Introduction
If you’re a woman dealing with symptoms related to pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence, you may have heard of a pessary. A pessary is a non-surgical device that can provide relief and improve your quality of life. This article is designed to be a comprehensive guide to pessaries, covering everything from what they are and how they work to different types and how to choose the right one for you.
What is a Pessary?
A pessary is a device that’s inserted into the vagina to support pelvic organs, such as the bladder, urethra, uterus, or rectum when the muscles and ligaments that support them become weak or damaged. It’s made of medical-grade silicone or plastic and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Pessaries work by compressing and redistributing the pressure in the pelvic area, which can improve urine control and alleviate symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse.
Pessaries are often used to treat symptoms of stress urinary incontinence, a condition in which urine leaks out when the bladder undergoes pressure, and pelvic organ prolapse, a condition in which one or more pelvic organs drop from their normal position into the vagina or through the vaginal opening.
Compared to surgeries, pessaries are a less-invasive option that can be tried first before considering surgical interventions. Additionally, pessaries are a safe option for women who are not ideal candidates for surgery, such as those with multiple medical conditions or who are taking blood-thinning medications.
One Woman’s Experience with a Pessary
For some women, using a pessary can be intimidating or uncomfortable. However, many women have found relief from their symptoms and improved their quality of life through using pessaries. Here is a personal essay from a woman who has used a pessary:
“I had never heard of a pessary until I started experiencing symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse. I was hesitant to use one, but after talking to my doctor, I decided to give it a try. The first time I inserted it felt a little uncomfortable, but after a few times, I got used to it. I was surprised at how much relief it provided me. I could go about my daily activities without discomfort, and it even improved my sex life! Now, I tell any woman who’s going through what I did to give a pessary a try.”
The Efficacy of Different Types of Pessaries
According to studies conducted over the years, different types of pessaries can be used effectively to treat different conditions. There are several different types of pessaries available, such as ring, donut, Gherkin, etc. A small study suggested that the ring pessary is the most effective in treating prolapse of the uterus.
However, the report of a larger study that lasted six months showed that the ring pessary had the highest failure rates of 68%, followed by the Gherkin pessary at 60%. The donut pessary showed the best results, with a 94% reduction in the symptoms of prolapse.
In cases of stress urinary incontinence, a Gellhorn pessary is the most commonly used, and it’s known to have high efficacy rates in managing these symptoms.
While pessaries can be effective in managing symptoms of prolapse and urinary incontinence, it’s essential to consult with a medical professional to determine which type is most appropriate for your specific condition.
A Historical Perspective on Pessaries
The first documented use of a pessary was in ancient Greece, where women inserted small stones or pomegranates into their vaginas to prevent prolapse of the uterus. Later, a variety of materials ranging from animal dung to molten lead were used, which of course, posed health hazards and caused infections.
In the 1900s, the rubber pessary was invented and was commonly used until the 1950s when plastic versions became available. Since then, there has been a wide variety of materials and shapes of pessaries created to treat specific conditions.
Choosing the Right Pessary
Choosing the right pessary for an individual is essential, and there are various options available, such as ring pessaries, donut pessaries, Gellhorn pessaries, and many more. It’s essential to work with your doctor to choose the right type for your specific condition and needs.
Size is equally important when choosing a pessary. An ill-fitting device may cause discomfort, and leave room for conditions to deteriorate. Before choosing a pessary, measurements must be taken of the vaginal canal to get the right fit. A pessary that falls out unintentionally is most likely too small, while one that requires too much effort for removal is of course too large, and it could irritate or cause injury.
Finally, insertion and removal of a pessary might be a little daunting at first; it’s essential to get the right guidance from a medical professional. Many women prefer to have a professional carry out the first insertion and removal of a pessary before taking over at home.
Conclusion
Pessaries are a non-surgical option for those struggling with the symptoms of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. They come in different shapes, sizes, and forms and have a long history as a solution to such conditions. It is essential to consult with a medical professional to advise on the appropriate type and size of pessary for one’s condition and personal comfort. While many women might find the process of insertion and removal daunting at first, many like our personal essayist have found relief and improved their quality of life.
Using pessaries as non-surgical solutions should be encouraged, and women need to be aware of their options when treating certain conditions. So, if you’re experiencing symptoms related to urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse and aren’t sure where to turn, it’s worth considering a pessary as a non-invasive solution.