Identification

• A pessary is a small, rigid ring made of silicone that women insert and remove on their own. Physicians determine the specific size of the device based upon the severity of each patient's condition.
  
  

Function

• When inserted into the vagina, the pessary places pressure upon the urethra. The pressure prevents urine from leaking.
  
  

Use

• To insert the pessary, patients insert the ring into the vagina as far as it will go, removing it by taking hold of a notch and pulling it out. The pessary requires regularly cleaning and can be worn for up to a week, even during sleep or sexual intercourse.
  
  

Considerations

• A physician must fit pessaries for patients before they are used. After the initial fitting, the physician routinely examines the device to ensure that it continues to fit properly.
  
  

Side Effects

• Vaginal discharge often increases from pessary use, but this is a normal and harmless side effect. Symptoms like discomfort or rubbing while the pessary is in place, spotting or bleeding are more serious side effects that require medical attention.