Ring Pessary Without Support: Who Needs It, How It Works & Complete Sizing Guide
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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 made from 100% FDA-approved medical-grade silicone, latex-free, and available in sizes 0 through 9 — the widest size range of any ring pessary in the SciMed range.
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 | 0–8 |
Clinical Indications
A ring pessary without support is commonly indicated for:
- 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
Sizing Guide (Sizes 0–9)
Ring pessaries without support are available in ten sizes. Correct sizing ensures patient comfort, optimal efficacy, and reliable retention:
- Starting size: Most clinicians begin with a size 3 or 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
- Ask the patient to empty their bladder prior to fitting
- Apply a small amount of water-based lubricant to the ring
- Squeeze the ring into an oval shape and insert it into the vagina, directing it toward the posterior fornix
- Release the ring and guide it into the vaginal vault behind the pubic symphysis anteriorly and into the posterior fornix posteriorly
- Check that the patient cannot feel the pessary when standing
- 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 at night and reinserting it in the morning (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.
Patients should be provided with clear written instructions and a trial removal/reinsertion before leaving the clinic.
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 if any deterioration is noted or at least annually in self-managing patients
- Clinician review: Even self-managing patients should have a clinical review every 6–12 months
When to Seek Clinical Advice
Patients should contact their healthcare provider if they experience:
- 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, manufactured from FDA-approved medical-grade silicone. Trusted by women’s health clinicians, gynaecologists, and urogynecologists across the US and internationally.