Pessaries

Pessaries – Supportive, Non-Surgical Solutions for Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Stress Urinary Incontinence

Pessaries are medical-grade vaginal support devices used to manage symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). They are designed to provide internal support to the pelvic organs, helping maintain comfort, stability, and daily function. Pessaries offer a conservative, non-surgical option that can be used long-term or while preparing for pelvic floor rehabilitation.

At PelviCare, we offer a curated selection of pessaries in different shapes and sizes, ensuring that each individual can find a solution tailored to their anatomy and therapeutic goals. Pessaries can be used under the guidance of a pelvic health physiotherapist, gynecologist, or urogynecologist — and many models are suitable for independent self-management once proper fitting is achieved.

 

When Are Pessaries Used?

Pessaries provide support for symptoms caused by weakened pelvic floor tissues and ligaments, including:

• Feeling of heaviness, pressure, or bulging in the pelvis

• Pelvic organ prolapse (stages I–III)

• Stress urinary incontinence (leakage during coughing, laughing, or exercise)

• Support during postpartum recovery

• Menopause-related pelvic floor changes

• Pelvic stability during physical activity

• Support during pelvic floor strengthening programs

Pessaries can help restore confidence in movement, reduce discomfort, and improve daily quality of life.

 

Choosing the Right Pessary

Each type of pessary is designed to provide a specific kind of support depending on:

• The type and degree of prolapse

• The presence of urinary leakage

• Personal comfort and anatomical shape

• Whether the individual wishes to remove and reinsert independently

Below are the primary pessary styles available at PelviCare.

 

Cube Pessary

The Cube pessary is designed to provide firm, multi-point support for more advanced pelvic organ prolapse, including uterine prolapse, cystocele, and rectocele. Its shape allows it to adhere gently to the vaginal walls by maintaining even contact.

Key Features:

• Provides significant support for moderate to severe prolapse

• Can be particularly helpful when other pessaries do not stay in place

• Intended for daily insertion and removal

• Commonly recommended when active lifestyles increase prolapse symptoms

Cube pessaries require regular cleaning and are typically removed daily to maintain vaginal comfort and tissue health.

 

Cube Pessary with Button

The Cube pessary with button features the same supportive structure as the classic cube pessary but includes a central button that makes removal simpler and more comfortable.

Benefits:

• Supports moderate to severe prolapse

• Suitable for women who require strong vaginal vault support

• Easier removal due to the built-in button mechanism

• Designed for daily use with self-management in mind

This design can often improve comfort and user confidence during independent pessary care.

 

Collared Urethral Pessary

The Collared urethral pessary is designed specifically for women who experience stress urinary incontinence, particularly during exercise or activities that increase abdominal pressure.

How It Helps:

• Provides a gentle lift to the urethra

• Helps prevent urine leakage during coughing, laughing, sneezing, or movement

• Can be worn daily or during specific activities

• Supports individuals who prefer non-surgical continence options

This pessary is especially useful for women rebuilding pelvic floor strength postpartum or during menopausal changes.

 

Fungiform Pessary

The Fungiform pessary is shaped to provide uplift and stabilization for uterine prolapse and vaginal vault descent. Its smooth, rounded shape allows for comfortable placement and secure support.

Notable Features:

• Designed to support the cervix and upper vaginal tissue

• Often used for apical (top of vagina) prolapse

• Comfortable for daily wear

• May be suitable for self-management after fitting

This option is especially beneficial when supporting the highest portion of the pelvic floor.

 

Obstetric Pessary

The Obstetric pessary is typically used during or after pregnancy when additional support is needed for the pelvic floor due to increased load or tissue stretching.

Ideal Applications:

• During late pregnancy to support pelvic organs

• Postpartum recovery to reduce prolapse symptoms

• Preventing progression of pelvic floor weakness

• Supporting women with hypermobility or connective tissue laxity

This pessary provides gentle, flexible support that accommodates physiological changes and healing.

 

Plate Pessary

The Plate pessary is designed to provide broad, stable support for the vaginal walls and pelvic organs. Its flat, structured shape helps reduce sensations of pressure, bulging, or heaviness.

Key Advantages:

• Useful for cystocele or rectocele support

• Can be comfortable for extended daily wear

• Helps maintain pelvic comfort during walking and physical activity

This type may be recommended when downward pressure is a primary symptom.

 

Ring Pessary

The Ring pessary is one of the most commonly prescribed pessaries due to its simplicity, comfort, and versatility.

Benefits:

• Suitable for mild to moderate pelvic organ prolapse

• Comfortable for daily wear, including exercise

• Often recommended as a first-choice pessary

• Many individuals can learn to remove and reinsert independently

Ring pessaries are frequently used alongside pelvic floor muscle training programs to support tissue healing and strengthening.

 

Urethral Pessary

The Urethral pessary provides targeted lift beneath the urethra to reduce or eliminate stress urinary incontinence.

Best For:

• Women who experience leakage during sport or exertion

• Postpartum pelvic floor recovery

• Perimenopause and menopause changes affecting urethral support

This pessary can be used daily or only during activities that trigger leakage.