Note that pessaries come in different sizes. Your doctor should supply you with a pessary based on the size he or she determines you’ll need. [2] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

Examine the pessary closely. If you’re using an open ring pessary, you should see notches along the inside. If you’re using a ring-with-support pessary, you should see openings along the center support structure. Both of these areas are the flexible points you will need to fold, and you should grab the ring in between these points. The pessary should only be able to fold in these areas.

Note that the curved portion should face upward, toward the ceiling, as you hold the pessary. The lubricant should be applied over the entire folded end of the pessary on the opposite side of the knob. This edge is the edge you’ll be inserting first.

If you choose to sit or lie down, your knees must be bent and your legs should be spread apart as far as possible without causing discomfort. If you choose to stand and are right-handed, place your left foot on a chair, stool, or toilet with your right foot on the ground. Lean over your left leg while inserting the pessary. If you choose to stand and are left-handed, place your right foot on a chair, stool, or toilet with your left foot on the ground. Lean over your right leg while inserting the pessary.

You should still have the folded pessary in your dominant hand. Use your dominant hand to insert the pessary.

Note that the pessary should be inserted lengthwise into the vagina.

If the pessary does not feel comfortable, use your index finger to rotate it. The knobbed end should face upward, and you should not be able to feel a pessary once it has been properly positioned.

This completes the insertion process.

You should also check the fit by bearing down or attempting to use the bathroom. The pessary should not fall out during either action, and you should not have any difficulties using the bathroom after placement. If altering the placement of your pessary does not resolve any discomfort or other problems, the pessary may not be the right size or style. You will need to consult your doctor at this point.

Ideally, you should remove the pessary and clean it once a day. Some women may even choose to remove it at night, clean it, and re-insert it in the morning, but you should check with your doctor to verify that leaving it out overnight is acceptable for your condition. When cleaning the pessary, use mild soap and warm water. Rinse the device and dry it with clean paper towels before inserting it again. If you are unable to easily remove and insert the pessary on your own, you should go to the doctor every three months for professional examination and cleansing. Never leave a pessary in for more than three consecutive months without cleaning it.

Check the toilet after each bowel movement to determine whether or not the pessary has fallen out. If the pessary did fall out, scrub it clean with mild soap and hot water. Allow the pessary to soak in rubbing alcohol for 20 minutes, then soak the device in clean water for another 20 minutes. Wash it once more with soap and water, rinse it, then dry it before inserting it into the vagina again.

Your first examination should actually be after two weeks or so. Your second examination should occur within three months after that. Continue seeing the doctor every three months until a full year passes. After using the pessary for a full year, you can usually schedule an examination for only two or three times a year.

Remember to keep the legs apart and the knees bent. If standing, place your non-dominant foot on a stool and lean over that leg during the removal process.

More precisely, you should locate the knob, notch, or opening along the rim and hook your finger into that. Note that the pessary should be just beneath the pubic bone.

You should only need to tilt the pessary by about 30 degrees. Folding the pessary may help you remove it, but it will not fold as completely as it did during insertion. The vaginal walls should usually stretch adequately well for you to remove the device even without folding it, however. If you have difficulty sliding it out, bear down as though you are having a bowel movement. This action can help push the rim of the pessary forward, making it easy to grab and pull out.

Clean or discard the pessary as needed after removing it. This step completes the removal portion of the process.