SciMed vs Milex Ring Pessary With Support: 2026 Honest Comparison

If you've been quoted $160-$200 for a Milex ring pessary by a clinic or distributor, you may be wondering whether there is a direct-purchase alternative. There is. SciMed Store manufactures and sells an FDA-cleared Class II ring pessary with support for $49.99, direct to patients, with no prescription required and same-day shipping from California.

This page lays out the honest comparison — what is the same, what is different, and when each option makes sense.

Quick comparison: SciMed vs Milex Ring With Support

What is the same between SciMed and Milex

Both products meet the same US regulatory standard. The FDA Class II 510(k) clearance for ring pessaries with support membrane requires biocompatible silicone, demonstrated mechanical performance, and clinical use evidence under 21 CFR 884.5350. SciMed's device meets this standard, as does Milex's.

• Material: USP Class VI medical silicone
• FDA classification: Class II, 510(k) cleared, Product Code HHN
• Reimbursement coding: HCPCS A4561 (Pessary, rubber, any type) — both products are HSA/FSA eligible under IRS Section 213(d)
• Clinical indication: Stage I-II pelvic organ prolapse with coexisting mild cystocele, or mild stress urinary incontinence
• Insertion technique: Same fold-and-insert method, same removal technique
• Reusability: Both are reusable and autoclavable, with expected 1-2 year device life

What is different between SciMed and Milex

Supply chain

Milex is a brand owned by CooperSurgical, a major US gynecology medical device manufacturer. Milex pessaries are typically sold through clinical distributors (Betty Mills, McKesson, Vitality Medical, etc.) and reach patients through OB-GYN offices, prescribers, and pharmacies. Each step in the distributor chain adds margin.

SciMed manufactures and ships from a single US facility in San Jose, California, directly to the patient. There are no distributor margins or intermediate markups in the price.

Price

The Milex Ring Pessary With Support, Folding, size 5, lists at approximately $182.50 at Betty Mills (a typical US clinical distributor). The same product sells on eBay through resellers in the $160-$180 range.

SciMed Ring Pessary With Support is $49.99 per device, every size, every color. The 2-Size Combo Pack (two adjacent sizes for fitting at home) is $84.99. There is no clinic markup or prescription fee.

Prescription model

Milex products are typically prescribed by an OB-GYN or urogynecologist as part of a clinical fitting visit. SciMed sells the device as an FDA-cleared over-the-counter Class II medical product. No prescription is required by FDA for the purchase, though SciMed recommends initial sizing by a healthcare provider, especially for first-time pessary users.

Color and design

Milex silicone has a characteristic flesh-pink tone. SciMed offers the standard ring pessary in white silicone at $49.99 and a premium flesh-pink version at $99.99 designed to match the Milex aesthetic at a lower direct-purchase price.

Size range

Milex offers sizes 0-13. SciMed offers sizes 0-8 (44 mm to 95 mm outer diameter), which covers the most commonly fitted patient population.

When SciMed makes more sense

• You have already been fitted by a clinician and know your size (sizes 0-8)
• You want to replace an existing pessary without a new clinic visit
• You want the same FDA-cleared device at a fraction of the distributor price
• You prefer direct manufacturer contact over a clinic referral
• You want same-day shipping and discreet plain packaging

When Milex through a clinic makes more sense

• You need a size larger than 8 (Milex carries 9-13)
• Your insurance covers Milex specifically through a clinical procurement code and not other equivalent devices
• You are a clinician procuring for a fitting kit and your supplier relationship requires a specific brand
• You have a complex case that warrants a clinical fitting workflow with a Gellhorn or donut pessary instead of a ring

Frequently asked questions