Vaginal pessaries are medical devices that are placed in the vagina to support the pelvic body, and assist with conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.
In this article, you’ll discover how to use vaginal pessaries, what types exist and what side effects they may come with.
What is A Vaginal Pessary?
It is a relatively small, circular, or cubic medical device designed to provide support to pelvic organs and alleviate symptoms of urinary incontinence, through insertion into a woman’s vagina.
Suppose you are a woman suffering from functional problems due to weak pelvic muscles. In that case, a vaginal pessary provides you with an atypical means of improving your quality of life and any symptoms related with your health condition.
Vaginal pessaries are typically made from premium medical-grade silicone or rubber, helping to maintain the proper positioning of internal organs. Think of your bladder, uterus, and rectum. They can also provide you with structural support for the pelvic floor.
What Are The Types of Vaginal Pessaries?
There are many types of vaginal pessaries in the medical market. Each one is designed to meet specific anatomical requirements and conditions.
Here you’ll find the most common types of vaginal pessaries:
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Ring Pessaries: The Most Commonly Recommended Choice
Ring pessaries are the most commonly used type, offering efficiency and ease of use. They come in two subtypes – with or without internal support, and various sizes.
They support pelvic organs and do not overly invade. In light or medium cases, they are effective.
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Gellhorn and Cubic Pessaries: For a Strong Support
For women who have more serious losses, cubic pessaries are suggested.
In more difficult situations, the tight landing of the cube pessaries within the vagina ensures stability, and the form of a stem-filled gellhorn disc adds additional support.
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Hodge and Gehrung Pessaries: For Special Remedies
The Hodge and Gehrung pessaries are other types of vaginal pessaries that specialize in treating specific conditions.
These medical devices are often used in women with bladder prolapse, offering at the same time targeted support for women who have uterine prolapse. If you belong in that group of patients, opt for these types of vaginal pessaries.
How to Use Vaginal Pessaries?
Here is a quick guide to help you with that:
- Get Fitted. Have a doctor fit your pessary to ensure the correct type and size. Then you can do it on your own.
- Wash Hands. Always clean your hands before handling it.
- Lubricate. Choose to better apply a water-based lubricant instead of an oily one.
- Insert. Fold the pessary with your fingers – if it’s flexible, and gently push it into your vagina.
- Check Fit. Once it’s placed, ensure it feels comfortable and stays in place during movement.
- Remove/Clean. See below for cleaning and managing tips.
- Watch for Any Issues. If you notice any issues, such as pain, odour, or bleeding, book an appointment immediately with your doctor.
How to Choose the Right Pessary for Your Specific Situation
A healthcare service provider can help you choose the best type according to your anatomy, preferences, and prolapse level.
Visit Advanced Healthcare to explore the wide range of types of vaginal pessaries.
What Are The Benefits of Pessaries?
Below follows a list of the most critical pessary benefits:
1. Nonsurgical Treatment of Pelvic Organs
One of the main benefits of vaginal pessaries is its ability to treat pelvic organ loss without the need for surgery.
If you are not eligible or not ready for surgery, it’s the best choice.
2. Effective Management of Urinary Incontinence
That is probably the best benefit of vaginal pessaries.
They can support the bladder and urethra, which is a proven benefit for treating urinary incontinence.
3. Improved Standard of Living and Comfort
Among the benefits of vaginal pessaries is that they reduce the symptoms of prolapse and incontinence, thus significantly improving the quality of life for women.
4. Replacing Operations
Pessaries are often more cost-effective than surgical procedures, making them a viable economic solution.
If you want to control your symptoms without spending too much money on medical care, then go for these medical devices.
How to Care for Your Vaginal Pessaries
Once you use them, you must also start caring for them. Here are some practical tips:
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Clean to Prevent Infection
Maintaining a clean pessary is essential to prevent infection. After each use, rinse with lukewarm water and a mild soap, and let it dry completely before storing.
Avoid sharp chemicals that can harm the material.
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Store Them Between Uses
Store the pessaries in a dry, clean location, and ideally, keep them in a breathable container.
Avoid sealed bags, as this can promote humidity buildup and increase the risk of infection.
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Replace Them Regularly
Depending on the frequency of usage, the pessaries usually need to be replaced every 3-6 months.
If you notice any kind of crack, whitening, or constant pain when wearing them, it may be time to throw the old ones away and buy some new ones in their place.
Do Pessaries Come with Side Effects?
Sometimes, yes, they do. There can be potential secondary effects and complications, such as:
1. Typical Discomfort Problems
You may experience discomfort or irritation when using the pessary. If this occurs, it may be helpful to change the size or type of the pessary.
2. Tissue Lesions or Signs of Infection
Other vaginal pessaries’ side effects can include infections and tissue lesions.
Infections can be identified by abnormal secretions, foul odours, or tissue deterioration, accompanied by pain.
On the other hand, chronic pain and bleeding can indicate tissue lesions. If you experience one of these symptoms, seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
3. Physical Activity Restrictions
Typically, you can continue your regular physical activity using pessaries. On the other hand, very strenuous exercises may require caution.
The Bottom Line
Vaginal pessaries are medical devices designed to help alleviate symptoms that come, more often than not, with aging like pelvic prolapse or urine incontinence. Pessaries offer numerous benefits, especially in cases of mild health conditions.
Knowing how to use a vaginal pessary can be an asset for your convenience, easy-living and for soothing the anxiety from your symptoms, you can choose the type of vaginal pessaries that best suits your body and medical needs.
Explore the wide range of Advanced Healthcare solutions and with the guidance of your physician you can enjoy a better quality of life without worrying about vaginal pessaries’ side effects.
FAQ
1. How To Use Vaginal Pessaries? Can I Insert and Remove Them On My Own?
2. Is It Okay To Use A Pessary While I’m Menstruating?
3. Does Wearing a Pessary Hurt?
4. Should I Engage In Sexual Activity While Using A Pessary?
