There is no doubt that dealing with pelvic organ prolapse is very tough. Every moment of doubting your pelvic floor can leave you wondering, will this ever get better? Trust me, I get it, this feeling of being stuck in a never-ending loop of discomfort and uncertainty. Even the simple things, like taking a walk, lose their charm, weighed down by that persistent, heavy sensation.
And it’s not just about the physical side of things, it affects us on an emotional level too. But here’s the truth: you’re not alone. The good news, there’s hope, real, practical hope.
Maybe you’ve heard about pessaries for pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence, come across Hypopressives, or are just starting to investigate solutions. Whatever brought you here, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll break it all down—what a pessary is, how it works, and how adding Hypopressives to your routine can improve your pelvic health and overall confidence.
Let’s explore how these two tools can work together, giving you a practical way to regain control.
What Is a Pessary? Your Game-Changer for Pelvic Support
A pessary is a small, flexible silicone device designed to fit comfortably in your vagina and provide essential support to your pelvic organs. Think of it as the pelvic version of a supportive sports bra—keeping everything in place, easing that heavy feeling, and helping you move more freely.
There are a variety of pessaries available, each designed to meet different needs:
- Ring Pessary: A great option for mild vaginal prolapse, offering gentle, discreet support.
- Gellhorn Pessary: Built for more advanced cases of pelvic organ prolapse, providing stronger support where it’s needed most.
Why Use a Pessary?
There are many benefits to using a pessary.
- Relieve Pelvic Pressure: No more feeling like “everything’s about to fall out.”
- Move Freely: Whether it’s walking, exercising, or just carrying groceries, a pessary can help you live without that persistent discomfort.
- Emotional Relief: Free yourself from constant adjustments and rediscover your focus.
A well-fitted pessary doesn’t just relieve physical symptoms—it lightens the emotional load, too.
While it’s not a cure, it offers a life-changing level of comfort, letting you shift your focus from managing pelvic organ prolapse symptoms to actually living more freely.
Transform Your Pelvic Floor with Hypopressives
Hypopressives are a unique type of exercise designed to gently strengthen your pelvic floor and core without putting extra pressure on your abdomen.
Think of them as the opposite of crunches.
Instead of pushing down on your pelvic floor, Hypopressives help your body work in sync, promoting better posture, core stability, and overall pelvic health. It’s a holistic approach that feels natural and supportive, all while empowering your body to move and function the way it’s meant to.
Hypopressives can help reverse prolapse
First off, Hypopressives are an excellent series of exercises for prolapse as it helps strengthen your pelvic floor muscles by reducing that heavy, dragging sensation. It also improves posture, and better alignment means less strain on your pelvic organs. Hypos rebuilds core strength, supporting your body from the inside out.
By training your body with Hypopressives, you’ll start to feel more supported and confident in your day-to-day life.
Can You Combine a Pessary & Hypopressives?
Absolutely! Pessaries and Hypopressives work well together.
The pessary provides immediate structural support, lifting your pelvic organs and reducing discomfort. Hypopressives, meanwhile, strengthen your pelvic floor and core over time, creating long-term stability and resilience. During Hypopressives, you might notice a slight difference in the “Apnea” phase (where you create a vacuum effect in your abdomen). This happens because the pessary slightly alters the dynamics of your pelvic area. Don’t worry, it doesn’t make the exercises any less effective.
Should You Wear Your Pessary During Hypopressives?
If you use a removable pessary, you’ve got options.
Some women prefer keeping their pessary in during Hypopressives for added stability. Others feel more comfortable taking it out, especially when practicing at home.
Tips for Experimentation:
- Try It Both Ways: Test Hypopressives with and without your pessary to see what feels best for your body.
- Tune Into Your Body: Pay attention to how your alignment, movement, and pelvic floor respond.
- Choose a Quiet Space: Practice in a private, calm environment where you can fully focus.
Trust the Process. This journey is all about rebuilding trust with your body. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, only the path that feels right for you.
Your Next Chapter: Relief, Renewal, and Confidence.
It’s completely normal to ask yourself, Can I really do this? Can I regain control?
The answer is an unwavering YES.
Vaginal prolapse can feel like it’s taken so much—your confidence, your joy, even your sense of self. But the good news? You have the power to reclaim your pelvic health with the right tools and guidance.
If you’re just starting out with Hypopressives, take the time to learn the Apnea technique. Starting off on the right foot makes all the difference in achieving relief and rediscovering your strength.
Getting Started with Hypopressives and a Pessary
For the Hypopressives classes it is important that you learn the Apnea technique properly so that you can get the most out of the classes and the time you invest in yourself. Each week Simone runs Fundamentals sessions on Zoom where she explains the technique and guides you through all the steps. She will also give you feedback to make sure that you’re doing it correctly. For some, the technique may come more quickly than others. Some of her clients, who are tighter in the ribs and thoracic spine do tend to take a little longer.
And here’s the golden rule – for impactful change, Simone recommends at least three 15 to 20-minute workouts per week. Consistency is your best friend on this journey towards wellness. If you’re using a pessary, make sure it’s properly inserted and comfortable before starting.
Remember, it’s okay if it takes time to find what works for you.
Here’s your checklist for moving forward:
- Book a pessary fitting with a trusted healthcare provider.
- Start Hypopressives—find a class or use online resources.
- Take small daily steps to strengthen your pelvic floor and core.
- Stand tall. Move forward. You’ve got this.
