“A pessa-what?” you ask. A pessary-and it’s not as weird as it sounds. A pessary is a plastic or rubber ring-like device that is placed in the vagina to support the bladder, uterus, or rectum. In other words, it’s an artificial support for those internal structures that are a bit saggy because of childbirth, gravity, or aging.
Some women find that wearing a pessary helps alleviate the discomfort caused by POP and helps empty the bladder. A gynecologist can fit you with a pessary in the office. If you have a pessary, once a month you need to remove the pessary or have your physician remove it to have it cleaned and re-inserted. Pessaries rarely cause problems but can increase the chance of developing vaginal irritation or infection. It’s important to have a pessary that fits properly.
The use of a pessary is a great non-surgical treatment for POP and is useful for women who either don’t want surgery or still want to have more children. Plus, pessaries are very effective. Studies show that women with POP find improvement with a pessary and for some women symptoms go away completely.
Sound good? Check in with your healthcare provider to see if a pessary is the perfect solution for your POP problems!
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