Features of Pessary Ring with Support
- Helps support the uterus, bladder, or rectum
- Safe and simple approach that greatly reduces or even alleviates genital prolapse, incontinence or urinary frequency
- Can act as a surgical facsimile predicting the requirement for anti-incontinence surgery
- Variety of sizes are available to account for different anatomic needs
- White colored Evacare Pessaries help distinguish themselves from tissues while removing
- May be used in place of surgery or on a temporary basis while deciding upon surgical options
Management of Prolapse:
Prolapse occurs when the muscles and ligaments supporting the pelvic floor weaken and the vaginal wall thins. The uterus, bladder, or rectum drop down and, due to gravity, push into the vagina. A Ring Pessary with support is often used for mild prolapse.
What to buy with EvaCare Ring Flexible Pessary
Benefits of using Ring Pessary
- In women with stress incontinence, the pessary exerts pressure on the urethra (urine tube) to decrease the escape of urine when coughing or sneezing
- In patients with urge incontinence (strong, sudden need to urinate), the pessary realigns the bladder in its normal position, allowing it to empty better
What Happens After Fitting Ring Pessary?
After the first fitting, you’ll need to go back to your health care provider’s office in a few days to have the pessary rechecked. After that, you may be checked every few weeks, then every 2 to 3 months as long as you have the pessary. If you experience inadequate relief of symptoms, be sure to report that to your provider. Over time the pessary may need to be changed to a different size or shape.
How to clean Ring Pessary?
Your cleaning schedule is based on the type of prolapse you have, the amount of vaginal discharge, and the specific type of pessary. There are two options:
- You may return to your provider’s office every 2 to 3 months for a regularly scheduled pessary change. Many older women elect this option.
- If you feel comfortable with the pessary, you may remove and clean it yourself once instructed in the proper insertion and removal technique. After you have removed your pessary, wash it with mild soap, rinse well with tap water, and air dry. EvaCare pessaries fold or compress to ease insertion. A small amount of lubricant may be used. Apply it at the introitus (vaginal opening) and use non-lubricated fingers to insert.
You should return to your provider to have the pessary checked once or twice a year. Generally, your pessary will be replaced with a new one after one year of use.
When you are not wearing your pessary, store it in a clean, dry place. Your pessary should be used only by the person for whom it was prescribed.
Can Ring Pessary Be Lost In The Vagina?
No, the pessary cannot get lost. The vagina is like an open pocket extending only 3 to 4 inches into the body. The pessary can change its position within the vagina or fall out if it is too small or if there is undo straining during a bowel movement. If that happens, or if the pessary is uncomfortable or you can feel the pessary at the opening of the vaginal area, do one of two things:
- Insert your fingers into the vagina, grasp the pessary, and gently pull it down and out. Removal is usually best done lying flat with your knees bent (less gravity) and your legs apart.
- Push it back in. Reach into your vagina until you touch the pessary. Simply push the pessary in as deep as you can.
If your pessary falls out and you are unable to reinsert it, clean the device as instructed previously. Place it in a plastic bag to take with you when you return to your provider’s office.
Can Pessary Act As A Contraceptive Device?
No. It is important to understand that the pessary is not a contraceptive device like the diaphragm. Intercourse is possible with those pessaries that do not fill the vagina, such as the ring. Some other types of pessaries must be removed before intercourse. Contact your clinician for instructions regarding your pessary.
Cautions And Warnings:
The pessary may push against other pelvic structures and can sometimes cause trouble with urination, difficulty with bowel movements, or lower back pain. Report any of these to your healthcare provider right away, as well as:
- Any increase in urinary incontinence
- Any vaginal pressure or discomfort
- Any vaginal bleeding, burning, or itching
- Any vaginal sores
- If the pessary falls out frequently
- If you notice changes in the color, amount, consistency, or odor of vaginal discharge. (A creamy discharge is normal.)
