What Is a Pessary? A Helpful Guide to This Pelvic Health Tool
Pelvic health is an essential part of overall well-being, yet it’s often one of the least discussed. Pelvic organ prolapse (where one or more of the pelvic organs is dropping into the vaginal space) is a particularly under-discussed but incredibly common experience. Up to 50% of women will experience a prolapse in their lifetime. The good news is there are options for managing your prolapse! If you’ve been diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse or struggle with stress urinary incontinence, you may have heard your healthcare provider mention something called a pessary. But what exactly is it—and how does it work?
Let’s break it down.
⭐ What Is a Pessary?
A pessary is a small device, often made of medical-grade silicone, that’s inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic organs. Think of it as a soft internal brace that helps lift and stabilize structures like the bladder, uterus, or rectum when they’ve shifted or weakened.
Pessaries come in many shapes and sizes—rings, cubes, dishes, and more—because every body and diagnosis is different. They are reusable, flexible, and non-surgical, making them a great option for people who:
- Have pelvic organ prolapse
- Experience stress urinary incontinence (leakage when coughing, sneezing, exercising, etc.)
- Want symptom relief without surgery
- Need support during pregnancy or postpartum recovery
- Are waiting for, or trying to avoid, pelvic floor surgery
If you’re anything like me, when you first hear of a pessary and see the images of the wildly different options available, you may feel overwhelmed (to put it mildly). The good news is that pessaries are surprisingly easy to use and can be an incredibly empowering option for women who want to live an active lifestyle and not worry about prolapse and prolapse symptoms.
🩺 How Do You Get a Pessary?
Pessaries are most often fit and prescribed by a trained medical provider, often a urogynecologist, pelvic health specialist, or gynecologist. This is important because proper fit ensures comfort, function, and safety.
During a fitting, your provider will:
- Assess your symptoms and anatomy
- Try one or more pessary sizes or shapes
- Teach you how to insert, remove, and care for it (if self-management is appropriate)
A well-fit pessary should feel comfortable—almost unnoticeable—and should not fall out, cause pain, or interfere with daily movement.
Additionally, there are great options available over the counter that work well for some women. Typically, the over the counter options work better for those with smaller degrees of prolapse and more mild symptoms. Two common brands we recommend to our own patients are Revive and Uresta.
🧼 How to Use & Care for a Pessary (Basics)
Most pessaries are designed to be inserted and removed at home, though some people see their provider for regular cleanings instead. Your clinician will help you decide what’s best for you.
General steps for self-care:
- Wash your hands
- Use a water-based lubricant to help with insertion
- Fold or compress the pessary (depending on style) and insert it like a tampon
- Ensure it’s fully in place—you shouldn’t feel discomfort or pressure
- Remove on the schedule given by your provider (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.)
- Clean with mild soap and water, rinse well, and air dry
Some pessaries are worn all the time and cleaned during routine follow-ups; others are removed nightly or weekly. There’s no single “right” schedule—only what keeps you comfortable and healthy.
💡 Common Questions
Can I have sex with a pessary in?
Some pessaries can stay in during sex (like ring styles). Others need to be removed first. Your provider will guide you.
Does it hurt?
No—if it hurts, it isn’t the right size or fit. Discomfort is a sign to call your provider.
Can I still exercise?
Yes! Many people use pessaries specifically to stay active without symptoms.
Is it a long-term solution?
It can be. Some people use a pessary for a few months; others for years. It’s flexible, reversible, and adjustable over time.
🌼 Why Pessaries Matter
Pessaries have been around for thousands of years (yes, really!)—and today’s versions are modern, safe, and empowering. They offer:
✅ A non-surgical treatment option
✅ Immediate symptom relief
✅ A way to stay active and confident
✅ Support for people at all stages of life, from postpartum to post-menopause
Pelvic health is personal, but it should never be silent. If you think a pessary might help you, talk to a pelvic health provider—you deserve comfort, confidence, and care that supports your whole body.