What To Expect During A Pessary Fitting Appointment
For many women, the idea of a pessary fitting can feel unfamiliar or even intimidating. At Toronto Pessary Clinic, our goal is to make every appointment comfortable and empowering. Knowing what to expect can help ease anxiety and give you confidence in the process.
What Is A Pessary?
A pessary is a medical-grade device placed inside the vagina to support the pelvic organs. It is a low-risk, non-surgical, and reversible option for managing conditions such as:
Pelvic organ prolapse (heaviness, bulging, or pressure).
Urinary symptoms (leakage when coughing, laughing, sneezing, or urinary frequency, urgency).
If your symptoms are related to pelvic organ prolapse, explore non-surgical options for pelvic organ prolapse to see how conservative care can help.
If leakage of urine is your main concern, learn how pessaries help with stress urinary incontinence.
Initial Assessment
Step 1: Chat with your Physiotherapist
Your appointment begins with a private consultation. A registered physiotherapist will:
Review your symptoms and medical history.
Answer your questions about prolapse, incontinence, and pessary options.
Discuss whether a pessary is a good fit for your lifestyle and needs.
Step 2: Internal Examination
A gentle internal exam helps the physiotherapist understand your unique anatomy. This step is important to:
Confirm whether a pessary is appropriate.
Guide the selection of pessary type and size.
The exam is always consent-first—you’re in control every step of the way.
Step 3: Sizing and Fitting
Next, the physiotherapist will try a pessary size that fits your body comfortably. You may be asked to:
Stand, walk, or cough to ensure the pessary stays in place.
Share how it feels.
Finding the right size and type is essential for comfort and effectiveness.
Step 4: Education and Training
Once the pessary is fitted, your physiotherapist will show you how to:
Insert and remove the device (if you wish to self-manage).
Clean and care for it at home.
Understand your follow-up appointment schedule.
Education is a key part of every fitting, so you leave feeling confident and supported. Once you’re fitted, here’s how to keep everything comfortable and safe: pessary care and follow-up.
Follow-Up Appointments
Follow-up visits are scheduled to make sure the pessary continues to work well. Adjustments can be made if needed. Ongoing support is part of our commitment to your long-term comfort and health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a pessary fitting hurt?
Our therapists are as gentle as can be and any discomfort with insertion or removal of a pessary is typically momentary. Once inside, a pessary should be very comfortable.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No referral is required for an initial assessment and pessary fitting; it is, however, required to purchase a pessary.
The Takeaway
A pessary fitting is a private, supportive experience designed around your comfort, symptoms, and goals. From the first assessment to follow-up care, the process is guided by expert physiotherapists who specialize in pessary fitting.
If you are experiencing prolapse or urinary incontinence, a pessary may help you restore comfort, confidence, and quality of life. Visit our Pessary Fitting page for details and how to get started.
👉 Contact Toronto Pessary Clinic today to book a consultation and learn more about pessary fitting in Toronto.