Glossary
Conservative therapy
Conservative therapy is an approach of treating a condition utilizing non-surgical treatment options,
such as physical therapy, biofeedback and pessary therapy.
Degree
The uterus prolapse is classified in three grades from 1 (light) to 3 (severe).
Cystocele
A cystocele occurs when the bladder pushes into the vagina. Depending on the grade of prolapse this
can be from a grade one where the bladder bulges into the vaginal wall to the most severe where the
bulge appears through the entrance of the vagina.
Fitting set
Fitting usually requires a trial of various sizes to determine the proper pessary size. The pessary fitting
set is a valuable aid for the healthcare professional in selecting the correct pessary.
Incontinence
Incontinence is the involuntary loss of either urine (urinary incontinence) or faeces (faecal incontinence).
Medical device
A medical device is any instrument, apparatus, appliance, software, material, or other article intended by
its manufacturer to be used specifically for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes.
Pelvic floor
The maintenance of continence and prevention of pelvic organ prolapse rely on the support mechanisms
of the pelvic floor. This consists of the bony pelvis as well as the muscle fibres and the associated connective
tissue which span the area underneath the pelvis.
Pelvic floor exercise
Pelvic floor exercise consists of repeatedly contracting and relaxing the muscles that form part of the pelvic floor.
These exercises are usually done to reduce prolapse complaints and urinary stress incontinence.
Pelvic organ prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP), also known as vaginal prolapse or female genital prolapse, is when female pelvic organs,
the bladder or bowel fall from their normal position into or through the vagina.
Pessary therapy
The use of vaginal pessaries as a conservative therapy is a proven method of supporting the pelvic floor when
treating prolapse complaints and incontinence issues. It has been successfully used for many years and is
becoming a popular treatment option.
Postmenopause
Menopause is when a womens usual meunstrual cycle lessens or stops and the ovaries lose their reproductive function.
Usually, this occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. The average age is 51.
Prolapse
A prolapse is similar to a Hernia where the body structure fails to hold the organs in their normal place.
Prolapse complaints
The female anatomy is exposed to a great deal of stress caused by pregnancy, birth and possible gynaecological
procedures. These strains can weaken the support structures of the female pelvic floor area which can then lead to prolapse.
Rectocele
A rectocele is a bulge in the front wall of the rectum into the rear wall of the vagina. If the rectal wall becomes thinned,
the weakening of the wall often causes a bulge which can obstruct bowel movement.
Silicone
Silicone is a non toxic, low-allergenic material of choice for high quality pessaries due to its flexibility, durability and ability
to be cleaned easily.
Stress incontinence
Stress incontinence is a form of urinary incontinence. It is due to insufficient strength of the closure of the bladder and can
occur when pressure on the bladder is increased because of coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercise etc.
Urogynecology
Urogynaecology is a sub-specialty of Gynaecology. An urogynaecologist manages clinical problems associated with dysfunction
of the pelvic floor and bladder. Common pelvic floor disorders include urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and faecal
incontinence.
Uterine prolapse
The uterus is supported by the ‘hammock-like’ combination of pelvic floor muscles, tissue and ligaments. When these
structures are too weak the uterus slips downwards from its natural anatomical position into the vaginal cavity.
In severe cases in some women it may be visible outside the vagina.
Vaginal dilator
The vaginal dilators may be used to enlarge the vagina for an examination, a surgical procedure, or for the relief of vaginismus.
Vaginal pessary
A vaginal pessary is a medical device inserted into the vagina to provide structural support. Modern pessaries are mostly
made of silicone and are used as a conservative method to treat pelvic organ prolapse and stress incontinence.
Vaginismus
Vaginismus is a condition that affects a woman’s ability to engage in vaginal penetration, including sexual intercourse,
insertion of tampons or gynaecological examinations.