Pessary for Pelvic Organ and Uterine Prolapse

A vaginal pessary is a removable support device that a qualified healthcare professional may consider as part of the management of pelvic organ prolapse. Patients often begin by searching for a “ring pessary,” but the appropriate type depends on the prolapse, anatomy, symptoms and clinical assessment.

What is pelvic organ prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more pelvic organs descend from their usual position. Terms a patient may hear include uterine prolapse, cystocele or bladder prolapse, rectocele, and vaginal vault prolapse. Symptoms and severity vary, so diagnosis and treatment planning require a healthcare professional.

How can a pessary provide support?

A pessary provides internal mechanical support. It does not permanently repair weakened tissue, and results depend on correct selection, fitting and follow-up. Some patients use a pessary as a longer-term conservative option, while others use one during a particular activity or while considering other treatments.

Ring pessary for uterine or bladder prolapse

The ring pessary is a familiar support design and may be considered in some mild or moderate presentations. It is available in multiple sizes and in versions with or without a supporting membrane. If a ring is not retained or does not provide the required support, another shape may be assessed.

Other pessary types a clinician may consider

• Gellhorn: a space-filling design that may be assessed for more significant prolapse.
• Cube: a space-filling design that requires specific removal and care instructions.
• Donut: a compressible space-filling option used in selected cases.
• Hodge, Cup, Shaatz, Gehrung and other designs: shapes with distinct design characteristics and manufacturer-stated indications.

What is the best pessary for prolapse?

There is no single “best” pessary for every patient or every prolapse stage. A safe answer depends on diagnosis, vaginal anatomy, symptoms, dexterity, lifestyle, sexual activity, the ability to manage removal and cleaning, and clinician judgment. Online articles should help patients prepare questions, not self-prescribe a device.

What happens during professional fitting?

A clinician evaluates the patient and may try more than one size or shape. Fit may be checked during standing, walking, coughing, bearing down and voiding. Follow-up allows the clinician to evaluate symptom control, comfort, vaginal tissue and ongoing fit.

Questions to ask a healthcare professional

• Which organ or vaginal compartment is prolapsing?
• Which pessary designs are suitable for my clinical findings?
• How will fit and comfort be checked?
• Can I remove and care for the pessary myself?
• Which symptoms should prompt an earlier appointment?

Information for Canadian healthcare professionals

Explore Beauray’s pessary product range or request current product information. Availability, indications, licensing and regulatory status must be confirmed for each device.

Medical information notice: This page is educational and does not replace diagnosis, fitting or advice from a qualified healthcare professional.