A pessary may be used to treat the following conditions:
(1) cystocele, Grade 1 or 2
(2) urethrocele, Grade 1 or 2
(3) uterine prolapse, Grade 1 or 2
(4) stress incontinence
A pessary is unlikely to provide adequate therapy for a Grade 3 pelvic relaxation.
Requirements for the patient:
(1) The pessary works better if the uterus is present.
(2) The woman is able to regularly clean the pessary (by self or with assistance).
(3) The woman is comfortable with a foreign object in the vagina.
A post-menopausal woman often benefits from topical estrogen applied into the vagina 2 to 3 times per week for 2 to 3 months prior to inserting the pessary. This will increase vaginal lubrication.
Most pessaries are made from silicone. Latex should be avoided due to the risk of latex allergy.
