When It’s Time to Remove Your Pessary
You’ve been managing your pelvic health with a pessary, a simple and effective device, but now the time has come for its removal. Whether it’s for routine cleaning, a doctor’s appointment, or because you’re transitioning to a different treatment, the thought of removing it yourself can be daunting. The search for a “how to remove a pessary video” often comes from a place of wanting visual, step-by-step guidance to build confidence before you begin.
This guide is designed to be that comprehensive resource. We’ll walk through the entire process, from preparation to aftercare, ensuring you feel informed and empowered. Remember, while many women successfully manage pessary care at home, you should always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider, as pessary types and individual circumstances vary.
Understanding Your Pessary and Its Purpose
Before attempting removal, it’s crucial to understand what a pessary is and why it was fitted. A pessary is a medical device, typically made of silicone or latex, that is inserted into the vagina to provide support. It’s a common, non-surgical treatment for conditions like pelvic organ prolapse, where organs such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum slip down into the vaginal space, or for stress urinary incontinence.
Pessaries come in various shapes and sizes—rings, donuts, cubes, and Gellhorns, to name a few. The removal technique can differ slightly depending on the design. Your doctor or nurse will have chosen the type that best supports your anatomy and taught you the basics of care. Regular removal and cleaning are essential to prevent complications like infection, discomfort, or unpleasant odors.
Gathering Your Supplies for a Smooth Process
Preparation is key to a stress-free removal. Create a calm, private environment and gather everything you’ll need beforehand. Trying to search for supplies mid-process can increase anxiety. Here is what you should have ready:
– Mild, unscented soap and warm water.
– A clean, soft towel.
– Water-based lubricant (optional, but can greatly ease removal if the pessary feels dry).
– Disposable medical gloves (for hygiene and a better grip).
– A mirror (a handheld one can help you see what you’re doing).
– The container or case your pessary came in, or a clean bowl for placing it once removed.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Safe Pessary Removal
Now, let’s break down the removal process into clear, manageable steps. Take your time, breathe deeply, and don’t rush. If at any point you feel significant pain or cannot locate the pessary, stop and contact your healthcare provider.
Getting into a Comfortable Position
Your position is your first tool for success. The goal is to relax your pelvic floor muscles and provide easy access. The most recommended positions are:
– Sitting on the toilet.
– Squatting low in the shower or bathtub.
– Lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the bed or floor, similar to a self-exam position.
Choose the position that feels most stable and comfortable for you. The sitting or squatting positions often use gravity to your advantage.
Locating and Gripping the Pessary
Wash your hands thoroughly and put on gloves if using them. Apply a small amount of water-based lubricant to your fingers. Gently insert one or two fingers into your vagina. Slowly slide them upward along the vaginal wall until you feel the firm edge of the pessary.
For a ring pessary, you will feel the smooth, curved rim. Hook your finger around this rim. For a donut or cube pessary, you will need to find an edge or the removal string if one is attached. The key is to get a secure, gentle grip. Do not pull on vaginal tissue; ensure your fingers are firmly on the device itself.
Gently Easing the Pessary Out
Once you have a good hold, gently pull the pessary downward and outward. You may need to angle it slightly as you remove it, following the natural curve of your vagina. There should be a small amount of resistance, but it should not be painful. If you feel a sharp pinch or the pessary seems stuck, stop pulling.
Instead, try bearing down gently as if having a bowel movement. This pelvic floor contraction can sometimes push the pessary lower, making it easier to grasp and remove. Combine this bearing down with a steady, gentle pull on the pessary. It should slide out smoothly.
What to Do Immediately After Removal
Once the pessary is out, place it in your clean bowl or container. Take a moment to relax. It’s normal to feel a little relieved or even a bit shaky. Now, attend to both your body and the device.
Inspect the pessary. Check it for any cracks, tears, or discoloration that wasn’t there before. Also, note any unusual odor coming from the device itself (a mild, musky smell is normal; a strong, foul odor is not).
