Pessaries

A pessary is a removable device that is placed in your vagina to support the weakened and prolapsed walls of the vagina or uterus. A pessary helps to provide mechanical support to the prolapsed organs thus relieving your symptoms. Pessaries are most suitable if you wish to avoid surgery or if you’re unable to proceed with surgery.

There are different types of pessaries and most are made from silicone. At North Eastern Urology we use ring pessaries and all are silicone base.

If your doctor and you decide pessaries are the right treatment for you then you will be fitted the rooms using the fitting rings. The doctor will assess the possible size of the ring and will then ask you to cough and valsava in the supine position. You will then be asked to stand up and to cough whilst at all times you are assessed. There should be no discomfort and the ring should not be expelled with coughing, valsava, bending or squatting.

Once the correct size is determined, you will then be fitted with the ring you will go home with.

You will be asked to return to the rooms 4 weeks later for review. At this appointment, the ring is removed by the doctor and your vagina is assessed for any redness and ulceration. If there is no redness or ulceration, the ring is cleansed and dried and you are taught how to reinsert the ring into your vagina.

• You will be asked to remove the pessary (after it has been reinserted)
• You will be asked to insert the pessary with a water based lubricant in a position that is comfortable and easy for you.
• You are required to remove the ring on a 3-4 monthly basis. Ring can be cleansed at home warm soapy water, rinsed thoroughly, dried and reinserted with a water based lubricant.
• If you have any difficulties reinserting the ring, you are advised to call the rooms to make an appointment with your doctor.
• When you remove and reinsert your pessary ensure it’s not after a bowel motion.

You may notice more vaginal discharge than normal. If you develop an odour with the discharge, then it’s important you contact the rooms for an appointment.

If your pessary falls out, cleanse with warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly and dry before attempting to reinsert.

If your pessary falls out in the toilet whilst having a bowel movement, please retrieve it. Please wash with warm soapy water, dry and return to the rooms for sterilising.

Your ring pessary can remain in place during sexual intercourse. If you find it is causing some discomfort, then please remove and replaced (following cleansing) when finished.

You are advised to call the rooms if you develop the following:

• Offensive vaginal discharge
• Bleeding noted on underwear
• Pessary continually falling out
• Sudden discomfort not relieved by removed and reinserting pessary,
• Difficulties passing urine
• Difficulties having a bowel movement.