Ring Pessary With Support: Complete Guide to Sizing, Fitting & Clinical Benefits
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What Is a Ring Pessary With Support?
A ring pessary with support is a medical-grade silicone device used to manage pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Distinctive from the standard ring pessary, this design features a flexible membrane across the centre of the ring that provides additional support to the anterior vaginal wall and bladder neck — making it the preferred choice when bladder descent (cystocele) and leakage are both present.
SciMed's ring pessary with support is manufactured from 100% FDA-approved medical-grade silicone, latex-free, non-absorbent, and available in sizes 0 through 8.
Ring Pessary With Support vs Without Support
Choosing between the two variants depends on the patient's anatomy and primary symptoms:
| Feature | With Support | Without Support |
|---|---|---|
| Centre design | Solid silicone membrane | Open ring |
| Primary indication | Cystocele + SUI | Uterine prolapse, mild POP |
| Bladder neck support | Yes | No |
| Sizes | 0–8 | 0–9 |
Clinical Indications
A ring pessary with support is most appropriate for:
- Stage I–II anterior vaginal prolapse (cystocele) — the membrane elevates the bladder and reduces bulge symptoms
- Stress urinary incontinence — by supporting the bladder neck, it can significantly reduce or eliminate leakage with cough, sneeze, or exertion
- Patients seeking non-surgical management of prolapse symptoms
- Postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation alongside physiotherapy
How to Size a Ring Pessary With Support
Correct sizing is essential for comfort, efficacy, and retention:
- Begin with a size 3 or 4 as the default starting point for most patients
- The pessary should fit snugly in the vaginal vault with the cervix resting on or through the membrane
- You should be able to insert one finger between the ring and the vaginal wall
- Ask the patient to walk, stand, and cough to confirm retention before finalising the fit
Insertion Technique
- Ask the patient to empty their bladder
- Apply a small amount of water-based lubricant to the pessary rim
- Compress the ring and insert it posteriorly into the vaginal canal
- Release in the vaginal vault with the membrane facing anteriorly toward the bladder
- Confirm the cervix rests on the membrane and the ring sits behind the pubic symphysis
- Have the patient stand and cough — the pessary should not expel or cause discomfort
Care and Maintenance
- Clinician-managed: Remove and clean every 3–6 months; inspect at each visit for cracks or wear
- Self-managed: Remove weekly or as directed; wash with mild soap and warm water
- Medical-grade silicone is non-porous, odour-resistant, and built to last with proper care
When to Seek Medical Advice
Patients should contact their provider if they experience pelvic pain, difficulty with insertion or removal, unusual discharge, urinary retention, or visible erosion.
Shop Ring Pessary With Support
SciMed supplies FDA-approved ring pessaries with support in sizes 0–8, trusted by urogynecologists and women’s health clinicians worldwide.