Is a cervical pessary the same as cervical cerclage?

No. Cerclage is a procedure that places a suture around the cervix. A cervical pessary is a removable support device.

Have cup pessaries been studied for a short cervix?

Yes. Bioteque cup pessaries have appeared in clinical research, but study participation does not establish that every cup product is currently indicated, licensed or appropriate for this use.

Has a Hodge pessary been used for cervical insufficiency?

Published literature describes historical use of Smith-Hodge or Hodge pessaries for cervical incompetence. Current product indications and recommendations must be verified.

Can a patient select a pregnancy pessary online?

No. Cervical insufficiency and short cervix require specialist assessment, product selection, placement and follow-up.

Beauray Inc.

Cervical Pessary for Cervical Insufficiency and Short Cervix

A cervical pessary is a device placed by a qualified pregnancy-care specialist to provide mechanical support around or near the cervix. Patients searching for “pessary instead of cerclage” should understand that a pessary and cervical cerclage are different interventions and that evidence and recommendations depend on the individual pregnancy.

What are cervical insufficiency and a short cervix?

Cervical insufficiency generally describes a cervix that begins to shorten or open too early during pregnancy. A short cervix is an ultrasound finding associated with an increased risk of preterm birth in some pregnancies. Assessment and management belong with an obstetrician or maternal-fetal medicine specialist.

Cervical pessary vs cervical cerclage

Cervical cerclage is a procedure in which a clinician places one or more sutures around the cervix. A cervical pessary is a removable support device and does not involve placing a stitch. These terms are sometimes combined in product names such as “cerclage pessary,” but the device is not surgical cerclage.

Cup or cerclage pessary

Modified cup or cerclage-style pessaries have been designed or studied for cervical support during pregnancy. Bioteque cup pessaries have also appeared in clinical research concerning short cervix and prevention of preterm birth. A study result does not by itself establish that every cup product is indicated, licensed or appropriate for this use.

Hodge pessary and cervical support

Published medical literature describes historical use of Smith-Hodge or Hodge pessaries in patients described as having cervical incompetence. Modern product indications, evidence and clinical recommendations must still be checked before making any current claim or treatment decision.

Is a cervical pessary recommended for every short cervix?

No. Research findings on cervical pessaries have not been uniform, and management may involve observation, progesterone, cerclage or other specialist-directed care depending on clinical history and pregnancy characteristics. Patients should not purchase or use a pessary for pregnancy without specialist care.

Questions for a pregnancy-care specialist

How was cervical length measured, and what does it mean in this pregnancy?
Which management options are supported for my history and findings?
Would a cervical pessary be appropriate, and what evidence applies?
What follow-up, warning signs and removal plan are required?

Product and regulatory information

The Cup Pessary and Hodge Pessary pages provide general product information. Before publication or supply discussion, Beauray must verify the exact manufacturer-stated indication, current instructions for use, availability and Canadian regulatory status for the specific model.

Clinical references

Important pregnancy notice: This page is general educational information, not medical advice. Cervical insufficiency, short cervix and risk of preterm birth require prompt assessment and management by a qualified pregnancy-care specialist.