Clean the pessary with mild soap and warm water. Rinse it thoroughly and pat it dry with a clean towel before storing it in its case. You can also clean your vaginal area externally with warm water. Avoid douches or scented soaps internally, as they can disrupt your natural pH balance.
When Reinsertion Is Part of Your Plan
If you are cleaning the pessary for immediate reinsertion, ensure it is completely dry. Apply a recommended vaginal estrogen cream if prescribed, or a small amount of water-based lubricant to the pessary to aid insertion. Follow your provider’s instructions for reinsertion, typically involving folding the device and guiding it back into place until it sits comfortably behind your pubic bone.
Troubleshooting Common Removal Challenges
Even with careful preparation, you might encounter a hiccup. Here’s how to handle common issues without panic.
The Pessary Feels Stuck or Won’t Budge
This is a frequent concern. First, ensure you are truly relaxed. Anxiety tenses the pelvic muscles, making removal harder. Take several deep breaths. Try changing your position—stand up, walk around for a minute, and then try squatting again.
If it still feels stuck, the pessary may be slightly dry. Use more lubricant on your fingers and try to work it around the edges of the pessary inside the vagina to reduce friction. The bearing-down technique mentioned earlier is often the most effective solution for a stuck pessary.
You Cannot Locate the Pessary at All
If you can’t feel the pessary, it may have shifted higher up. Do not dig around aggressively. Again, the bearing-down method while in a squatting position is your best bet to bring it within reach. If you still cannot find it, do not continue to probe for an extended period. It is possible, though rare, for a pessary to become embedded or to perforate the vaginal wall. Contact your doctor or clinic for an examination. They can remove it quickly and safely in the office.
Encountering Unusual Discharge or Odor
A foul smell or unusual colored discharge (yellow, green, gray) on the pessary or from your vagina after removal can indicate an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis. Note this and inform your healthcare provider. They may prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal treatment. Regular cleaning schedules are designed to prevent this.
Knowing When to Seek Professional Help
Self-care is empowering, but knowing your limits is wisdom. You should contact your doctor or a healthcare professional immediately if you experience any of the following during or after removal attempts:
– Severe pain or bleeding.
– Inability to remove the pessary after multiple gentle attempts.
– A piece of the pessary breaks off.
– Signs of infection like fever, chills, or pelvic pain.
– The sensation that the pessary has been lost or is poking uncomfortably.
There is no shame in needing assistance. Providers perform these removals regularly and can do so with minimal discomfort.
Establishing a Sustainable Care Routine
Successful long-term pessary use hinges on a consistent routine. Work with your provider to establish a schedule that works for your lifestyle and pessary type. For many, this means removal for cleaning every 1 to 4 weeks. Some pessaries can be left in longer under a doctor’s supervision.
Mark cleaning days on your calendar. Keep a small kit with your supplies in a dedicated drawer. The more routine it becomes, the less intimidating the process will feel. Regular follow-up appointments with your provider are also crucial to ensure the pessary still fits correctly and to check your pelvic health.
Weighing Your Long-Term Options
A pessary is often a long-term management tool, but it’s not the only option. If you find the maintenance burdensome, or if your symptoms change, have an open conversation with your doctor. Alternatives can include pelvic floor physical therapy, which strengthens the muscles that support your organs, or various surgical procedures designed to repair prolapse or incontinence.
The choice is deeply personal and should be based on your comfort, health goals, and lifestyle. The pessary’s great advantage is its reversibility and non-invasive nature, making it an excellent first-line treatment and a viable permanent solution for many.
Taking Control of Your Pelvic Health Journey
Learning to manage your pessary, including its removal, is a significant step in taking an active role in your pelvic health. It moves you from a passive patient to an informed partner in your care. The initial nervousness is completely normal, but with the right knowledge, preparation, and a calm approach, you can perform this task confidently and safely in the comfort of your home.
Let this guide serve as your reference. Bookmark it, print it, and refer back to it as needed. Pair this written knowledge with the visual reassurance of a trusted medical demonstration video from a reputable source like a hospital or medical association website. Armed with both, you have the tools you need for successful, worry-free pessary care.
