Pessary Ring vs Vaginal Pessary: What's the Difference?

Pessary Ring vs Vaginal Pessary: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve been researching pelvic organ prolapse treatment, you’ve probably come across several terms: pessary ring, vaginal ring pessary, vaginal pessary ring, and just “vaginal pessary.” It’s easy to get confused. Are they the same thing? Is one better than the other?

This guide cuts through the confusion and explains exactly what each term means, how the different types compare, and which one is most likely to suit you.

First: What Is a Vaginal Pessary?

A vaginal pessary is a broad category. It refers to any removable, medical-grade device inserted into the vagina to support pelvic organs that have prolapsed (dropped) from their normal position. Think of “vaginal pessary” as the umbrella term — like saying “shoe” without specifying whether it’s a sneaker, a heel, or a boot.

There are many different types of vaginal pessary, each designed for different prolapse patterns and severity levels. The most common by far is the ring type.

So What Is a Pessary Ring?

A pessary ring (also called a vaginal ring pessary or ring pessary) is a specific type of vaginal pessary. It is shaped like a flexible silicone ring — similar in appearance to a large, soft O-ring — that sits inside the vagina and supports the vaginal walls and pelvic organs above.

So: every pessary ring is a vaginal pessary, but not every vaginal pessary is a pessary ring.

Pessary Ring vs Other Types of Vaginal Pessary

Here’s how the ring pessary compares to the other main vaginal pessary types:

Ring Pessary (Vaginal Ring Pessary)

• Shape: Flexible silicone ring
• Best for: Stage I–III cystocele (bladder prolapse) and uterine prolapse
• Self-managed: Yes — most women can insert, remove, and clean it at home
• Variants: Without support (plain ring) or with support (ring + membrane for extra lift)
• Ease of use: ★★★★★ — the easiest pessary to self-manage

Gellhorn Pessary

• Shape: Mushroom / dome with a stem
• Best for: Advanced (Stage III–IV) prolapse
• Self-managed: Difficult — usually requires clinic visits for removal
• Ease of use: ★★ — not ideal for self-management

Gehrung Pessary

• Shape: Arch / U-shape
• Best for: Combined cystocele + rectocele (front and back wall prolapse)
• Self-managed: Possible but trickier than a ring
• Ease of use: ★★★

Cube Pessary

• Shape: Six-sided cube with suction cups
• Best for: Very advanced prolapse where other types don’t stay in place
• Self-managed: Must be removed every night — not suitable for all women
• Ease of use: ★★

Ring Pessary With Support vs Without Support

Within the ring pessary category, there are two important sub-types:

Ring Pessary Without Support

A plain flexible ring with no membrane. It works by sitting in the vaginal fornix and mechanically preventing the vaginal walls from collapsing. This is the most basic type and suits women with mild to moderate prolapse who do not have significant stress urinary incontinence (leakage).

Ring Pessary With Support

This version adds a thin silicone membrane stretched across the diameter of the ring, like a drum skin. This membrane catches the bladder and uterus and prevents them from descending further into the vaginal canal.

A ring pessary with support is generally recommended when:

• The prolapse is Stage II or higher
• The woman also has stress urinary incontinence (leakage with coughing, sneezing, or exercise)
• The uterus or bladder is more advanced in its descent

The SciMed Store Ring Pessary With Support is our most popular model, and is available in a full range of sizes.

Which Terms Mean the Same Thing?

To clear up the terminology once and for all:

• Pessary ring = Ring pessary = Vaginal ring pessary = Vaginal pessary ring — these all refer to the same ring-shaped device.
• Vaginal pessary — the broad category that includes ring pessaries and all other types.
• Pessary for prolapse — any pessary used to treat pelvic organ prolapse; usually refers to a vaginal pessary.

Which Type Is Right for You?

For most women with pelvic organ prolapse, the ring pessary is the ideal starting point because it is:

• Easy to insert and remove at home
• Comfortable during daily activities and exercise
• Available in sizes to fit most vaginal anatomies
• Clinically proven with decades of evidence behind it

Your gynaecologist or pelvic floor physiotherapist will help you confirm the right size and type based on a pelvic examination. If a ring pessary doesn’t stay in place, they may trial a different shape.

FAQ

Is a vaginal ring pessary the same as a contraceptive ring?

No. A vaginal ring pessary for prolapse is a purely mechanical support device with no hormonal or contraceptive effect. The contraceptive vaginal ring (like NuvaRing) releases hormones and serves a completely different purpose.

Can I buy a pessary ring without a prescription in the USA?

Ring pessaries are medical devices. SciMed Store sells them directly to consumers and healthcare providers across the USA, but we strongly recommend being fitted by a clinician first to ensure correct sizing.

How often should I replace my ring pessary?

Most medical-grade silicone ring pessaries last 1–2 years with proper care. Replace sooner if you notice cracks, discolouration, or persistent odour that doesn’t resolve with cleaning.

Ready to Shop?

Browse our full range of vaginal pessaries, or go straight to our best-selling Ring Pessary With Support — USA-stocked, fast delivery nationwide.