• This can happen frequently after fitting. Your physiotherapist would have ensured it was correct fit however as you go about your normal day and activities it can become apparent it is the wrong size.

• If it falls out, please collect the pessary, wash it and put it in a zip lock bag.

• Call us on 0488231678 to make an appointment with your Physiotherapist who will be able to fit the next size if needed.

• After insertion, it is normal to have an increase in vaginal secretions.

• If your discharge increases but appears normal (i.e. clear or white colour and not smelly), you can continue to use your pessary.

• While increased vaginal discharge is very common, if these symptoms are bothersome you can make an appointment at the Clinic or with your GP to discuss this further.

• Using a pessary can increase the risk of vaginal infection and tissue damage.

• If you notice unexpected bleeding from your vagina or your discharge changes to a yellow, green, grey colour or becomes smelly remove your pessary immediately and contact your GP for the earliest available appointment.

• Sometimes after insertion of the pessary, there may be a small amount of blood following. As long as this ceases and does not increase then continue to use pessary.

• If you experience difficulty passing urine or stools, remove your pessary and try toileting again. Once you have emptied your bladder/bowel fully, wash and then reinsert your pessary.

• If this occurs regularly your pessary might be too big. Please contact your Physiotherapist to arrange a review of your pessary fit.

• Stay relaxed and do not panic, and then try again.

• If you still cannot remove the pessary, contact your physiotherapists or doctor, or if neither of these are available, attend your nearest Accident & Emergency facility.

• Firstly, avoid constipation; Straining or strongly pushing down when passing stools is likely to cause this symptom

• Your Physiotherapist can help you with managing your constipation and provide further advice on healthy bowel habits.

• You can also try supporting the area between your back passage and vagina when opening your bowels to prevent the pessary from moving down or coming out. Wrap toilet paper around your hand and press your fingertips into the area just in front of the anus and use your hand to support the opening of the vagina, this should help you feel more confident when using your bowels.

• When a pessary is not the correct size or has not been inserted properly it may move or shift, causing discomfort.

• Firstly, with a clean hand, attempt to reposition the pessary inside the vagina using your finger. Alternatively, you can remove, wash, and then reinsert the pessary to make sure it is sitting in the correct position.

• If you continue to experience discomfort after attempting these recommendations, remove your pessary and contact the clinic for a review to check the pessary fit, and possibly a different size or type of pessary can be trialled.

Some women can experience new or worsening incontinence after the pessary is fitted.

• Speak to your physiotherapist if this occurs to discuss a suitable management plan. It may be possible to consider a different type of pessary that can help with both your prolapse and incontinence symptoms.