Pessaries are a nonsurgical approach to treating pelvic organ dysfunction that may be beneficial to some women with urinary incontinence. They are typically used when symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse are mild, when a woman has not finished having children, or when surgical procedures are not recommended due to certain serious health problems.
A pessary is a round object (made of silicone, rubber, or plastic) which is worn in the vagina to prevent leakage. The type of pessary recommended by your doctor depends on the problem you have. The pessary has to be fit just right in order for it work correctly and be comfortable. Your doctor may fit you with several different sized pessaries until he or she finds one that fits best.
Pessaries do not cure pelvic organ prolapse but help manage and slow the progression of it. They add support to the vagina and increase tightness of the tissues and muscles of the pelvis. Symptoms improve in many women who use a pessary.