| Topic: | Kidney and Urologic Diseases (KU) |
| Title: | How to Use a Pessary. |
| Author: | n/a |
| Source: | American Family Physician. 61(9): 2729. May 1, 2000. |
| Availability: | Available from American Academy of Family Physicians. 11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Leawood, KS 66211-2672. (800) 274-2237. Website: www.aafp.org. |
| Abstract: | This patient education handout explains the use of the pessary, a plastic device that fits into the vagina to help support a woman's uterus, vagina, bladder, or rectum. Although many physicians are unfamiliar with the pessary, it remains an effective tool in the management of a number of gynecologic problems. The handout reviews the practical use of the pessary, which is most commonly used in the management of prolapse of the uterus (in which the uterus droops or falls down into the vagina), for pelvic support defects such as cystocele and rectocele, and in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). There are a number of different types of pessaries and the physician will choose the most appropriate type. Followup care will include an immediate postplacement visit to the physician (a few days after the pessary is placed) and then a checkup every few months. Most pessaries can be worn for many days to weeks at a time before they have to be taken out and cleaned with ordinary soap and water. The pessary can fall out of the vagina if the woman strains or lifts something; if this happens regularly, the pessary is most likely too small and the woman should be refitted. Complications can be minimized with simple vaginal hygiene and regular followup visits. Patients are encouraged to contact their physicians if they experience any discomfort with the pessary or experience any trouble urinating or having a bowel movement. |
| Format: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English. |
| Major Keywords: | Urologic Diseases. Urinary Incontinence. Equipment and Supplies. Pelvic Floor. Patient Care Management. |
| Minor Keywords: | Stress Incontinence. Complications. Patient Selection. Vagina. Gynecology. Hygiene. Patient Education. |
| Publication Number: | KUJA08568 |
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