Pessary And Prolapse

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A vaginal pessary is an effective and removable device designed to manage pelvic organ prolapse without surgery. It is also used to treat stress urinary incontinence, retroverted uterus, cystocele, rectocele and other gynecologic conditions, like a uterus that is in the wrong position. The pessary may be the best choice for a young woman who:

  • Do not want to undergo a risky surgery
  • Do not wish to have surgery for other reasons
  • Desires to have children in future

Pessary And Prolapse

The bladder prolapse pessary can be fit into the position without causing any discomfort. There are a variety of pessaries available that include Ring, Donut, and Gellhorn. It comes in different sizes and should be fitted carefully. To find the best that feels right, you may have to experiment with different pessary sizes and shapes available. Your doctor will guide you how to reinsert, remove and clean the pessary on a regular schedule. If it is hard to remove and replace pessary, you can have it done regularly at your doctor's office.

Pessaries are designed for easy insertion into the vagina. They can be inserted using your fingers or may come with an applicator. Pessaries are normally made of solid vegetable oil that contains the medicine. The medicine is gradually released into the vagina as the pessary dissolves at body temperature.

Types of Pessary

Therapeutic pessaries

A therapeutic pessary is a medical device similar to the outer ring of a diaphragm. Therapeutic pessaries are used to support the uterus, vagina, bladder or rectum. A pessary is most commonly used to treat prolapse of the uterus. It is also used to treat stress urinary incontinence, a retroverted uterus, cystocele and rectocele.

The pessary can be placed temporarily or permanently, and must be fitted by a physician, midwife, or advanced practice nurse. Some pessaries can be worn during intercourse.

Occlusive pessaries

An occlusive pessary is generally used in combination with spermicide as a contraceptive.

Stem Pessary

The stem pessary, a type of occlusive pessary, was an early form of the cervical cap. Shaped like a dome, it covered the cervix, and a central rod or "stem" entered the uterus through the os, to hold it in place.

Pharmaceutical Pessaries

A pharmaceutical pessary is used as a very effective means of delivery of pharmaceutical substances easily absorbed through the skin of the vagina or rectum, or intended to have action in locality, for example against inflammation or infaction, or on the uterus.

How to Minimize the Risks Involved with Pessary?

Risks involved while wearing a pessary include:

  • Bleeding.
  • Open sores in the vaginal wall.
  • Bulging of the rectum against the vaginal wall.
  • Wearing away of the vaginal wall. In severe cases, fistula can form between the vagina and the rectum.

These complications can be minimized by wearing the right size of pessary that does not exert too much pressure on the wall of the vagina. Pessary must be checked frequently by your doctor for complete satisfaction with its fitting. In postmenopausal women, cream or tablets are sometimes used to control irritation caused by pessary. Regular cleaning reduces the risk of complications. The cleaning schedule is determined by the type of pelvic organ prolapse and the brand used. Follow your doctor's instructions for proper maintenance.

What are the limitations of Female Pessary?

  • Pelvic organ prolapse cannot be cured completely with pessaries but they can help manage and slow the progression of prolapse by supporting the vagina and increase the tightness of muscles of the pelvis. Symptoms improve in many women who use a pessary. For some women, it takes time for symptoms to show improvement.
  • Women who have undergone hysterectomy, a pessary may not be a good choice. This is because uterus and cervix are no longer able to hold the walls of the vagina in place.
  • Women with severe prolapse following a hysterectomy may have trouble keeping the pessary in place.
  • Women may be able to leave the pessary in during sexual intercourse as per the comfort level and type of pessary used. But diaphragm (for birth control) cannot be inserted while wearing a pessary. You may need to consult with your doctor for the alternatives.


Try Medline Hodge Pessary with Support is a silicone device that fits into the vagina to provide support to the vagina, uterus, bladder and/or rectum. It can be used for a first to second-degree prolapse, cystocele, stress incontinence and an incompetent cervix or uterine retroversion. Because of the metal content, it must be removed during x-ray, ultrasound, and MRI. You can even look for EvaCare Flexible Oval Pessary With Support that performs the same function as the Ring pessary but it is designed specifically to fit a narrow vaginal vault. It is used to treat first to second-degree prolapse and cystocele. The oval pessary works extremely well in women with a prior history of vaginal surgery, resulting in scarring and in some cases, palpable sutures from anterior repair or bladder suspension procedures.

For a perfect fit and best result prefer consulting your doctor. In case of any irritation or bleeding keep the emergency contacts ready.

Where to buy Pessaries online?

Shopcatheters.com offers a wide variety of pessaries from various top-selling manufacturers like Medline Industries, Personal Med, and many more. Our wide collection also includes Pessaries which are available in different sizes and with/without support. Browse our extensive range to select the Product that best suits your needs.

 

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