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What is a pessary?
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A pessary is a rubber device that fits into your vagina to treat the prolapse of the uterus, womb, vagina, bladder or rectum. This device assists in restoring continence by stabilizing the bladder base. It also supports the pelvic organs in their proper anatomic position in women who have a prolapse, cystocele or rectocele.
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What is a genital prolapse?
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Genital prolapse occurs when the uterus drops from its normal position. It is a general term referring to several conditions that may occur separately or in combination. These include a uterine prolapse (dropped womb), a vaginal prolapse, a cystocele (dropped bladder), a rectocele (dropped rectum) and an entrocele (herniation of the small intestine into the space between the rectum and vagina).
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What are the causes of uterus prolapse?
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The cervix may descend into the vaginal opening and this condition occurs usually due to following reasons: - Post menopause
- Childbirth of a large baby when the vaginal walls are damaged
- Multiple deliveries may also weaken the area and lead to a uterine prolapse
- Constipation, obesity and fibroid tumors
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What are the symptoms of a prolapsed uterus?
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Symptoms of a prolapsed uterus are: - Feeling of pelvic bulging, heaviness or fullness and lower back pain.
- Vaginal pain or discharge, incontinence or difficulty urinating, bladder infections or anal pain
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Will I always have to use this pessary?
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Not necessarily. Your vaginal muscles may strengthen to the extent that the pessary is no longer needed. Sometimes pessaries are only required for a strenuous activity.
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Can a pessary hurt or become uncomfortable?
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A properly fitted pessary never causes pain or discomfort.
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How often should I remove the pessary?
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It is recommended that you remove the pessary daily to clean it using a mild soap and water. If you have difficulty removing it, make an appointment with your healthcare provider for removal and cleaning. Don't be alarmed if the appointment is weeks away. Pessaries can remain in place from 4 to 12 weeks.
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Can I have sex with my pessary in place?
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Yes, you can. If you want to remove it, then do so.
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Will the pessary prevent pregnancy?
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Absolutely not.
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Can my pessary fall out?
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Yes, it can. If your pessary is too small or not the right type, sometimes it will fall out. Simply clean and reinsert it. If this persists, call your healthcare provider and make an appointment for a different type of a pessary.
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How to insert a pessary?
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- Wash your hands
- Remove any foil or plastic wrapping from the pessary and applicator (if supplied)
- If an applicator is supplied, push the pessary into the hole at the end of the applicator
- Sit or lie down with your knees bent and legs apart
- Gently insert the pessary into the vagina as far as is comfortably possible using either your fingers or the applicator
- If you are using an applicator, depress the plunger to release the pessary then remove the applicator from your vagina
- Wash your hands again
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