Anyone that has read my previous posts which I started about three years ago will know that I started using a pessary ring about two years ago. After a couple of tries I found the size that was the right fit and it worked fine. I was due for my check up and ring change in March but due to Covid it was postponed and I didn't get to see a GP (not my usual one as she wasn't seeing anyone) until a month ago. By this time I'd had the same ring for over twelve months (as you know it's suggested you have it changed every 4 - 6 months) At the last change my GP didn't have my usual size so we tried a size larger and although it was comfortable enough I had noticed it didn't take much for it to rub and I'd get a slight pink discharge for a day or two, which my GP would prescribe some cream for. At my recent check up the different GP said that I had a slightly sore area and although she wasn't overly concerned about it, she suggested I leave the ring out for a month and she prescribed some more cream for me to use for a month and I'm due to go back next week to have the new ring inserted.
However I'm now considering trying to live without the ring. I still have the prolapse, for me that is a small soft lump about the size of a golf ball that comes out of my vagina if I'm at all active. I'm fortunate that it's not painful and actually I think it's smaller than it was when I started having the pessary ring inserted. I like to think that's because although I've had the ring in, I've been doing basic pelvic exercises daily and possibly strengthened my pelvic floor muscle. I don't think it's every going to get any better than it is at the moment. But I'm wondering if I could learn to live with it.
I'd welcome any thoughts you may have and especially if you have had the same experience.
Written by
sally46
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I had a ring for about 5 years and it was beginning to get less effective. Last August 2019 I had the ring taken out because of an ulcer where it had rubbed. Unfortunately when it healed, it caused an adhesion so I was unable to have a larger ring fitted or any other pessary as they just didn't fit. I have really struggled over the last year with the prolapse severely limiting my activity. I found cycling has been my best form of exercise. More recently I have discovered pessary sponges which I can use for a few hours if I want to go for a walk. In the UK, Stress no More has a range of pessaries you can use on a temporary basis.
What an excellent website. Thank you so much for posting it. I had no idea that there were so many pessaries available that don't require medical intervention. Perfect.
Hi sally46 , I had a prolapse for 44 yrs. It 1st appeared while I was carrying my 3rd child but I never had any problems with the prolapse until the age of 68years when I started to get some discomfort, UTI'S and feeling very sore. I had a repair op in September this year at 69years oldand everything is now fine (so far) 🤞. The recovery was very quick for me within 10 days , but I did what I was told to do. As for living with a prolapse, if it doesn't cause any problems then live with it, but if you get any problems then get it sorted.
Hi Nothingimpossible. Thank you so much for your reply. It's really helpful to hear other peoples symptoms and how they have dealt with it. I think the more information and support we have makes it easier to deal with. So thanks again and I hope you continue to stay well.
Thank you. What ever you decide is your choice. Let me know please and if you want to ask later in the year or next year how I'm still going please dont hesitate I would answer you honestly. Good luck xxx
Hi Nothingimpossible - if it’s not too personal a question please could I ask what type of repair surgery you had? It’s great to hear this went well. Wishing you continued health.
Hi Hobbybaker, I had a anterior vaginal wall repair for cystocele. That supports the outlet of the bladder. Hope this helps. Still doing well I'm glad to say. Hope your ok .
Thanks for your reply! I’m 59 and have just started with a mild anterior prolapse which I’m hoping to manage with physio exercises. Can’t help but think about intervention just in case I get to that point, though my physio keeps telling me to try and keep calm! Would be interested to hear whether this was a skin repair or mesh? I believe there are a few options at the moment. Many thanks.
Hi Hobbybaker. Mine was a skin repair NHS do not use mesh any more unless absolutely necessary. There has been a lot of problems with mesh. My consultant said mesh was dangerous. If you need to ask any info please do not hesitate. I am 69 years of age and healthy.
I had a repair back end now ten years later I have prolapse front end apparently that can happen one end weakens the other my recovery from the op was bad so reluctant to have another op
Hi Canadabear. Sorry to hear about your second prolapse I was told this could happen. Is the prolapse bad or can you manage? I try to do pelvic floor exercises nearly every night as I wouldn't want to have another op. I am ok at the moment but I was put on estrogen pessary as I was very sore and red. These have helped. I have to have a gall bladder removal when they send for me which I'm not looking forward to. Please let me know how you are feeling and what your decisions will be. Best of luck Sue
Hi Sally I've been using a ring on and off for 5 or 6 years. Initially it was comfortable and really helped. Recently though I've been getting a discharge and at my last change I was treated for thrush and then antibiotics after a swab showed an infection of 2 bugs. After re-insertion again I was uncomfortable and the discharge came back. I'm now about to finish a second antibiotic. Really not sure whether to continue with the ring. I'm 72.
Hi Portobello, It's really good to hear about your experience with the pessary ring. Since my last post I was due to stop using the cream after a month which I did. However a few days after that I became rather sore where the prolapse protruded from my vagina. I had been rather active in my garden and I think this may have been due to chaffing and the fact that I hadn't been using the cream and may have become dry in that area. I phoned the doctor as I was due to see her to discuss my sore area and whether to have a new ring inserted. I have an appointment with her on Wednesday and she advised me to go back to using the cream and after a few days the soreness has gone. So it will be interesting to see what she says when she examines me. Do you mind me asking about how large your prolapse is and how aware you are of it if you don't have a ring inserted. Although I'm 74 I'm a keen gardener so I need to get something sorted out so that I can live my life the way I want to, if you know what I mean.
Hi again Sally. The pessary size is 71. Without it I am aware of the bulge which does cause chaffing on long walks and I get lower backache. My gynae has prescribed Vagifem cream but the discharge makes me wet not dry so l haven't been using it. I sometimes use coconut oil which soothes. I too am very active and don't want to stop! I also would prefer to avoid both surgery and putting chemicals into my body. I believe there's a non- NHS more flexible ring which is easy to remove and wash. Best wishes 😟
Hi Portobello. Thank you so much for your reply, it really helps as it sounds like we are very similar and also have similar symptoms. I totally agree with you regarding surgery and chemicals. I'll let you know what my doctor says on Wednesday and please let me know how things are for you after you finish your antibiotics. Best wishes
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