightening the hammock, providing better support for the organs and preventing further descent.

How Do Pelvic Floor Exercises Work?

Kegel exercises focus on isolating and contracting the pelvic floor muscles. You do this by squeezing as if you’re stopping yourself from peeing, holding for a few seconds, and then relaxing. It might feel awkward at first, but with practice, you’ll eventually master the technique.

Pessaries and Pelvic Floor Exercises: The Relationship

So, can you do pelvic floor exercises with a pessary? The answer is a qualified yes. However, there are some points to consider:

The Impact of Pessaries on Exercise Difficulty

While a pessary supports the pelvic organs, it might make it slightly harder to isolate and control the pelvic floor muscles. This is because the pessary itself provides some support, which can mask the feeling of a weak pelvic floor. Some women find it more challenging to perform Kegels with a pessary in place.

Finding the Right Approach

The key is to find a method that works best for you. Some women find it easier to do Kegels while the pessary is removed, especially during the initial learning phase. Others might be able to perform exercises with the pessary in place, potentially even finding it helpful in providing a sense of the muscles’ correct position. Experiment and listen to your body to find the most effective approach.

Communication with Your Healthcare Provider

Open communication with your healthcare provider is always crucial. Discuss your concerns about pelvic floor exercises and your pessary. They can offer personalized advice based on your individual situation and the type of pessary you’re using.

Tips for Pelvic Floor Exercise Success with a Pessary

Focus on Technique, Not Intensity

It’s better to focus on proper technique rather than trying to perform extremely strong contractions. Aim for a gentle, sustained squeeze, focusing on correctly engaging the pelvic floor muscles.

Consistency is Key

Just like any exercise routine, consistency is key to success with pelvic floor exercises. Ideally, aim for several sets of repetitions throughout the day. Even short bursts of exercise can have a positive impact.

Seek Expert Guidance

If you’re struggling to isolate and contract your pelvic floor muscles effectively, consider seeking guidance from a pelvic floor physiotherapist. They can provide individualized assessment and instruction, helping you achieve optimal results.

Beyond Exercises: Other Considerations

Regular Check-Ups

It’s essential to have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider while using a pessary. They will monitor the fit, adjust it if necessary, and ensure it’s not causing any discomfort or complications. They can also assess your pelvic floor muscle strength and guide you towards appropriate exercises.

Maintaining Good Hygiene

Proper hygiene is crucial when using a pessary. It should be cleaned regularly according to your healthcare provider’s instructions to prevent infections and irritation. Your provider will also advise on the frequency of removal and cleaning based on your pessary’s material and type.

Can You Do Pelvic Floor Exercises With A Pessary

Conclusion

Using a pessary can provide relief from prolapse symptoms, but it doesn’t replace the need for pelvic floor exercises. These exercises are vital for strengthening the muscles that contribute to prolapse and improving overall pelvic floor health. While a pessary may make isolating these muscles slightly more challenging, with proper technique and guidance, you can still achieve significant benefits. So, don’t let the presence of a pessary deter you from incorporating these crucial exercises into your routine! Remember to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance, and embrace the path to a stronger, healthier you.