Fellowship-Trained Urogynecologist
Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Green Bay, Wisconsin
✓ Medically reviewed March 2026
Is a Pessary Right for Me?
A pessary is a removable silicone device placed in the vagina to support prolapsed organs. It’s one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for pelvic organ prolapse — and for many women, it’s all the treatment they need. Understanding who benefits most can help you decide whether to try one.
Who Benefits Most from a Pessary?
Pessaries are an excellent option for women who:
- Want to avoid surgery — either permanently or for now
- Have medical conditions that make surgery higher risk
- Are still having children — pregnancy after prolapse surgery can compromise the repair
- Want immediate relief — a pessary works the day it’s fitted
- Have mild to moderate prolapse — though they can work for advanced prolapse too
I offer a pessary to almost every prolapse patient as a first option. There’s no downside to trying — if it works, you’ve avoided surgery entirely. If it doesn’t, surgery is still available.
What to Expect at a Fitting
The fitting process is straightforward:
- Your doctor selects a pessary type and size based on your anatomy
- The pessary is inserted and you walk around, sit, and bear down to test it
- If it’s comfortable and stays in place, you go home with it
- A follow-up visit in 1-2 weeks checks fit and comfort
Finding the perfect fit sometimes takes 2-3 tries with different sizes or types. This is normal and expected.
Types of Pessaries
The most common types include:
- Ring pessary — most popular; allows intercourse, easy to self-manage
- Ring with support — adds a membrane for more support
- Gellhorn — stronger support for more advanced prolapse
- Cube — uses suction; good for specific situations
Living with a Pessary
Most women adapt quickly:
- The pessary should be comfortable — you shouldn’t feel it
- Regular cleaning (self-managed or office-managed) keeps it in good condition
- Estrogen cream is often recommended to keep vaginal tissues healthy
- You can exercise, travel, and live normally with a pessary in place
When a Pessary May Not Be Ideal
Pessaries are less suitable for women who:
- Cannot return for regular follow-up visits
- Have significant vaginal narrowing or shortening
- Prefer a definitive, one-time solution
Some of my happiest patients are pessary users. They get relief without surgery, without recovery time, and without risk. It’s not the right choice for everyone, but it deserves serious consideration.
← Learn more about Pelvic Organ Prolapse