Vaginal Supplements: A Look at Different Varieties and Their Usage
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition that affects many women, particularly after childbirth or menopause. However, there is a solution that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life: pessaries.
Pessaries are devices inserted through the vagina to support pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, and rectum, that may have been displaced due to prolapse. They come in various types, each designed to cater to different prolapse stages and symptoms.
- **Doughnut pessary** (also known as ring pessary) is a flexible ring-shaped device suitable for mild to moderate prolapse. It supports the vaginal walls and pelvic organs, reducing symptoms like bulging and pressure. - **Gellhorn pessary** is a more robust option, with a stem and a flat disc, commonly used in more advanced prolapse cases. It offers stronger support, making it ideal for stages 3 and 4. - **Inflatable pessary** can be adjusted and inflated to different sizes for a personalized fit and support. - **Lever pessaries** work well for stages 1 and 2 prolapses, as well as for a retroverted uterus.
The selection of pessary type depends on the patient’s specific prolapse type, severity, and lifestyle, and is usually recommended and fitted by a healthcare provider.
Pessaries provide mechanical support that can reduce urinary incontinence related to prolapse by restoring anatomy and relieving pressure on urinary structures. In early to moderate stages (Stage I-II) of pelvic organ prolapse, pessaries can effectively support the prolapsed organ and reduce stress urinary incontinence. For more advanced stages (Stage III-IV), pessaries like the Gellhorn may be required to control symptoms effectively.
While pessaries do not cure prolapse, they can significantly improve quality of life by reducing symptoms including urinary leakage. Continuation of pessary use is generally associated with improved urinary and pelvic symptoms if properly fitted and combined with pelvic floor muscle exercises.
It's important to note that a pessary that fits correctly should not hurt, and a person should not feel it. Regular check-ups every 6 months are recommended to ensure the pessary is still providing the necessary support and to check for ulcers. A person should see a doctor if the pessary is painful, interferes with daily functioning, or falls out, the pessary does not offer relief from prolapse symptoms, the pessary smells bad, there are signs of a vaginal infection, or a person cannot remove the pessary on their own.
When removing the pessary, a person should wash their hands, insert a finger into the vagina, and hook it under the pessary's ring, gently tugging it out. A long piece of dental floss can be tied to the pessary to help with removal. The pessary should be washed with mild soap and warm water, making sure to rinse away all the soap, and let it dry thoroughly before reinserting.
In conclusion, the appropriate pessary type is matched to the prolapse severity. Pessaries provide mechanical support that can reduce urinary incontinence related to prolapse by restoring anatomy and relieving pressure on urinary structures. However, ongoing monitoring and care are needed to ensure continued symptom control and avoid complications.
- In the world of health-and-wellness, particularly women's health (womens-health) and female health (femalehealth), science has developed various solutions for conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
- Other women's health issues can also benefit from the use of health-care devices like pessaries, which are designed to support pelvic organs and alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like POP.
