How to Insert, Remove & Clean a Vaginal Pessary at Home

Once your healthcare provider has fitted you with a vaginal pessary, many women choose to manage it at home — removing, cleaning, and reinserting it themselves rather than returning to clinic every time. Self-management is safe, convenient, and well-supported by clinical guidelines. This guide walks you through exactly how to insert, remove, and clean your vaginal pessary step by step.

Note: These instructions are general guidance. Always follow the specific advice given by your healthcare provider, as technique may vary depending on your pessary type.

What You Will Need

  • Your vaginal pessary
  • Mild, unperfumed soap
  • Warm water
  • A water-based lubricant (optional but recommended)
  • A clean towel or paper towels
  • A clean storage container with a lid (for overnight storage if removing nightly)

How to Insert a Vaginal Pessary

Step 1: Wash Your Hands

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before handling the pessary. This is the single most important step for preventing vaginal infection.

Step 2: Find a Comfortable Position

Most women find one of these positions easiest:

  • Lying on your back with knees bent (similar to a smear test position)
  • Squatting
  • Standing with one foot raised on a chair or step

Choose whichever feels most natural. You will quickly find what works best for your body.

Step 3: Prepare the Pessary

Apply a small amount of water-based lubricant to the leading edge of the pessary. This eases insertion and reduces any friction. Never use petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or oil-based products — these can degrade silicone over time.

For a ring pessary: pinch or fold it in half at the notches. It will only fold one way.

Step 4: Insert the Pessary

Gently part the labia with one hand. With the other hand, guide the folded or compressed pessary into the vaginal opening at a slight downward angle (pointing towards the small of your back). Push it in as far as it comfortably goes. Release — the ring will open and settle into position.

Step 5: Check the Position

Insert one finger to check that the front rim is tucked behind the pubic bone. The pessary should feel secure and you should not be able to feel it during normal activity. If you feel pressure or discomfort, reposition it slightly by pushing it further back, or remove and try again.

How to Remove a Vaginal Pessary

Step 1: Wash Your Hands

Always wash your hands before removal as well as insertion.

Step 2: Find a Comfortable Position

Use the same position as for insertion. Bearing down gently (as if having a bowel movement) can help bring the pessary lower in the vaginal canal, making it easier to grasp.

Step 3: Hook and Pull

Insert your index finger into the vagina until you feel the rim or edge of the pessary. Hook your fingertip over the edge and gently pull downwards and outwards. For a ring pessary, you may pinch it slightly to fold it as you pull it out. Use steady, gentle pressure — do not yank.

If you find removal difficult, try bearing down more firmly, changing position, or applying a little lubricant. If you are consistently unable to remove the pessary, contact your healthcare provider rather than forcing it.

How to Clean a Vaginal Pessary

Routine Cleaning

  1. Rinse the pessary under warm running water.
  2. Wash it gently with a mild, unperfumed soap using your fingers — do not scrub with a brush, which can scratch the surface.
  3. Rinse thoroughly. Soap residue left on the pessary can cause irritation.
  4. Pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
  5. Reinsert immediately, or store in a clean, dry, lidded container at room temperature if not reinserting until the next day.

What to Avoid

  • Do not boil or autoclave a silicone pessary — high temperatures can warp the shape
  • Do not use bleach, antiseptic solutions, or alcohol wipes
  • Do not use perfumed soaps or feminine hygiene washes
  • Do not soak in water for extended periods

How Often Should You Remove and Clean It?

This depends on the type of pessary:

  • Ring pessary (self-managed): Remove and clean nightly, or at minimum weekly. It can safely be left in place for up to 3 months if managed by a clinic.
  • Cube pessary: Must be removed and cleaned every single night. It cannot remain in the vagina continuously due to the risk of trapped secretions.
  • Gellhorn / donut pessary: These are typically managed at clinic visits every 3 months, though self-removal is possible with practice.

Signs You Should Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Self-management is straightforward for most women, but contact your provider if you notice any of the following:

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • An unpleasant odour that does not resolve with cleaning
  • Persistent pain, pressure, or discomfort
  • Difficulty passing urine or emptying the bowel
  • The pessary repeatedly falls out or feels loose
  • Visible damage, cracks, or discolouration on the device

Tips for Successful Self-Management

  • Practice in a relaxed setting — the bathroom after a warm shower is ideal as muscles are more relaxed
  • Use a mirror when first learning — it makes positioning much easier
  • Keep a spare pessary of the same size at home in case yours is misplaced or damaged
  • Your healthcare provider may prescribe topical oestrogen cream to keep the vaginal tissue supple, which makes insertion and removal more comfortable

Buying Replacement Pessaries

Once you have been fitted and sized by a healthcare professional, you can purchase replacement pessaries of the same type and size from specialist medical suppliers. At SciMed Store, we stock medical-grade silicone ring pessaries in a full range of sizes. All are sterile, latex-free, and individually packaged for hygiene.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare professional for your pessary type and individual circumstances.

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