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A pessary is a small, soft, removable device — usually made of medical-grade silicone — that is placed inside the vagina to support sagging pelvic organs. Think of it as an internal "tent peg" that holds the uterus, bladder or rectum in their normal position so that symptoms of prolapse improve, often dramatically, within days.
Pessaries are not new. Different versions have been used for over 2,000 years. Today's silicone designs are safe, comfortable and reversible.
It is typically offered for:
Pelvic organ prolapse — uterine, bladder (cystocele) or rectum (rectocele) dropping into the vagina, often after childbirth or menopause.
Stress urinary incontinence — leaking urine on coughing, sneezing or laughing.
Women who want to avoid or postpone surgery — for example, because of medical risk, ongoing pregnancy plans, or personal preference.
As a "trial" — to predict whether surgery for prolapse is likely to relieve symptoms.
During pregnancy — in selected women with cervical insufficiency, a different specialised pessary may be used.
Type Used for
------
Ring (with or without support) Mild–moderate uterine or vault prolapse
Gellhorn Moderate–severe prolapse, large defect
Cube Severe prolapse, when other shapes can't be retained
Donut Large vaginal vault prolapse
Incontinence ring/dish Stress urinary incontinence |
Choosing the right size and shape is a hands-on process — usually one or two fitting visits with the gynecologist.
When fitted correctly, you should not feel the pessary. You should be able to walk, sit, exercise and use the toilet normally. If you feel it, can't pass urine or stool, or have bleeding — it is the wrong fit or the wrong size, and we change it.
Clean once daily or once weekly depending on type: remove, wash with mild soap and warm water, rinse and reinsert.
Many women remove it at night and reinsert in the morning; others keep it in continuously and clean weekly.
Wash your hands before and after.
Comes out at the clinic, typically every 3 months for cleaning, vaginal exam and oestrogen cream review.
Don't try to remove these at home unless taught.
A small amount of vaginal oestrogen cream, used 2–3 times a week, keeps the vaginal tissues healthy, reduces irritation and prevents erosion. Most post-menopausal women on a pessary benefit from it. It is safe for the vast majority — discuss with your doctor.
Normal:
A slightly increased clear or whitish discharge.
Mild awareness for the first day or two, that settles.
Continuing intercourse with most ring pessaries (your doctor will confirm).
Call us if you have:
Bleeding or foul-smelling discharge.
Pelvic pain or trouble passing urine/stool.
The pessary slips out or feels different.
Itching, burning or a rash.
For many women, a pessary controls prolapse symptoms for years, sometimes indefinitely. Some choose surgery later when life circumstances allow; others continue with the pessary by preference. The decision is reviewed at every visit — there is no rush.
Pessaries are an excellent, low-risk option for prolapse and stress incontinence — yet they are still under-offered in India. If you have been told "your only option is surgery" for a drop or leak, a pessary fitting is worth asking about.
Women's Health 9 min read
Pessary — What It Is, When It's Used, and How To Take Care Of It
By Dr. Neha Singhania • 2026-02-26
What is a pessary?
A pessary is a small, soft, removable device — usually made of medical-grade silicone — that is placed inside the vagina to support sagging pelvic organs. Think of it as an internal "tent peg" that holds the uterus, bladder or rectum in their normal position so that symptoms of prolapse improve, often dramatically, within days.
Pessaries are not new. Different versions have been used for over 2,000 years. Today's silicone designs are safe, comfortable and reversible.
Who is a pessary for?
It is typically offered for:
Common types
Type Used for
------
Ring (with or without support) Mild–moderate uterine or vault prolapse
Gellhorn Moderate–severe prolapse, large defect
Cube Severe prolapse, when other shapes can't be retained
Donut Large vaginal vault prolapse
Incontinence ring/dish Stress urinary incontinence |
Choosing the right size and shape is a hands-on process — usually one or two fitting visits with the gynecologist.
What it feels like
When fitted correctly, you should not feel the pessary. You should be able to walk, sit, exercise and use the toilet normally. If you feel it, can't pass urine or stool, or have bleeding — it is the wrong fit or the wrong size, and we change it.
Daily care — keeping it safe
Self-removing pessary (ring, dish, donut)
Doctor-removed pessary (Gellhorn, cube)
Vaginal oestrogen
What's normal — and what to call about
Normal:
Call us if you have:
Long-term outlook
For many women, a pessary controls prolapse symptoms for years, sometimes indefinitely. Some choose surgery later when life circumstances allow; others continue with the pessary by preference. The decision is reviewed at every visit — there is no rush.
A simple takeaway
Pessaries are an excellent, low-risk option for prolapse and stress incontinence — yet they are still under-offered in India. If you have been told "your only option is surgery" for a drop or leak, a pessary fitting is worth asking about.