So you just got your pessary- congrats! Your physiotherapist explained how to insert and remove it and you practiced a few times with her in the clinic, but you can’t quite remember everything she said. Here are insertion and removal guidelines for the most common style of pessary- the ring with support.
Insertion
- Wash your hands
- Position: half squat, one foot on a stool, lying
- Apply lubricant (preferably organic, paraben and glycerin-free, water-based (not silicone)) to vaginal opening and one end of the ring pessary
- Fold ring pessary in half (as an “A” or a “V”)
- Spread the lips of your vagina apart with one hand and insert pessary at the base of the vagina with the other hand
- Gently push the pessary as far into the vagina as it will go (it can’t go too high or get lost!)
- Ensure proper positioning once inserted: ¼ turn so largest hole is to the side, back of the pessary slightly higher than the front, front anchored behind the pubic bone
Removal
- Wash your hands. Use a glove on one hand if you find that helps to get a better grip.
- Manipulate ¼ turn so largest hole is facing up to your pubic bone (12 o’clock) with your index finger
- Grab the rim of the pessary with your thumb and index finger, tilt it slightly down and gently pull down and out, folding it with your other hand as you remove it. Instead of using your other hand to fold it as you remove it, you can bend it slightly by pushing your thumb down and using your ring finger to push up on the underside of the pessary as you withdraw it.
- Tip: can bear down to lower the pessary or tie dental floss onto the pessary to aid in removal
- Tip: try removing pessary in standing vs lying
- Tip: if you cannot bend/fold it, turn pessary to a 45* vertical angle so you are not withdrawing it horizontally
Check out this video on pessary insertion of a ring with knob- used for stress urinary incontinence. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT2RG6_bONM
Want tips on how to clean and care for your pessary? Check out our blog on “Pessary Removal and Cleaning”. https://torontopessaryclinic.com/pessary-removal-and-cleaning/
Not sure if it is sitting and fitting correctly? Read more on this in our blog “How do I Know if my Pessary is Working? https://torontopessaryclinic.com/how-do-i-know-if-my-pessary-is-working/”.
If you are still unsure how to insert or remove your pessary, book in to see us. We would be thrilled to review this with you until you are 100% confident you can manage independently!
The information in this blog is provided as an information resource only and should not be used as a substitute for seeking personalized direction from your overseeing physician. Please consult your healthcare team before making any decisions about your pessary treatment plan, which is unique to you and your overall health. Toronto Pessary Clinic expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this blog.
