Pessary Fitting for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: ACC Funding for Maternal Birth Injuries

Experiencing pelvic heaviness, a vaginal bulge or pressure after childbirth? A pessary may help you feel more comfortable and confident in your body again.

At Bump and Beyond Physio, I offer pessary fitting and support for women experiencing symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, including prolapse following pregnancy and childbirth.

As a pelvic health physiotherapist with over 15 years of experience, I understand how much these symptoms can affect your daily life, exercise, work and confidence. My aim is to help you find a practical, individualised management plan that supports your recovery and helps you return to the activities you enjoy.

What is a pessary?

A vaginal pessary is a removable medical device that sits inside the vagina to provide support to the pelvic organs. It can help manage symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse, such as:

• A feeling of heaviness, dragging or pressure in the vagina

• A vaginal bulge or the sensation that something is coming down

• Discomfort during walking, running, exercise or prolonged standing

• Symptoms that affect your ability to care for your baby or participate in everyday activities

A pessary can be a useful non surgical option for managing prolapse symptoms. Depending on your symptoms and individual needs, it may be used alongside pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation or as a standalone management option.

What does pessary fitting involve?

Pessary fitting begins with an assessment of your symptoms, medical history and pelvic floor function. Where appropriate and with your consent, an internal examination may be undertaken to help determine the most suitable option.

I offer fitting and guidance for selected pessary types, including ring pessaries and cube pessaries. The most appropriate option depends on your prolapse, anatomy, symptoms, comfort and ability to manage the device.

Your appointment may include:

• An assessment of your pelvic health and prolapse symptoms

• Discussion of suitable pessary options

• Pessary fitting and assessment of comfort and support

• Guidance on insertion, removal, cleaning and ongoing care, where appropriate

• Advice on pelvic floor rehabilitation and activity modification

• Follow up to review comfort, symptoms and how well the pessary is working for you

The goal is to find a solution that works for your body and your lifestyle, whether that means returning to exercise, walking comfortably or simply feeling more supported throughout the day.

Can ACC cover pessary fitting following a birth injury?

Yes, ACC may cover eligible pessaries and related physiotherapy under an accepted maternal birth injury claim.

Since ACC introduced cover for eligible maternal birth injuries, some women who experience pelvic floor injuries during childbirth may be entitled to funded treatment and rehabilitation.

Where pelvic organ prolapse or related pelvic floor dysfunction is associated with an eligible maternal birth injury, pessaries and management may be considered as part of your rehabilitation, depending on your accepted injury, treatment needs and ACC approval.

Coverage is not automatic for every woman experiencing prolapse. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the birth injury, your ACC claim and whether the proposed treatment meets ACC's funding requirements.

If you have an existing ACC maternal birth injury claim, or think your symptoms may be related to an injury sustained during childbirth, please get in touch to discuss your situation. I can help clarify the next steps and whether an ACC funded pathway may be appropriate.

If ACC funding does not apply to your circumstances, private appointments are also available.

You do not have to put up with prolapse symptoms

Many women assume that vaginal heaviness, a bulge or pelvic pressure is simply something they have to accept after having a baby. Although pelvic floor changes are common after childbirth, there are treatment options available to help manage symptoms.

A pessary may offer meaningful support while you recover, return to exercise or manage longer term prolapse symptoms. You do not need to have completed pelvic floor rehabilitation before exploring whether a pessary may be suitable for you.

Book a pelvic health appointment

If you are experiencing prolapse symptoms during pregnancy, after childbirth or later in life, I would love to help you explore your options.

At Bump and Beyond Physio, I provide individualised pelvic health physiotherapy and pessary fitting in Takapuna, Auckland.

Get in touch to arrange an assessment or discuss whether ACC funding may be available for your maternal birth injury.