5 Questions Before Trying a Pessary for Prolapse

A pessary appointment involves more than choosing a size. Ask how this device will fit into your week.

Five questions for the fitting visit

1. What are we treating? Ask which symptoms the pessary is meant to help. A cystocele is bladder prolapse into the vaginal canal, and a symptom-free cystocele may not need treatment.²

2. How will we judge the fit? Several attempts may be needed. A small pessary can fall out; a large one can cause pressure or discomfort. Tell the clinician what you feel.¹

3. Who removes and cleans it? Some ring users manage this themselves; other devices need clinician removal. Cube pessaries need daily removal and cleaning. Ask for instructions for your specific device and a demonstration if you will care for it yourself.¹²

4. What about vaginal intercourse? A ring can sometimes stay in place, while bulkier types generally need removal. Explain your preferences before a type is selected.¹

5. When is the next check? Follow-up includes checking the vaginal tissue and device. Timing varies. Ask whom to contact about pain, bleeding, or colored or unpleasant-smelling discharge.¹

Leave with a care plan

Write the device name, removal instructions, next appointment and clinic contact in one place. Read the plan back if any step is unclear. Ask whether you need another visit to practice removal and reinsertion.

For cystocele, pelvic floor exercises and surgery are other treatment options. Your circumstances help determine which options to discuss.²

Laugh, Sneeze, Jump includes an appointment prep sheet and a three-day bladder log in its listed toolkit. Those pages can help you organize bladder symptoms and questions alongside your clinician’s pessary instructions. See the book.