• Pessary Fitting: Jennifer Lawton, our skilled Nurse Practitioner, has extensive experience in pessary fitting. She will guide you through the process, ensuring a comfortable and effective fit.
• Women’s Health Professionals: Our clinic has a focus in women’s health, focusing on conditions such as stress urinary incontinence and mild organ prolapse. We understand the unique challenges women face and provide compassionate care to address your concerns.
• Collaborative Approach: We work closely with your referring professionals, including Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists, Gynecologists, and IWK referrals. This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of your care are coordinated and optimized for the best possible outcome.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: Every individual is unique, and we believe in tailoring our treatment plans to your specific needs. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized care strategy that aligns with your goals and preferences.
• Wellness Focus: Coastal Sports & Wellness is committed to promoting overall wellness. In addition to pessary fitting, we offer a range of services and resources to support your pelvic health needs.

Understanding the causes of bladder weakness, also known as Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), is crucial. Typically, bladder weakness occurs when the muscles in the pelvic floor or sphincter become damaged or weakened. Both men and women possess a pelvic floor, which consists of layers of muscles that support the bladder and bowel. The sphincter, a circular muscle encircling the urethra (the tube through which urine passes), contracts to form a seal as the bladder fills, preventing urine leakage.

In women, these muscles can be weakened during pregnancy due to the added weight and hormonal changes. Childbirth, especially if it is prolonged or involves a large baby, can exacerbate the issue. Some women may experience SUI following menopause when the pelvic floor weakens due to hormonal fluctuations. Additionally, stress urinary incontinence may develop after a hysterectomy or bladder surgery.

Individuals who have suffered from chronic constipation or have a persistent cough are also more susceptible to stress urinary incontinence. However, it is important to note that loss of bladder control is a prevalent problem that can be effectively treated through various approaches, including

• lifestyle changes
• pelvic floor muscle exercises
• physiotherapy
• pessary usage
• and surgery.

A pessary, a silicone device inserted into the vagina, is one such treatment option for SUI. It provides support to the vaginal walls, bladder, and urethra. Pessaries come in different shapes and sizes, and our expert, Jennifer Lawton, will guide you in selecting the most suitable one for your needs. She will ensure a proper fit, educate you on its maintenance, and address any concerns you may have.

Is the cost of the pessary covered by my insurance company?
The cost of the pessary may be eligible for coverage under your insurance plan, specifically under categories such as “braces” or “medical device,” depending on the terms of your policy. To confirm the coverage details, it is recommended to contact your insurance company before scheduling the appointment. They will be able to provide you with specific information regarding reimbursement for the pessary cost.

Do I have to see my doctor first before I see you?
No, a doctor’s referral is not necessary to schedule an initial assessment with us. However, it is required that you first see a physiotherapist, who will then refer you to Jennifer for a pessary fitting. Jennifer will conduct an assessment and determine if a pessary is suitable for you.

What will happen at my appointment?
During your appointment, Jennifer will perform an internal examination to assess your specific needs. She will measure and determine the appropriate size and shape of the pessary that best suits you. Next, you will have the opportunity to try out different pessaries until you find one that is comfortable for you. Jennifer will guide you through the process, ensuring that you find the right fit and providing any necessary instructions on proper usage and care.

After I get my pessary, do I have to come back for any appointments?

After receiving your pessary, there will be a series of appointments that you will need to attend. These appointments include an initial fitting session with Jennifer and at least two follow-up appointments. The follow-up appointments are typically scheduled 1-2 weeks apart. These subsequent appointments are crucial to ensure that the pessary is properly fitting and functioning as intended. Jennifer will assess your progress, address any concerns, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your comfort and satisfaction.