What is a pessary?
A vaginal pessary is made from surgical grade silicone and is an inert device that is placed inside the vagina to help symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse. The pessary that you have has been fitted with will be specific for you.
Why have I been fitted with a pessary?
Pessary management for pelvic organ prolapse can improve the symptoms associated with it and can include the following.
- A feeling of ‘something coming down’
- A lump
- Urinary frequency and leakage
- A dragging discomfort in the low back
How do I look after my pessary?
It is more important to look after you vulval and vaginal skin.
Low dose vaginal oestrogen is recommended alongside pessary management for pelvic organ prolapse. Your GP should prescribe this for you or a non-oestrogen vaginal moisturiser.
It is important to avoid getting constipated, if you suffer with constipation speak to your GP or nurse when you attend for routine pessary change.
When to seek urgent advice/treatment?
- If you are unable to sit down due to the pessary
- Any bleeding from the vagina
- Any pain in the vagina
- If you are unable to pass urine
Monday to Friday 8-6 call GP 01579 324252 or complete an online triage form
Out of Hours and weekends 111 for advice
Self-management of ring pessary for pelvic organ prolapse
Why should I self-manage?
It will give you more independence and allows you to take out the pessary more often to suit your own lifestyle. It will also reduce the number of times you need to visit the surgery. Many women say they feel cleaner as the pessary can be taken out and washed more frequently.
What happens next?
The nurse will teach you how to take out and replace the pessary and the cleaning procedures. The pessary can be taken out as often as you like. Some women find that they do not need to wear the pessary all the time. You may wish to remove it before being sexually active.
How do I insert my ring pessary?
Wash your hands and get into a comfortable position, this can be lying on your back, squatting or standing with one foot on a stool or chair.
Fold the ring in half so it bends like a banana.
Put some water-based lubricant on the top of the fold or at the entrance to the vagina and keep it in this shape in one hand.
Slide the ring into the vagina as far as you can.
The ring will pop open as it finds space.
Push the ring up as high as it can go and cough as you do so. This helps the ring get into the correct position.
How do I take out my ring pessary?
Get into a comfortable position.
Insert one finger inside the vagina and hook over the pessary if you can and pull.
Some women find it easier to cough at the same time.
You may notice some discharge this is normal.
Wash the pessary in warm soapy water before replacing.
DO NOT dry with tissue or towel as fibres may get stuck.
Leave to air dry or keep in a container if not reinserting straight away.
What should I look out for?
Check your pessary regularly for signs of wear and tear. It should be smooth all over. If you feel that the surface is rough, or it is stained and smelly then please contact the surgery for a replacement.
If you experience any bleeding with the pessary you may need to leave it out for a few days and let the vaginal skin heal.
It is very important to use vaginal oestrogen (cream or pessary) or vaginal moisturisers if you are taking the pessary out regularly to prevent damage to the skin.
Contact details
If you have any problems, please ring the surgery on 01579 324252 or complete an online triage form.