SciMed Ring Pessary vs Uresta: Different Products for Different Patients
SciMed Ring Pessary vs Uresta: Different Products for Different Patients
If you've been comparing SciMed Ring Pessary and Uresta, this guide will save you time. The two products treat different conditions and serve different patient populations.
SciMed sells a ring pessary with support for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) with coexisting cystocele. Uresta sells a self-fitted bladder support pessary for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). These are different indications and different anatomies. This comparison helps you decide which product matches your condition.
Which product treats your condition?
| If your primary symptom is... | SciMed Ring With Support | Uresta |
|---|---|---|
| Pelvic pressure / bulge sensation (POP) | Right product | Not designed for this |
| Feeling of "something falling out" (prolapse) | Right product | Not designed for this |
| Bladder prolapse / cystocele | Right product | Different anatomy |
| Stress urinary incontinence only (leaking with cough, jump, lift) | Off-label use | Designed for this |
| Rectocele (back wall bulge) | Right product | Not designed for this |
| Bridging therapy pre- or post-surgery for prolapse | Right product | Not designed for this |
What each product actually is
SciMed Ring Pessary With Support
A traditional ring pessary with a thin internal support membrane. Inserted into the vagina, folded in half, seats in the vaginal fornix around the cervix. The support membrane provides anterior wall support, useful when a cystocele coexists with the primary prolapse. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 214 recommends pessary therapy as first-line non-surgical treatment for symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse.
- FDA classification: Class II, 510(k) cleared (Product Code HHN, 21 CFR 884.5350)
- Sizes: 0-8 (44 mm to 95 mm)
- Material: USP Class VI medical silicone
- Price: $49.99 per device, direct from US manufacturer
- Reusability: 1-2 years with proper care
- HSA/FSA eligible: HCPCS A4561
Uresta
A self-managed bladder support pessary specifically designed for stress urinary incontinence. Uresta is shaped to provide support at the bladder neck rather than across the full pelvic compartment. Reinserted before exercise or activity-prone times, removed at night. Uresta is marketed and sold direct-to-consumer with no prescription required.
- Intended indication: Stress urinary incontinence
- Starter Kit includes sizes 3, 4, 5
- Reusable: up to 1 year
- Price: approximately $200 for the Starter Kit (as of 2026)
- Made in Canada, ships to US
- Self-managed, no prescription required
Picking the right product for your symptoms
Choose SciMed Ring Pessary if:
- Your primary symptom is a feeling of pressure, bulge, or heaviness in the vagina (pelvic organ prolapse)
- Your gynecologist has diagnosed Stage I or II prolapse
- You have a cystocele (bladder bulging into the front vaginal wall)
- You have a rectocele (rectum bulging into the back vaginal wall)
- You are using a pessary as bridging therapy before or after surgery
- You have been previously fitted with a ring pessary by an OB-GYN
Choose Uresta if:
- Your primary or only symptom is stress urinary incontinence (leaking with cough, sneeze, jump, lift, run)
- You have no other prolapse symptoms
- You want a device specifically designed for self-management around activity timing
If you have both prolapse and stress incontinence:
This is common. Many patients with Stage I-II prolapse also experience mild stress incontinence. The SciMed Ring With Support can address both indications in many patients because the support membrane provides bladder neck stabilization. If incontinence is dominant, Uresta may be more appropriate. If prolapse is dominant with incontinence secondary, SciMed Ring With Support may be more appropriate. Your gynecologist can help differentiate.
Pricing comparison (informational)
| What you get for the price | SciMed | Uresta |
|---|---|---|
| Single device price | $49.99 (one ring) | ~$200 (Starter Kit, 3 sizes) |
| What's included | One device, your selected size | 3 size kit (3, 4, 5) for at-home fit testing |
| Per-size cost | $49.99 | ~$67 per size in starter kit |
| Fitting Pack option | 3-Size Home Trial Pack at $119.99 | Included in Starter Kit |
| HSA/FSA eligible | Yes (HCPCS A4561) | Yes (medical device) |
| Replacement frequency | 1-2 years | ~1 year |
| Made in | United States (San Jose, CA) | Canada |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a ring pessary for stress incontinence?
Some patients use a ring pessary with support for mild stress urinary incontinence, particularly when prolapse is also present. The support membrane provides bladder neck support, which can help with mild SUI. For isolated, more severe SUI without prolapse, a device specifically designed for that indication (like Uresta) may work better.
Can I use Uresta for prolapse?
Uresta is designed for bladder support and stress urinary incontinence, not for treating the pressure and bulge symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse. If your primary symptom is prolapse, a traditional ring pessary or another POP-specific pessary type is the right choice.
Which is more comfortable, SciMed Ring or Uresta?
Comfort depends on your anatomy, which condition you are treating, and how well-fitted the device is. Both are made of medical silicone and both are designed for daily wear. A correctly-sized device is comfortable; an incorrectly-sized device is not.
Can I have both, one for prolapse and one for incontinence?
Possibly. Some patients use different devices at different times depending on activity. Discuss this with your gynecologist or pelvic floor specialist — they can recommend a regimen that addresses both conditions.
Are both products HSA/FSA eligible?
Yes. Both qualify as IRS Section 213(d) medical expenses. SciMed uses HCPCS code A4561 (Pessary, rubber, any type) which most US HSA/FSA administrators recognize. Uresta is similarly eligible as a qualifying medical device.
Quick recap
- SciMed Ring With Support is for pelvic organ prolapse (with or without coexisting cystocele or mild incontinence)
- Uresta is for stress urinary incontinence (leaking with exertion)
- Match the product to your dominant symptom, ideally after a provider exam
- SciMed is $49.99 per device or $119.99 for the 3-Size Home Trial Pack. Uresta is approximately $200 for the 3-size Starter Kit