Issues with gellhorn pessary

[Sockslover]

I have been fitted with a gellhorn pessary for stage 4 uterine prolapse. It is working because it is holding up the prolapse and has not come out.

However it sits very low, and the knob in the centre sticks out of my vagina, rubbing the area sore. It is stopping me emptying my bladder properly. Even if I push it up,it comes right back down again straight away before I have a chance to wee.

I have also now got a UTI, amf I feel like I have thrush as well.

Should the pessary be this low? Should the end of it be sticking out all the time? When it was fitted, the nurse said, if it's keeping the prolapse inside, which it is , then it's working. But it's very uncomfortable.

Any tips on how to reduce these other issues?

[Whimbrel]

Hi, sounds like the pessary is not the right fit for you. Maybe a smaller size would work better. If you are not emptying bladder and retaining urine that's an urgent health issue that needs sorting out ASAP. Get in touch with the people who put the pessary in and request a review. x

[Sockslover in reply to Whimbrel]

The next size smaller popped out so I don't think it's too big.

[Whimbrel in reply to Sockslover]

Maybe a different type of pessary may work better? Like a ring pessary? Either way a review is needed.

[wobblybee Administrator Pioneer]

Definitely don’t just put up with this situation..ask for a review…a different type may be more suitable.

[Sockslover in reply to wobblybee]

Thank you. I'm waiting for an appointment but I just wondered if the pessary should be so low. As I said, it's working in the sense that it hasn't come out, and it's keeping the prolapse up which is an improvement. The prolapse was also causing issues with emptying my bladder.

[wobblybee Administrator Pioneer in reply to Sockslover]

It sounds as though it needs reviewing when you’re experiencing such discomfort..it’s possible other options might be able to be considered.

[maryemma]

No it should not be sticking out , a properly fitted pessery should not be felt at all,I have had one for six years and I don’t feel it or even knee I am wearing it. I go every six months for it changed and cleaned and put back.Make an appointment at once ,there are lots of kinds of pesseries ,talk to your consultant about it in detail ,you should not be having to put upnwuth that. Good luck.y