Ring Pessary Without Support: Who Needs It, How It Works & Complete Sizing Guide

What Is a Ring Pessary Without Support?

A ring pessary without support is a simple, open-ring silicone device designed to hold the pelvic organs in their correct anatomical position. Unlike the ring pessary with support (which has a membrane across the centre), this design is a continuous, unobstructed ring — making it lighter, easier for patients to self-manage, and the preferred choice for uterine prolapse and mild-to-moderate pelvic organ prolapse without significant bladder involvement.

SciMed's ring pessary without support is FDA 510(k) cleared, made from 100% USP Class VI medical-grade silicone, latex-free, and available in sizes 0 through 9 (44–102 mm) — the widest size range of any ring pessary in the SciMed range. Priced at $49.99 with free US shipping.

With Support vs Without Support: Which Do You Need?

Factor	Ring Pessary Without Support	Ring Pessary With Support
Design	Open ring, no membrane	Ring with central silicone membrane
Best for	Uterine prolapse, rectocele, mild cystocele	Cystocele + stress urinary incontinence
Self-management ease	Easier (open design, less bulk)	Moderate
Bladder neck support	No	Yes
Available sizes	0–9 (44–102 mm)	0–8 (44–95 mm)
Wearable during intercourse?	Yes for most patients	Generally no
Price at SciMed	$49.99	$49.99

Clinical Indications

• Stage I–III uterine prolapse — the ring sits in the vaginal vault and supports the uterus in position
• Mild-to-moderate anterior or posterior vaginal wall prolapse where bladder neck support is not the primary requirement
• Post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse — the ring provides vault elevation without the bulk of a membrane
• Patients who prefer self-removal and reinsertion — the open ring is generally easier to handle than a membrane variant
• Trial pessary fitting — often the first pessary type trialled given its simplicity and comfort
• Sexually active patients — the open-ring design can typically be worn during intercourse without removal

Sizing Guide (Sizes 0–9)

Ring pessaries without support are available in ten sizes, with outer diameters:

• Size 0 = 44 mm (1.75″)
• Size 1 = 51 mm (2.00″)
• Size 2 = 57 mm (2.25″)
• Size 3 = 64 mm (2.50″) — common
• Size 4 = 70 mm (2.75″) — most common
• Size 5 = 76 mm (3.00″) — common
• Size 6 = 83 mm (3.25″)
• Size 7 = 89 mm (3.50″)
• Size 8 = 95 mm (3.75″)
• Size 9 = 102 mm (4.00″) — largest available, without support only

Sizes 3, 4, and 5 fit approximately 66% of patients in clinical practice. Correct sizing ensures patient comfort, optimal efficacy, and reliable retention:

• Starting size: Most clinicians begin with a size 4 — then adjust based on fit
• Correct fit: The pessary should sit comfortably in the vaginal vault, with one finger fitting easily between the pessary and the vaginal wall
• Too small: Falls out on Valsalva manoeuvre (cough, strain) or walking — size up
• Too large: Difficulty inserting, patient discomfort, or visible protrusion — size down
• Larger sizes (7–9): Indicated for patients with significant vaginal capacity, often post-menopausal or multiparous women

How to Insert a Ring Pessary Without Support

1. Ask the patient to empty their bladder prior to fitting
2. Apply a small amount of water-based lubricant to the ring
3. Squeeze the ring into an oval shape and insert it into the vagina, directing it toward the posterior fornix
4. Release the ring and guide it into the vaginal vault behind the pubic symphysis anteriorly and into the posterior fornix posteriorly
5. Check that the patient cannot feel the pessary when standing
6. Confirm retention with a cough or Valsalva — the ring should remain in place

Self-Removal and Reinsertion

Many patients successfully self-manage the ring pessary without support, removing it weekly or as directed by their clinician. The open ring design makes it easier to hook a finger through the ring for removal compared to membrane variants.

Care, Cleaning & Hygiene

• Wash with mild soap and warm water; rinse thoroughly and allow to dry before storage
• Inspect regularly for cracks, roughness, or discolouration
• Replace every 1–2 years or if any deterioration is noted
• Clinician review: Even self-managing patients should have a clinical review every 6–12 months

When to Seek Clinical Advice

• Pelvic pain or pressure while wearing the pessary
• Inability to remove the pessary
• Unusual vaginal discharge, bleeding, or odour
• New-onset urinary retention or incontinence
• Visible erosion or prolapse worsening despite pessary use

Shop Ring Pessary Without Support at SciMed

SciMed's ring pessary without support is available in sizes 0–9 at $49.99, manufactured from FDA 510(k) cleared USP Class VI medical-grade silicone in San Jose, California. Free US shipping, same-day dispatch, HSA/FSA eligible under HCPCS A4562. Trusted by women's health clinicians, gynaecologists, and urogynecologists across the US and internationally.

Shop Ring Pessary Without Support (Sizes 0–9) →