The Ring pessary with Knob is made of a flexible silicone material and comes in many sizes. It has two inside notches which are folded in two to reduce its size for easy insertion and removal.
It must be removed 1 night per week to protect your vaginal walls and vaginal flora / secretions.
How to insert a Ring Pessary with Knob:
Find a position you feel relaxed, comfortable and able to reach your vaginal opening:
- Sitting on the edge of a chair or toilet or bed.
- Deep squat.
- Standing with a leg up on a chair or toilet seat or bed. If you are right handed, put your left foot up on the surface.
- Lying down with knees bent.
Breathe in and out and relax your pelvic floor muscles.
Part the labia with your non-dominant hand. These fingers can also help guide the pessary inside, keeping the pessary folded over.
Once inserted, use your finger(s) to push the ring up as high as it can go comfortably, aiming towards your tailbone.
Rotate the Ring until the knob is sitting towards the front, the indentations are then placed sideways.
How to remove a Ring pessary with Knob:
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Sitting on the edge of a chair, toilet or bed.
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Deep squat.
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Standing with a leg up on a chair or toilet seat or bed. If you are right-handed, put your left foot up on the surface.
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Lying down with knees bent.
Different positions for insertion and removal:
How to clean the Ring Pessary with Knob:
A Ring pessary with Knob should be removed weekly and left out overnight or for a 24 hour period.
Once you have removed the pessary:
- Wash with mild soapy water by rubbing pessary with your fingers or a soft brush. Rinse well.
- Rinse the pessary well with water.
- Dry the pessary completely with a clean paper towel or clean cloth and allow to air dry.
- Check the pessary for any obvious cracks or signs of wear.
- Store in a dry, safe place (plastic container or wrapped in a clean cloth) if not re-inserting immediately.
- Discolouration of the pessary often occurs and is not harmful.
When should I have the pessary checked or changed?
After the initial fitting, you should attend a review appointment at:
- 1-2 weeks: to review your ability to remove and insert and to check the pessary is comfortable. It is also important to check for good bladder and bowel emptying.
- 3-4 months: to check that the vaginal mucosa is tolerating the regular pessary wearing.
- 1 year: this annual review should be with your GP or gynaecologist so they can check the health of your vaginal walls via speculum exam. You will also need to see your pessary physiotherapist for a replacement pessary and to check if your pessary type or size is still appropriate.
If you have any concerns about the fit of your pessary, please contact your physiotherapist to arrange a review.
Do I need to use vaginal oestrogen with the pessary?
If you have been prescribed vaginal oestrogen, you will need to continue using it as maintenance (usually 1-2 times/week as per your GP's recommendation) whilst using the pessary. This can improve the condition of the vaginal walls and may protect them from injury, reducing your risk of infection or ulcers.
Can I have sex whilst wearing the pessary?
Yes. However, some couples find it noticeable or uncomfortable and choose to remove it for sex.
How do I manage my period whilst wearing the pessary?
A Ring pessary with Knob allows for good menstrual flow so you may not need to remove during your period. Sanitary pads or period underwear will be your best menstrual protection and you may find using tampons possible with the pessary in. Remove your pessary if you prefer to use a menstrual cup.