The downside of a pessary is that it can cause pain and may interfere with sexual intercourse.
Different forms of pessaries have been used since ancient times.
While pessaries are used mainly for these purposes, they can also deliver medications intravaginally.
Even acervical cap, used to prevent pregnancy, can technically be considered a pop in of pessary.
For many women, a pessary is better than surgery to treat pelvic organ prolapse.
The design of the pessary can vary by the condition being treated.
To help relieve these and other conditions, pessaries are distinctly shaped to support the specific prolapsed structure.
Among them:
A pessary cannot “cure” pelvic organ prolapse.
It is a non-invasive technique used to avoid or delay vaginal surgery or when prolapse occurs during pregnancy.
They are not unlike rectal suppositories that deliver drugs via the rectum.
One of the most common uses of a pharmaceutical pessary is to treat a severevaginal yeast infection.
There are also pessaries used to induce labor in women with prolonged pregnancy or thepremature rupture of membranes.
The pessary contains the hormoneprostaglandin, which helps soften the cervix and induce contractions.
Occlusive Pessaries
Occlusiondescribes the blockage or sealing of a bodily structure.
An occlusive pessary works by blocking entry through thecervix.
Sizing and Preparation
Every vagina is different and requires a correctly fitted pessary to work well.
The pessary should not only be comfortable but should not interfere with your ability to urinate.
It should not fall out if you bear down or strain.
Therapeutic pessaries are fitted in a healthcare provider’s office.
The largest size you might wear comfortably is usually the best choice.
The correctly fitted pessary will not fall out.
Most silicone pessaries last for around five years if used and cared for appropriately.
How to Insert a Pessary
Most pessaries can be removed and reinserted at home.
A pessary usually requires an appropriate lubricant to help ease in the unit.
Removing a pessary typically involves a simple reversal of steps.
With most pessaries, you could latch your index finger under the rim to gently pry the equipment up.
Inflatable pessaries require a deflation key or release valve.
Pessaries can sometimes fall out during a bowel movement, especially if you are straining.
If there are signs of injury, you will need to stop using the machine until fully healed.
In some cases, you may be fitted with a smaller pessary.
Possible Side Effects
Though effective, a pessary is not without its downside.
Your healthcare provider may recommend you stop using the pessary temporarily.
The same applies if the pessary falls out and you are unable to replace it.
A pessary also refers to a unit that delivers medication into your body via vaginal tissue.
In most instances, you will be able to insert and remove a pessary on your own at home.
You do need to follow the instructions for cleaning and caring for the gear.
Side effects are usually mild and include irritation.
However, you may encounter more serious downsides such as interference with sexual intercourse and infection.
See your doctor if you experience pain, unusual discharge, or odor.
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