What is a pessary?
A pessary is a soft, flexible, plastic device that fits inside your vagina. These devices come in different shapes and sizes depending on your needs. A pessary can provide support to your bladder, uterus, vagina, and/or rectum.
What is a pessary used for?
A pessary can be used as a nonsurgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse. There are many types of pelvic organ prolapse, including:
- Cystocele, where the bladder drops from its normal position and bulges into the vagina
- Uterine prolapse, in which the uterus droops into the vagina
- Rectocele, which causes the rectum to bulge into or out of the vagina
The team at Bela Vida Urogynecology may recommend a pessary to treat bladder control problems, or incontinence. A pessary is a safe, effective, and inexpensive treatment for both stress incontinence and overactive bladder.
Who is a good candidate for a pessary?
A pessary is a low-risk treatment option compared to surgery, but it isn’t right for everyone. Your compassionate provider at Bela Vida Urogynecology carefully reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam to determine whether you’re a good candidate for a pessary.
Conditions like scar tissue in the vagina or very weak pelvic floor muscles can cause a pessary to fall out or create discomfort. Pessaries also require diligent, ongoing home care to avoid complications like vaginal infection or bleeding.
How do I use and care for a pessary?
If your provider at Bela Vida Urogynecology thinks that a pessary is right for you, she spends time explaining how to insert, remove, and care for it. This includes taking it out and cleaning it daily with mild soap and water.
When you first get a pessary, your provider at Bela Vida Urogynecology will want to see you a couple of weeks later to make sure everything is going smoothly. After that, you may need to return every few months during the first year. After you’ve had your pessary for a year, you may only need to come in 2-3 times per year. Pessaries typically last several years.
If you think you may benefit from a pessary, call Bela Vida Urogynecology or book an appointment online today.