How to Insert a Ring Pessary — Step by Step Guide | SciMed
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Inserting a ring pessary correctly is essential for comfort, effectiveness, and safety. This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about ring pessary insertion — for both patients self-managing at home and healthcare providers fitting a pessary for the first time.
Shop FDA Approved Ring Pessaries — Made in California →
What You Need Before Inserting a Ring Pessary
- Your correctly sized ring pessary (sized by a healthcare provider)
- Water-based lubricant (not petroleum-based)
- Clean hands — wash thoroughly before and after
- A comfortable, private space
How to Insert a Ring Pessary — Step by Step
Step 1 — Clean Your Pessary
Before insertion, wash your ring pessary with mild soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly. Pat dry. Do not use alcohol, bleach, or harsh chemicals — these degrade medical-grade silicone.
Step 2 — Apply Lubricant
Apply a small amount of water-based lubricant to the leading edge of the pessary. Do not use petroleum jelly (Vaseline) as it degrades silicone over time.
Step 3 — Get Into Position
Choose a comfortable position:
- Standing with one foot raised on a step or toilet seat
- Squatting with knees apart
- Lying on your back with knees bent
Step 4 — Fold the Pessary
Gently pinch the ring pessary in half — it will fold into an oval shape, making it much smaller and easier to insert.
Step 5 — Insert the Pessary
Hold the folded pessary and gently push it into the vaginal opening, directing it downward and backward toward the base of your spine. Continue until you can no longer feel it — it should sit comfortably above the pubic bone.
Step 6 — Check the Position
The pessary will unfold inside the vagina. Check with your finger to ensure the ring has fully opened. You should not feel it during normal activity. Discomfort suggests repositioning or a different size may be needed.
Step 7 — Test the Fit
Stand up, walk around, cough, and bear down gently. A correctly fitted pessary stays in place during all normal activities.
How to Remove a Ring Pessary
Insert one finger into the vagina and hook it under the rim of the ring. Gently pull it down and out, folding it as it comes through the vaginal opening. Wash immediately after removal.
How Often Should I Clean My Pessary?
Most patients remove and clean their pessary once a week. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice on cleaning frequency. Read our full Ring Pessary Care & Cleaning Guide →
When to See Your Healthcare Provider
- The pessary falls out repeatedly
- You experience pain or significant discomfort
- You notice unusual discharge or odour
- You cannot insert or remove the pessary yourself