Ring Pessary Without Support: 12 Questions to Ask at Your Fitting Appointment
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If your doctor or nurse has suggested a ring pessary without support, the fitting appointment is the best time to ask questions. A short list of questions helps you leave knowing your size, how to care for your pessary, and when to come back. Below are 12 questions worth bringing with you, with a little background on why each one matters.
This guide is for learning only. Your clinician knows your body and your health history, so always follow their advice and the instructions that come with your pessary.
Before you go: a few simple tips
- Write your questions down. It is easy to forget them once you are in the exam room. Print this page or copy the questions onto a card.
- Bring a notebook or a friend. A second pair of ears helps, especially when you are given new information about sizes and care.
- Bring a list of your medicines. Your clinician may want to know about creams, hormones or blood thinners.
- Think about your daily life. Walking, lifting, gardening, exercise and intimacy all matter when choosing a pessary.
If you would like a refresher on what this type of pessary is before your visit, read our guide What Is a Ring Pessary Without Support?
The 12 questions to ask
1. Why is a ring without support the right type for me?
A ring pessary without support is an open ring. It is often used as a first choice for early-stage prolapse of the uterus or the top of the vagina. A different design, the ring with support, has a thin membrane across the middle and is usually chosen when the bladder has dropped (cystocele) or when there is leaking with coughing or sneezing (stress incontinence). Ask your clinician to explain, in plain words, why the open ring suits you.
2. What size am I, and how sure are you?
Ring pessaries come in numbered sizes. Our open ring comes in sizes 0 to 9, which is 44 mm to 102 mm across. Ask for your size number and write it down. Also ask whether you are between sizes. Some women need to try more than one size before finding the most comfortable fit.
3. How should it feel when it fits well?
Ask what a good fit feels like. Many clinicians will have you walk around, sit, stand and bear down a little before you leave. Ask what signs mean the pessary is too big or too small, and what to do if it slips down or feels uncomfortable at home.
4. Will I be taking it out and putting it in myself?
Some women learn to remove and reinsert their pessary at home. Others prefer to have it cared for at the clinic. Ask which option fits you best. If you will be doing it yourself, ask your clinician to show you, and ask to practice once while they watch. Our guide Ring Pessary Without Support: Uses, Fitting Guide & Patient Care Tips covers the basics of daily care.
5. How often should I clean it, and with what?
Ask exactly how to clean your pessary and how often. Follow the cleaning steps your clinician gives you and the instructions that come with the device. If you take it out at night or between wears, ask how to store it so it stays clean and dry.
6. Can I keep it in during sex?
For most women, the open ring can be worn during intercourse without taking it out. Every body is different, though, so ask your clinician whether this applies to you. It is a normal question, and clinicians are used to answering it.
7. What is normal, and what should make me call you?
Ask what is normal after a pessary is fitted, such as a small change in discharge. Then ask which signs mean you should call the office. Write these down and keep the list somewhere easy to find, like the fridge door.
8. Do I need a vaginal cream?
Some clinicians suggest a cream to keep the vaginal tissue healthy, especially after menopause. Only your clinician can decide this. Ask whether it is recommended for you and how to use it.
9. When is my next check-up?
Follow-up visits are an important part of using a pessary safely. Ask when your first check-up will be and how often you should come back after that. Put the dates in your calendar before you leave.
10. What activities can I do?
Ask about the things you enjoy, like walking, swimming, gardening, carrying grandchildren or lifting groceries. Your clinician can tell you whether anything needs to change.
11. Can you write down my exact size and type?
This one question saves a lot of trouble later. Ask your clinician to write down the type (for example, ring, open or ring, no support) and the size number. Keep this note with your medical papers. You will need it if you ever order a spare or a replacement.
12. Is it all right to order a spare or replacement myself?
Some women like to keep a spare pessary at home. Ask your clinician whether that is a good idea for you, and whether you should come in for a check before changing to a new one. A pessary does not need a prescription to buy, but we recommend that your first sizing is done by a qualified provider.
A quick checklist to take home
| What to write down | Your answer |
|---|---|
| Pessary type | Ring without support (open ring) |
| Size number | __________ |
| Who removes and cleans it | Me / the clinic |
| Next check-up date | __________ |
| Signs that mean I should call | __________ |
| Clinic phone number | __________ |
About the SciMed ring pessary without support
Once you know your size, here are some facts about our open-ring pessary that may help:
- Made from medical-grade silicone (USP Class VI), latex-free and BPA-free.
- Sizes 0 to 9 (44 mm to 102 mm outer diameter).
- FDA 510(k) cleared as a Class II device.
- HSA/FSA eligible under HCPCS code A4562. Keep your receipt, as it lists the code.
- Ships from San Jose, California, in discreet plain packaging.
- 30-day size exchange: return the unopened pack within 30 days for a different size.
If you are not sure which size to choose, our complete sizing guide explains how sizes work. You can also email us at sales@scimedstore.com or message us on WhatsApp at +1-669-265-9353. We are happy to help, though we cannot tell you which size you need. That decision belongs to your clinician.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a prescription to buy a ring pessary without support?
No. A pessary is an FDA Class II device and does not need a prescription to buy. We do recommend that your first sizing is done by a qualified provider.
How many questions should I bring to my fitting appointment?
Bring as many as you need. The 12 questions in this guide are a good start. The most important ones are your size, how to care for your pessary, what signs mean you should call, and when your next check-up is.
What is the difference between a ring with support and a ring without support?
The ring without support is an open ring, often used first for prolapse alone. The ring with support adds a thin membrane across the middle and is usually chosen for a dropped bladder or stress incontinence. Your clinician will decide which one suits you.
What sizes does the SciMed ring pessary without support come in?
It comes in sizes 0 to 9, which is 44 mm to 102 mm across. Ask your clinician to write down your exact size number at your fitting.
What if the size I order does not fit?
Return the unopened pack within 30 days for a free size exchange. If you are unsure about your fit, speak with your clinician before trying a different size.