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Placement of a pessary

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Placement of a pessary

Gellhorn and doughnut pessaries.

The most common types of pessaries are the Gellhorn and the doughnut. A pessary is used to support areas of pelvic organ prolapse.

Your doctor will try to find a pessary that fits you. It should not cause any pain. You may need to try different shapes and sizes of pessaries to find one that fits you just right.

Your doctor will show you how to take out and clean the pessary and how to put it back into place. This should be done on a regular schedule. Your doctor may tell you to leave the pessary out for a specific length of time before putting it back in place. If it's hard for you to take out your pessary or to put it back into place, you can have it done at your doctor's office.

Current as of: April 18, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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