Pelvic Organ Prolapse
What is it? Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is when any of the pelvic organs- the bladder, urethra, uterus, vagina, rectum, or small intestine- sit lower than normal due to tissue…
Prolapse Symptom Management – Rest and Recovery Positions
During the day, gravity puts downward pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and abdominal and pelvic organs, such that by the end of the day, your prolapse symptoms of heaviness,…
Bladder Emptying Techniques
With pelvic organ prolapse (POP), it is imperative that one avoids straining to empty her bladder or bowels, as extra downward pressure on the pelvic floor and pelvic organs can…
Stool Evacuation
In order to effectively evacuate stool, the anal sphincter and pelvic floor muscles must relax. Optimal posture can help promote muscle relaxation and, ultimately, ease of passage. Potty posture Sit…
Instances When a Pessary May Not Work
Use of a pessary can be life changing for the better when it fits well and does what it's supposed to. Studies have shown that as many as 90% of…
Exercise and Pelvic Organ Prolapse
“Tell me what exercises I can and cannot do!” my clients beg of me. I wish it were that simple. You have been diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), but…
Pessary Insertion and Removal Instructions
So you just got your pessary- congrats! Your physiotherapist explained how to insert and remove it and you practiced a few times with her in the clinic, but you can’t…
How do I Know if my Pessary is Working?
When trialing pessaries, women sometimes ask, “How do I know if the pessary is working?”. Pessaries do not directly fix prolapses or the mechanical breakdown behind stress urinary incontinence; rather,…
What is a Pessary?
History of Pessaries Did you know the use of pessaries for pelvic organ prolapse dates back to the days of Hippocrates?! The use of pessaries was even documented in early…
When to Seek Medical Attention
When to seek medical attention when using a pessary If you experience any of the below listed symptoms, remove your pessary, notify your physiotherapist and see your doctor. Medical treatment…