What is a pessary?

A pessary is a device placed in the vagina to support organs such as the bladder or uterus that have dropped after childbirth or surgery, a condition known as pelvic organ prolapse, explains WebMD. The device is made of rubber, plastic or silicone.

Pessaries come in different sizes and are fitted by a doctor. They must be removed, cleaned and reinserted on a regular basis. Pessaries increase the tightness of pelvic muscles and tissues but do not cure pelvic organ prolapse, notes WebMD.

Types of pessaries include the doughnut pessary, the ring pessary and the Gellhorn pessary, which has an added column for support, according to Mayo Clinic.