Living With Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Exercise, Sex and Daily Life With a Vaginal Pessary

Living With Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Exercise, Sex and Daily Life With a Vaginal Pessary

A diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse can feel limiting. But for the majority of women, a well-fitted vaginal pessary for prolapse restores confidence and allows a full, active lifestyle. This guide addresses the questions women ask most about day-to-day life with a pessary for prolapse.

Can I Exercise With a Vaginal Pessary?

Yes — and in fact, many women find they can return to exercise they had stopped due to prolapse symptoms, once they are using a properly fitted pessary.

Low to moderate impact activities — walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, pilates — are generally very well-tolerated with a ring pessary in place. Many women also run, do HIIT, and lift weights with their pessary.

A few practical tips for exercising with a pessary:

• Test it gradually. Start with lighter activity and build up to confirm the pessary stays in place and is comfortable.
• High-impact activities (jumping, heavy weightlifting) may cause the pessary to shift. Some women prefer to remove their pessary for intense sessions and reinsert afterward.
• Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) are highly recommended alongside pessary use — strengthening the pelvic floor can improve pessary retention and slow prolapse progression.
• Wear supportive underwear during exercise to reduce downward pressure.

Can I Have Sex With a Vaginal Pessary?

This depends on the type of pessary. A standard ring pessary (with or without support) can usually be left in place during penetrative sex, as it sits high in the vaginal fornix around the cervix. Many couples do not notice it during intercourse.

However, some women prefer to remove the pessary before sex and reinsert it afterward — this is perfectly fine and does not damage the device. If the pessary causes discomfort for either partner during intercourse, removal beforehand is the right choice.

Always discuss any concerns with your gynaecologist or pelvic floor physiotherapist.

Vaginal Pessary and Tampon Use

Tampons and menstrual cups can generally be used alongside a ring pessary. However, be careful when removing a tampon or cup not to accidentally dislodge the pessary. Menstrual discs typically sit in the vaginal fornix (the same location as the pessary), so these two may not be compatible — check with your provider.

Working and Travelling With a Pessary

A well-fitted vaginal pessary for prolapse should not interfere with sitting, driving, working at a desk, or travelling. Many women wear their pessary all day without any awareness of it.

For travel, bring a spare pessary if possible, and carry your mild soap and lubricant. Longer-haul travel (flights, road trips) can increase pelvic pressure, so ensure your pessary is properly positioned before extended sitting.

Can I Swim or Use Hot Tubs?

Yes — a ring pessary can be worn while swimming in pools, the ocean, or a lake. The silicone is waterproof and unaffected by chlorine or salt water. Hot tubs are also fine. Some women prefer to remove their pessary before swimming for comfort; this is a personal choice.

Does the Pessary Affect Bladder or Bowel Function?

A correctly fitted ring pessary should not impair bladder emptying or bowel function. In fact, for women with a cystocele (bladder prolapse), the pessary often improves bladder emptying by lifting the bladder back into a more natural position.

If you notice difficulty emptying your bladder or bowel after starting pessary use, the size may need adjusting — see your provider.

Vaginal Health and Pessary Care

Some vaginal discharge is normal with pessary use. Remove and clean the pessary regularly (every 5–7 days) to prevent odour and discharge buildup. If you notice heavy, discoloured, or foul-smelling discharge, consult your provider — this may indicate an infection.

Post-menopausal women with vaginal atrophy may find that topical oestrogen cream (prescribed by their doctor) makes pessary use more comfortable and reduces the risk of irritation.

Maintaining a Positive Outlook

Pelvic organ prolapse is extremely common — it affects approximately 1 in 2 women who have given birth. A pessary for prolapse is one of the most effective, low-risk, and reversible treatments available, and thousands of women use one daily as part of a full, active life.

Connect with your pelvic floor physiotherapist, join a support community (such as the Pelvic Floor First community), and know that you are far from alone.

Questions About Your Pessary?

Browse our vaginal pessaries guide or shop the Ring Pessary With Support — USA-stocked, fast delivery, discreet packaging.