Vaginal Pessaries: A Deep Dive

Ring, Gellhorn, Donut, Cube, Shaatz, Gehrung: they might sound like Trolls' characters, but they are, in fact, types of vaginal pessaries. Helen speaks to the pessary expert and 'Pelvic Angel', Gaynor Morgan for an overview of what's available, how to try one and the incredible story of how she came to invent her own.

Show Notes

Ring, Gellhorn, Donut, Cube, Shaatz, Gehrung. They might sound like Trolls' characters, but they are, in fact, types of vaginal pessaries. A pessary is a plastic or silicone device which can be inserted into the vagina to help support the pelvic organs after prolapse or to help with incontinence. They've been around since time began (almost) and come in so many different shapes and sizes it can put your head in a spin.

In this episode, Helen speaks to the pessary expert and 'Pelvic Angel', Gaynor Morgan for an overview of what's available, how to try one and the incredible story of how she came to invent her own. Gaynor, who also teaches Pfilates (pelvic floor pilates), says for some women, the right pessary can make a huge difference: 

'Some of these women have gone from suicidal to 100 percent back to being 'normal' again...but again a pessary is just a tool. I always advocate that you need physiotherapy - pelvic floor training. Let’s get that pelvic floor up to the strength it needs to be.'

Gaynor reveals how incontinence affected her mum's mental health, her impactful legacy and why pessaries won't work for everyone.

Gaynor is @pelvicangel on Instagram. You can find her website here.

For a written guide to vaginal pessaries, read this fantastic blog. 

Check out the new UK guidelines for patients and clinicians, which were mentioned in this episode.

You can find Helen on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook or at www.whymumsdontjump.com

Creators and Guests

Host

Helen Ledwick

Helen Ledwick is the creator and host of Why Mums Don’t Jump - dedicated to dismantling the taboo around pelvic floor problems after childbirth. By sharing personal stories and expert knowledge, the former BBC journalist has helped thousands of women to access reliable information and support for issues like incontinence, prolapse and pelvic pain. Her groundbreaking book, Why Mums Don't Jump: Ending the Pelvic Floor Taboo, was published by Allen & Unwin in 2023, and builds on the success of her ARIA-nominated podcast, which recently concluded its fifth season. Inspired by Helen’s own struggle with pelvic organ prolapse, Why Mums Don’t Jump has blossomed into a vibrant Instagram community, where women describe feeling empowered and hopeful. Helen lives in Manchester, UK, with her husband and two children.

What is Why Mums Don't Jump?

One woman’s mission to end the stigma around leaks and lumps after childbirth. Honest chat about incontinence, prolapse and pelvic pain. Not a trampoline in sight. Hosted by Helen Ledwick.