Should You Use a Pessary for Exercise? Addressing the Hesitation and What the Research Says

Many women develop mild pelvic organ prolapse after pregnancy or childbirth. It’s incredibly common — especially if you’ve had a vaginal birth, a larger baby, or returned to exercise before your pelvic floor was ready.

For some, this shows up as a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the vagina during workouts or at the end of the day. When the idea of using a vaginal pessary comes up, hesitation is completely understandable.

You might wonder:

• Will it make things weaker in the long run?

• Does it stop my pelvic floor from “recoiling” and regaining its own strength?

• If prolapse can progress over time, is it just delaying the inevitable?

  
  

Let’s unpack those questions with what we know from current research — and how a pessary can fit into your recovery and training plan.

A Pessary Doesn’t Stop Your Body from Rebuilding Strength

Think of a pessary as a temporary support brace, not a crutch. It helps reduce pressure and symptoms while you rebuild the foundation underneath.

Studies have shown that pessaries can be used successfully for years without negatively affecting pelvic floor function. In one large prospective study, over 85% of women were still comfortably using their pessary at 5 years after fitting (van Geelen et al., 2010). That’s not because the device made them weaker — it’s because it helped them stay active and consistent with their rehabilitation.

In younger women (including postpartum mums), pessaries are increasingly being used for “situational support” — for example, during high-impact classes, running, or lifting — rather than full-time wear.

It gives the pelvic tissues a chance to heal and adapt without being constantly overloaded.

Can a Pessary Prevent Prolapse from Getting Worse?

There’s encouraging evidence that a pessary may help stabilise prolapse symptoms and support tissue recovery. One study found that among women using a supportive pessary for a year, none experienced worsening of their prolapse, and about 20% showed improvement in stage (Clemons et al., 2004).

However, larger reviews remind us that prolapse is often a gradual, connective-tissue condition — so no pessary (or exercise alone) can completely “stop” progression in every case (Rogers et al., 2023).

That’s why the most effective approach is a combination of:

✅ Pelvic floor strengthening and coordination

✅ Breath and load management in workouts

✅ Smart return-to-running and lifting progressions

✅ Optional pessary support for high-load days

The pessary provides a mechanical lift; physiotherapy provides the muscular resilience.

The “Recoil” Question — Will My Pelvic Floor Bounce Back?

Many younger women worry that relying on a pessary means the pelvic floor won’t “learn to work again.” The good news: studies don’t support that fear.

A pessary doesn’t paralyse the pelvic floor — it simply helps you train and move without symptoms, which actually encourages better muscle engagement.

Pelvic floor muscle training remains the gold standard for long-term prolapse management (Hagen & Bo, 2022), and combining PFMT with supportive devices like pessaries often leads to better symptom control and confidence than PFMT alone, especially in active women.

How Long Can You Safely Use One?

Once fitted correctly, a silicone pessary can be used safely for months to years, with check-ups every 6–12 months.

A recent review found that most women who continue pessary care remain satisfied beyond five years, with very low rates of complications when regular follow-up and self-care are in place (van Geelen et al., 2010; Wu et al., 2023).

For younger women, this often looks more like selective use — for example:

“I pop it in before F45 or a long run, and take it out afterward.”

That flexible approach is ideal when your prolapse is mild and your main goal is to train confidently without heaviness or dragging sensations.

I often remind postpartum and athletic mums:

“A pessary doesn’t replace your pelvic floor — it supports it while you get stronger.”

If you have mild prolapse and love your workouts, a pessary can be an excellent tool to keep you moving, especially during:

• Running or jumping

• Lifting weights

• F45 or HIIT training

• Long walks or hikes

  
  

We’ll assess whether a pessary is appropriate for your prolapse and activity goals, guide you through pelvic floor rehabilitation, and if suitable, refer you to a trusted gynaecologist for fitting and follow-up.

A pessary isn’t a last resort — it’s a smart, conservative support option for women wanting to stay active after childbirth.

• It doesn’t weaken the pelvic floor.

• It can safely provide years of support.

• It may help stabilise prolapse symptoms while you rebuild your strength.

So if you’re holding back from workouts because of prolapse symptoms, it might be worth exploring whether a pessary can help you train — comfortably, confidently, and safely.