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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: August 2, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Femi Olatunbosun MB, FRCSC - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Kara L. Cadwallader MD - Family Medicine

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