Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition in which the muscles and tissue supporting the vagina, uterus, bladder, and rectum stretch or weaken, allowing the organs to shift downwards. This can lead to a visible bulge and discomfort. Stress urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of urine during physical exertion, sneezing, or coughing. It can be made more likely by excess weight, menopause, pregnancy, chronic cough, pelvic surgery, or muscle-relaxing medication.
Initial treatment for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence typically includes lifestyle changes, exercises, and devices that can be inserted into the vagina help hold the organs in place. These devices are known as vaginal pessaries. Surgery is an option for some people who do not see improvement from these treatments.
This health technology assessment looked at how safe, effective, and cost-effective vaginal pessaries are for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. It also looked at the budget impact of publicly funding vaginal pessaries. And it looked at the experiences, values, and preferences of people with these conditions.
Read the full health technology assessment report for more information.
The Ministry of Health is currently reviewing this recommendation.
The Ministry of Health has provided the following response: The Ministry has a standardized process in place to review health technology assessments and funding recommendations. This takes into consideration Ministry priorities, implementation options, the need for consultation with impacted stakeholders, and funding considerations.