PESSARY MANAGEMENT
Pessaries can be an effective non surgical approach to management of some pelvic floor conditions including prolapse and urinary incontinence. Not all patients are always suitable for a pessary. Some patients may prefer not to use or try a pessary. Your specialist urogynaecologist will help you understand your choices.
All our doctors are trained to understand if a pessary is suitable for you and if so which might be the best pessary option for you and your condition. Our doctors are likewise trained in pessary fitting.
The care of established pessary patients is managed by our specialist gynaecology nurse Ms Christina Spillane in our Pessary Management Clinic. Christina is trained in pessary management including pessary changes, recognition of pessary complications and cervical screening if needed. Christina can provide lessons for patients in pessary self care and patient self management of pessaries if desired.
Whist your pessary check appointment might be with by Christina, your specialist urogynaecologist is your treating doctor and will co-ordinate your ongoing care.
FAQ
How often should pessaries be checked?
The frequency of examinations and check-ups is individualised, however as a general rule we recommend checks approximately every 6 months for patients that do not self-manage their pessary and approximately once per year for patients that regularly remove their pessary themselves.
Can I self manage my pessary?
Absolutely, there is right or wrong here. Around half of women self manage their pessaries and around half don’t. The reasons are varies for both management options. Our nurse Christina can work with you to find the solution which best fits with your lifestyle and the type of pessary your doctor has fitted for you.
Is a pessary something I can use forever?
If you have successfully been fitted with a pessary, then a pessary can in some cases be a long term management option. This is more likely to be possible if you have regular checkups and review to ensure no problems associated with the pessary have occurred.
However in many cases women find pessaries most helpful for short and medium term. Patient then may decide to proceed to surgery when they feel they are ready and the benefits of surgery might be right for them at that point. It it really all about the individual patient. Our nurse and doctors roles are to help support your choice and give you advice.
What is the benefit to being seen in the pessary management clinic with our specialist nurse?
Other than Christina being absolutely delightful, appointments with Christina nearly always run to schedule and you can be more sure that your waiting time on the day will be minimal. Additionally, appointments with Christina have extra time allocated for pessary lessons and education if you require.
We charge slightly less for review appointments in our pessary clinic with our nurse compared to our standard review with our doctors. This is in recognition of this different service. Of course if Christina or you have clinical concerns, our doctors are still co-ordinating your care and you can always move back to review with your doctor at any time if your prefer.
Is the pessary covered by medicare or DVA? Is there is discount for pensioner/HCC for the pessary?
Pessaries are not rebatable to medicare. We will invoice you on the day for any new pessary you might need and payment is expected at the time of your appointment. We have a set price for pessary sales and unfortunately can’t offer a discount for pensioners and HCC.
I have been seen by the nurse in the pessary clinic for the past few years, but now I think I might be ready to consider surgery. How do I arrange this?
Your care in the pessary management clinic has always been co-ordinated by your treating Urogynaecologist. If you think you would prefer to consider surgery it is as simple as discussing this with Christina at your next appointment and she will arrange any preoperative assessment your might need and liase with your specialist. Alternatively you can contact our reception team and request a surgical planning review with your specialist. Our mission is to provide ongoing care that is centred around you and what your goals are.