Pessary Fitting: Non-Surgical Support for Prolapse and Incontinence
A pessary is a removable silicone device placed inside the vagina to provide structural support for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). It is an effective non-surgical option for women who are not ready for surgery, prefer to avoid surgery, or are not surgical candidates due to health reasons.
Dr. Andrei fits and manages pessaries at both the Lapeer and Rochester Hills offices. Fitting involves selecting the appropriate pessary type and size for your anatomy, placing it, and confirming comfort and function — all in one appointment without anesthesia. Ongoing management includes scheduled cleaning, inspection, and adjustment visits.
Pessaries come in multiple shapes and sizes — ring, Gellhorn, donut, cube, and others — each suited to different degrees and types of prolapse or incontinence. Dr. Andrei selects the appropriate type based on your anatomy and symptoms. Many patients successfully use pessaries for years as a primary long-term management strategy.
Good Candidates for Pessary Management
Pessaries are appropriate for a broad range of patients experiencing prolapse or incontinence symptoms. Dr. Andrei evaluates anatomy and symptom severity at your consultation.
Pelvic organ prolapse (any stage)
Cystocele, rectocele, uterine prolapse, or vault prolapse causing symptoms of pressure, bulge, or incomplete emptying — pessary provides structural support without surgery.
Stress urinary incontinence
Urine leakage with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise — a supportive or incontinence pessary reduces leakage by elevating and supporting the bladder neck.
Patients deferring surgical repair
Women who want symptomatic relief while delaying surgery, or who wish to complete future pregnancies before surgical repair, are excellent candidates for pessary as a bridge or primary treatment.
Medically complex or high-surgical-risk patients
Women with significant comorbidities for whom surgery carries elevated risk — pessary provides effective relief without anesthesia, hospitalization, or recovery.
Postmenopausal patients
Pelvic floor changes after menopause frequently cause or worsen prolapse and incontinence symptoms. Pessary with topical estrogen (when appropriate) is a highly effective first-line management strategy.
Patients who prefer non-surgical management
Women who are surgical candidates but prefer a non-surgical approach — pessary is a safe, effective, and fully reversible option with no impact on future surgical options.
Pessary Fitting — What to Expect at Your Visit
Pessary fitting at Lapeer Women’s Health takes approximately 15–20 minutes. No anesthesia, no recovery room, no hospital. Most patients leave the office with the pessary in place and return to normal activity immediately.
Pelvic Examination and Assessment
Dr. Andrei performs a pelvic exam to assess prolapse stage, vaginal dimensions, levator ani muscle tone, and pelvic floor anatomy. This determines which pessary type and size range is most appropriate for your anatomy.
Pessary Selection and Initial Placement
The selected pessary is placed in the vagina in the office. Dr. Andrei assesses fit by asking you to bear down and cough — the pessary should remain in position. If the first size is not ideal, a different size or type is tried.
Comfort and Function Confirmation
You stand, walk, and empty your bladder in the office to confirm comfort and function. The pessary should not be felt during normal activity. Adjustments are made if needed.
Removal and Reinsertion Teaching
For patients who will self-manage, Dr. Andrei or clinical staff teach you how to remove, clean, and reinsert the pessary. Self-management allows more flexible cleaning schedules and reduces the frequency of office visits.
Ongoing Management Visits
Patients who are office-managed (pessary cleaned and inspected by clinical staff) return every 8–12 weeks. Self-managing patients return every 6–12 months. Dr. Andrei monitors vaginal tissue health and adjusts the pessary type or size as needed over time.
Common Questions About Pessary Fitting
Relief Without Surgery.
Fitted in a Single Visit.
Pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence are manageable without an operating room. Dr. Andrei fits pessaries at both Lapeer and Rochester Hills — most patients leave the office with support in place.
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment options vary significantly. Reading this content does not establish a physician-patient relationship with Dr. Ramona D. Andrei or Lapeer Women’s Health. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice specific to your situation. Content reviewed by Dr. Ramona D. Andrei, MD PhD FACOG.
Gynecologic care for women of every age
Lapeer Women’s Health — Rochester Hills
2710 S Rochester Rd, Suite 2
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Serving patients in Lapeer, Rochester Hills, and surrounding communities throughout Southeast Michigan.