A pessary is a medical device inserted into the vagina to provide support for pelvic organs or to manage conditions like urinary incontinence. This non-surgical option helps reposition organs that may have shifted due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, offering relief from associated symptoms. Many individuals manage its removal and reinsertion at home. This guide details safe removal and cleaning.
Preparing for Safe Removal
Before removing a pessary, thorough preparation ensures hygiene and comfort. Begin by washing your hands meticulously with soap and water to minimize the risk of introducing bacteria. Clean hands are a crucial step in personal care.
Next, identify a comfortable and private position that allows easy access to your vagina. Many find success by standing with one foot elevated on a stool, squatting, or lying down with knees bent. A relaxed posture makes the removal process smoother, as muscle tension can hinder access. It can also be helpful to have a clean towel nearby for convenience.
Step-by-Step Removal Process
Begin pessary removal with gentle, deliberate movements. Insert a clean finger into your vagina to locate the pessary. Depending on the type, you might feel a soft ring, a solid cube, or a different shape.
For a ring pessary, a common type, hook a finger under or over its rim. Gently pull downwards and outwards, slightly tilting the pessary to help it slide out. Some ring pessaries can be folded into a “V” or figure-8 shape to ease removal; apply gentle pressure with your thumb and finger to compress it.
Cube pessaries, which often stay in place via suction, require a slightly different approach. Locate a side of the cube and gently hook your finger on its top surface to break the suction. Then, using a zig-zag or “unrolling” motion, carefully guide the cube downwards, continuing to break any suction, until you can grasp and compress its edges for removal.
For other types, such as Gellhorn or donut pessaries, removal might also involve breaking suction and carefully guiding the device out. Throughout the process, slow, gentle movements and controlled breathing can help manage any discomfort. Bearing down slightly, as if having a bowel movement, can sometimes help lower the pessary for easier grasping.
Cleaning and Storing Your Pessary
After removing your pessary, proper cleaning and storage are essential for its longevity and your health. Immediately wash the pessary with mild soap and warm water. Rubbing it with your fingers or a soft brush helps dislodge any secretions.
Rinse the pessary thoroughly under running water to remove all soap residue. Then, dry it completely with a clean, non-shedding towel or allow it to air dry. Before reinserting or storing, inspect the pessary for any signs of damage, such as cracks, rough edges, or unusual discoloration, as damaged pessaries can harbor bacteria or cause irritation. Store the clean, dry pessary in a safe, clean place, such as a plastic container or wrapped in a clean cloth, until its next use.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
While self-management of a pessary is common, certain situations warrant consulting a healthcare provider. If you experience persistent difficulty removing the pessary, or if removal causes significant pain, seek medical advice rather than forcing it. Your provider can offer guidance or assist with removal.
Contact your doctor if you notice unusual symptoms such as new or increased pain during pessary use or removal, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or a foul-smelling discharge. These could indicate an infection, irritation, or an improper fit. Changes in discharge color or consistency, or signs of a urinary tract infection, also require professional evaluation. If the pessary frequently falls out or feels consistently uncomfortable or misplaced, it might indicate a need for a different size or type.