As a long-time volleyball player, I’ve spent years training, playing in leagues, and living for the thrill of a great match. When I found out I was pregnant, I couldn’t help but wonder how childbirth would affect my body and, more specifically, my ability to return to the court. Guess what? It did change everything!
After my first vaginal birth, I was faced with the reality of pelvic organ prolapse. It wasn’t something I expected, and suddenly, the question of whether I could still play volleyball—or any sport—became a major concern. My doctor recommended a pessary as a potential solution to help support my pelvic organs, but I wasn’t sure whether it was a good idea to wear it during a high-impact sport like volleyball. So, I decided to look deeper into the pros and cons of wearing a pessary during sports and to share my journey with others who might find themselves in the same situation.
What is a Pessary and Why Might I Need One?
For those who are new to the concept, a pessary is a small, medical device inserted into the vagina to help support the pelvic organs—like the bladder, uterus, or rectum—especially in cases of prolapse. After childbirth, many women experience some level of pelvic organ prolapse due to the strain on their pelvic floor. I had some bladder prolapse, and I knew that wearing a pessary might help keep everything in place, giving me the support I needed to get back into sports and physical activities.
Pros of Wearing a Pessary While Playing Volleyball
After consulting with my healthcare provider, I decided to give the pessary a try when getting back into volleyball. Here are some of the key benefits I experienced:
1. Increased Support During High-Impact Movement
Volleyball is a dynamic sport that involves jumping, fast lateral movement, and sudden changes of direction. This constant shifting of my body used to aggravate my prolapse symptoms. The pessary helped provide the support I needed, keeping my pelvic organs stable and allowing me to move freely on the court without feeling discomfort or fear of further damage.
2. Improved Confidence on the Court
I’ll admit, I was initially hesitant. After all, I didn’t want to be distracted by discomfort during a game. But once I started wearing the pessary, I found that I felt more confident. Knowing that I had the extra support gave me peace of mind, which allowed me to focus on the game and enjoy the moment. My fears about pelvic discomfort were greatly reduced.
3. Minimized the Risk of Further Prolapse
Playing volleyball puts a lot of strain on the pelvic floor, especially with all the jumping and fast movements. My physical therapist explained that using a pessary could help minimize the strain on my pelvic floor muscles, preventing my prolapse from worsening. This gave me a sense of security, as I wasn’t constantly worried about pushing my body too hard.
4. Better Bladder Control
Like many women with prolapse, bladder control was a concern for me. Leaks during intense physical activity were a real fear. The pessary helped stabilize my bladder, and I was able to enjoy volleyball without worrying about peeing my pants.
Cons of Wearing a Pessary While Playing Volleyball
Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind when considering a pessary during sports. Here are some cons I encountered along the way:
1. Discomfort or Irritation
While the pessary worked wonders in many ways, I did experience some irritation at times, especially during longer practices or games. If the pessary wasn’t sitting exactly right, I sometimes felt discomfort. I had to make sure that I wasn’t wearing it for too long.
2. Restricted Movement
As a volleyball player, flexibility and range of motion are crucial. Sometimes, especially in positions where I had to squat or twist a lot, I noticed the pessary might feel a bit restrictive. It didn’t always hinder my performance, but there were moments when it felt a little bulky. For me, this was a minor issue, but it’s something you may want to consider if you’re also into activities that require a lot of flexibility.
3. Vaginal Infections
I did have to be cautious about hygiene. It’s important to clean the pessary thoroughly after each use and remove it promptly after games or intense practice sessions.
How to Decide if a Pessary is Right for Volleyball
If you’re considering wearing a pessary while playing volleyball (or engaging in other high-impact sports), here are some things to keep in mind:
- Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Before using a pessary, speak with your healthcare provider. They can recommend the right type of pessary and help ensure it’s the best fit for your body and activity level.
- Get the Right Fit: Fit is everything. The right pessary should feel secure and comfortable, not bulky or too tight. I spent some time experimenting with different shapes and sizes before I found the one that worked best for me.
- Consider Your Activity Level: Volleyball involves a lot of movement, but it’s still less intense than some other sports like running or gymnastics. If you’re engaging in high-impact sports, you may need a more secure pessary. Consider your own fitness level and the type of physical activity you’re doing.
Final Thoughts: Should You Wear a Pessary While Playing Volleyball?
In the end, wearing a pessary during volleyball was a personal choice that worked well for me. It provided the support I needed to return to the court and perform without worrying about my prolapse symptoms. While there are some potential downsides—such as irritation or discomfort—it’s something I could manage with the right fit and proper care.
If you’re a fellow athlete struggling with prolapse and wondering if a pessary is the right solution, I highly recommend discussing it with your doctor or physical therapist and exploring your options. Ultimately, it’s about finding what works best for you, your body, and your goals.