What Is a Vaginal Pessary for Prolapse? A Complete Guide
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What Is a Vaginal Pessary for Prolapse? A Complete Guide
If you or someone you care for has been diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse, your doctor may have mentioned a vaginal pessary for prolapse as a non-surgical treatment option. Pessaries have been used for centuries — and modern medical-grade versions are safer, more comfortable, and more effective than ever.
In this guide, we explain exactly what a vaginal pessary is, how a pessary ring works, the different types available, sizing and fitting, and how to decide whether a pessary for prolapse is right for you.
What Is a Vaginal Pessary?
A vaginal pessary is a small, removable medical device inserted into the vagina to support pelvic organs that have dropped (prolapsed) from their normal position. Made from body-safe, medical-grade silicone, pessaries hold up the bladder, uterus, or rectum and relieve symptoms such as pelvic pressure, urinary leakage, and discomfort during daily activity.
Unlike surgery, a vaginal pessary is completely reversible, non-invasive, and can be worn comfortably throughout the day. Most women forget it is there once properly fitted.
What Is a Pessary Ring?
The ring pessary — sometimes called a vaginal ring pessary or vaginal pessary ring — is the most commonly prescribed type worldwide. It looks like a flexible silicone ring, similar in feel to a soft diaphragm.
Ring pessaries work by resting in the vaginal fornix (the area around the cervix) and providing a stable platform that holds pelvic organs in place. They come in two main styles:
- Ring pessary without support — a plain flexible ring, best for milder Stage I–II prolapse.
- Ring pessary with support — includes a diaphragm membrane across the ring, providing extra lift for the bladder and uterus. Recommended for Stage II–III prolapse or where stress urinary incontinence (leakage) is also present.
Types of Vaginal Pessary for Prolapse
While the ring pessary is the most popular, several other designs exist for different prolapse types and severity levels:
- Ring Pessary — suitable for most cystocele (bladder) and uterine prolapses; easy to self-manage.
- Gehrung Pessary — arch-shaped, for cystocele and rectocele combinations.
- Shaatz Pessary — rigid ring variant, provides stronger support.
- Gellhorn Pessary — mushroom-shaped, for advanced (Stage III–IV) prolapse; usually fitted by a clinician.
- Cube Pessary — uses suction for very advanced prolapse; requires regular removal.
For most women with mild to moderate prolapse, a vaginal ring pessary is the first-line recommendation because it is easy to insert, remove, and clean.
Pessary Ring Sizes — Finding the Right Fit
Pessaries are measured in millimetres of diameter. Standard ring pessary sizes run from approximately 44 mm to 95 mm. Correct sizing is essential — a pessary that is too small will not provide support and may fall out, while one that is too large can cause discomfort or pressure.
Sizing is typically done by a gynaecologist, urogynecologist, or pelvic floor physiotherapist. During a fitting, the clinician inserts the largest ring that fits comfortably — you should not feel it when walking or bearing down. Most women are fitted between sizes 3 and 5 (roughly 64–74 mm).
After fitting, many women are able to self-manage their pessary at home: removing it weekly or fortnightly, washing it with mild soap, and reinserting it themselves. The SciMed Store Ring Pessary With Support is available in multiple sizes to ensure the perfect fit.
Who Needs a Pessary for Prolapse?
A pessary for prolapse is suitable for women who:
- Have been diagnosed with Stage I, II, or III pelvic organ prolapse
- Want to avoid or delay surgery
- Are pregnant or planning future pregnancies
- Have health conditions making surgery too risky
- Experience prolapse symptoms during exercise or physical activity
- Also suffer from stress urinary incontinence (a ring with support pessary can help both conditions)
Pessaries are not recommended for women with active vaginal infections, certain anatomical variations, or those unable to manage regular removal and cleaning. Your healthcare provider will assess whether a vaginal pessary for prolapse is appropriate for your situation.
How to Use a Vaginal Pessary Ring
Once fitted by a clinician, using a ring pessary is straightforward:
- Wash hands thoroughly.
- Fold the ring pessary in half (it is flexible), apply a small amount of water-based lubricant.
- Insert at a 45-degree angle toward the small of your back, like a tampon, until it sits behind the pubic bone.
- Check comfort — walk around, cough, and squat. You should not feel it.
- Remove weekly or fortnightly by hooking a finger under the rim and gently pulling out.
- Wash with mild soap and warm water, dry, and reinsert or store in a clean container.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I wear a vaginal pessary?
Most ring pessaries can be worn continuously for up to one week before removal, cleaning, and reinsertion. Some clinician-managed pessaries (like the Gellhorn) may be changed every 3 months at a clinic visit.
Can I exercise with a pessary ring?
Yes — in fact, many women find a pessary allows them to return to exercise they had to give up due to prolapse symptoms. High-impact activities like running and HIIT are generally well-tolerated once a good fit is confirmed.
Is a vaginal pessary ring the same as a contraceptive ring?
No. A vaginal ring pessary is a supportive medical device for prolapse — it has no hormonal or contraceptive properties. The two devices look similar but serve entirely different purposes.
Where can I buy a ring pessary in the USA?
SciMed Store supplies medical-grade ring pessaries with support directly to women and healthcare providers across the USA. Browse our full range of vaginal pessaries or shop the Ring Pessary With Support today.
The Bottom Line
A vaginal pessary for prolapse is one of the safest, most effective, and most reversible treatments available for pelvic organ prolapse. The ring pessary — whether plain or with support — suits the majority of women and can be easily self-managed at home.
If you have questions about sizing, fitting, or which type is right for you, speak with your pelvic floor physiotherapist or gynaecologist. And when you are ready to order, SciMed Store has you covered with USA-stocked, clinician-recommended pessaries available for fast delivery nationwide.