Many factors may cause vaginal prolapse. For many women, surgery is the only way to treat prolapses. But other women may find that the use of a pessary is a good alternative treatment for vaginal prolapse.
Pessary
A pessary is a medical device that you insert into the vagina. The pessary presses against the vaginal wall where the uterus, rectum, or bladder prolapses into the vagina. This pressure maintains the proper shape of the vagina and keeps the prolapsed organ in place.
Is a Pessary Right for You?
The use of a pessary instead of surgery is appropriate in some, but not all, cases. Severe prolapses may require surgery. The use of a pessary may allow you to postpone surgery in some cases that do require surgery.
Pessaries are available in different sizes and styles to treat different types of vaginal prolapse. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, wearing the largest size pessary recommended for your type of prolapse will give the best results, if you can comfortably wear it. If you are allergic to latex or silicone you may not be able to use a pessary, because most types consist of one of those two materials. If you have an active vaginal infection, you should not wear a pessary until the infection has passed.
Pessary Types
The main types of pessaries are the ring, dish, donut, inflatable and cube. These types of pessaries all rate easy to medium in terms of insertion and removal. Other types of pessaries are available but are more difficult to use. The type of pessary you will need depends on your type and severity of vaginal prolapse, and your anatomy.
Pessary Care
You will need to make and keep several follow-up appointments after you get your pessary. These appointments will allow your doctor to check how well your pessary is working and to determine if you need a different size or style of pessary.
You will also need to remove, clean and reinsert your pessary on a regular basis. You should do this at least once a week, and avoid douching while wearing a pessary, according to the Women's Continence Center at the University of California-San Francisco. If you are unable or unwilling to keep follow-up appointments or take proper care of your pessary, one may not be right for you.
