pessary

A pessary is a flexible mechanical device that is inserted into the upper part of the vagina to provide support to the pelvic structures.

•  Initially, it was made up of wood, cork, silver, or gold.
•  Now, it is commonly made up of silicon and is available in different sizes.
•  The most common type of pessary in use is ring followed by Gellhorn and cube or donut.
• The two basic forms and working mechanisms for pessaries are: supportive and space-filling. 
  • The support pessary is kept on the posterior fornix and generally rests above the pubic bone/pelvic floor, e.g., Ring pessary, Shaatz pessary, etc.
  •  A space-occupying pessary is most often used for severe prolapse, e.g., Cube, Inflatoball, Donut pessary, etc.
•  It does not cure uterine prolapse but only holds the genital tract in position.