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About Pessaries & Pessary Fittings

Comfortable, non‑surgical options for pelvic support.

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If you’re experiencing pelvic heaviness, prolapse symptoms, or incontinence, a professionally-fitted pessary may help you stay active and comfortable.

Leduc Physio offers comprehensive pelvic floor assessments and pessary fitting services in a safe, supportive environment.

What is a pessary?

A pessary is a soft silicone device inserted into the vagina to help support the pelvic organs. It’s a non‑surgical, removable option used by many women to reduce symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse or certain types of stress incontinence.

Pessaries come in different shapes and sizes. During your appointment, a pelvic floor physiotherapist will help determine the style that best fits your anatomy and goals.

Who could benefit from a pessary?

A pessary may be helpful for individuals who experience:

A feeling of pelvic heaviness or “dragging”
Vaginal pressure that worsens through the day
Symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (symptoms may include: sensation of a vaginal bulge or visibly seeing tissue bulging towards or past the vaginal entrance, pelvic pressure or heaviness, difficulty fully emptying bladder or bowel, low back pain)
Urinary leakage with coughing, sneezing, lifting, or running
Discomfort during exercise or daily activities due to pelvic support issues
A desire to stay active without worsening symptoms
A preference to delay or avoid surgery

Pessaries are commonly used by people of all ages, including new parents, athletes, postpartum clients, and older adults.

A pessary is NOT a good choice for anyone experiencing:

An active wound or abrasion of the vaginal tissues (this would need to be resolved before a pessary fitting can occur)
Significant genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) who is also NOT willing to use vaginal estrogen
Significant cognitive decline or mobility limitations that would interfere with appropriate pessary self management and/or adequate follow-up
Active vaginal infection
Allergy or sensitivity to silicone (rare)
Severe pelvic pain

Starting with a Pelvic Health Physio Assessment

Before a pessary fitting, your clinician will complete a pelvic floor assessment, which may include:

A detailed discussion of symptoms and goals
Education about prolapse, pelvic floor muscles, and pressure management
Evaluation of pelvic floor strength, coordination, and tension
Screening for factors that may influence pessary fit or comfort
Discussion of whether a pessary is an appropriate option for you

A physician referral is required for all initial pessary fittings. This helps ensure coordinated care with your doctor and confirms that a pessary is an appropriate option for you.

Please use this referral form:

Not Sure If You Need a Pessary?
If you’re experiencing pelvic pressure, heaviness, or changes in bladder support but aren’t sure whether a pessary is right for you, a pelvic health physiotherapy assessment is an excellent first step.

During this appointment, your pelvic health physiotherapist will review your symptoms, assess pelvic floor function, and discuss all available treatment options. Together, you can determine whether a pessary is appropriate—or whether another conservative approach may better support your goals.

Book a Pelvic Health Physio Appointment

Pessary Fitting; What to Expect

Your physiotherapist will guide you through a gentle, step‑by‑step process:

Review of symptoms and assessment findings
Measuring and selecting appropriate pessary style(s)
Comfortable trial of sizes to find the right fit
Education on insertion, removal, cleaning, and care
Guidance on exercise, lifting, and daily activity while using a pessary
A follow‑up plan to ensure comfort, confidence, and optimal function

Most clients can walk, lift, and move comfortably with a well‑fitted pessary.

Some types of pessaries available at Leduc Physio;

Pessary Fit, Follow-up Care, & Support

Pessary Fit: What to Expect

Finding the right pessary is a personalized process. Your physiotherapist will work with you to select the size and style that feels comfortable, stays in place, and helps reduce the symptoms you’re experiencing.

A pessary that is too small or not the right type may slip, fall out, or provide limited symptom relief.
A pessary that is too large can feel uncomfortable or interfere with bladder emptying. During your fitting, your pelvic floor physiotherapist will ensure the pessary sits properly, that you can comfortably empty your bladder, and that there is appropriate space around the device for comfort and tissue health.

Follow-up

If your fitting is successful and the pessary you need is in stock, you will go home with it the same day.

To ensure the best experience, we recommend follow‑up appointments at the following intervals:

1–2 weeks after your initial fitting
To check tissue health, ensure comfort, answer questions, and make any needed adjustments.
1 month and 3 months after fitting
To confirm continued comfort and effectiveness.
Annual vaginal checks (These are required and can be completed by your physician.)

If at any point you feel your pessary isn’t the right fit or you’d like to explore other options, we can book a re-fit appointment to try a different size or type.

Scheduling & Costs

Pessary Fitting Appointments

Initial Pessary Fitting Assessment (90 min): $250
Pessary Re‑Fitting– Return Clients Only (60 min): $175
Pessary Follow‑Up (45 min-Decided by Therapist): $125
Pessary Follow‑Up (30 min-Decided by Therapist): $110
Pessary Device: $100.00 ea.

If your benefits include physiotherapy coverage, the assessment and follow‑up appointments can typically be claimed under physiotherapy.
We offer direct billing to most insurance providers, or you may pay upfront and submit your receipts.

The cost of the pessary will require upfront purchase and manual submission to your benefit plan.

Pessary fitting services at our clinic are not funded by Alberta Health Services.
If you require an AHS‑funded option, your physician can refer you to a pessary clinic in Edmonton; however, wait times may be lengthy.

By offering pessary fittings locally, we aim to improve access to this effective, conservative treatment so clients can receive timely support and return to the activities they enjoy.

Book a Pessary Fitting Assessment