How Often Should You Replace a Ring Pessary? Complete Schedule (2026)

Short answer: replace a medical-grade silicone ring pessary every 1 to 2 years, or sooner if you notice any of the 5 warning signs below. Most patients can reorder the same size directly without going back to the clinic for another fitting — saving the $300+ visit fee and a half-day off work.

This guide is for women already wearing a ring pessary who want a straight answer on when to swap it out, what to look for, and how to reorder fast. If you are brand new to pessaries, start with our comprehensive pessary guide first.

How long does a silicone ring pessary actually last?

Medical-grade silicone is one of the most durable polymers used in medicine. A correctly cared-for ring pessary will last 1 to 2 years of continuous wear. The exact lifespan depends on three things:

• Cleaning frequency. Pessaries cleaned weekly with mild soap and warm water last toward the 2-year end. Pessaries left in for months without cleaning degrade faster.
• Tissue environment. Higher vaginal pH (common post-menopause) and any untreated infection accelerate silicone breakdown.
• Mechanical stress. Pessaries removed daily for intercourse and reinserted last about the same as those left in continuously, but the rim experiences more flex cycles.

SciMed pessaries are manufactured in California from USP Class VI medical-grade silicone — the same grade used in implantable devices. They are FDA 510(k) cleared as Class II devices. We do not cut corners on the silicone, which is why a $44.99 SciMed ring lasts as long as a $150 distributor-supplied one.

5 signs your pessary needs replacement now

Even within the 1–2 year window, replace your pessary immediately if you spot any of these:

1. Visible cracks, splits, or surface roughness

Run the pessary under bright light and bend it gently. Any crack, no matter how small, is a hard stop. Bacteria colonize cracks and you cannot disinfect them out. A rough surface that used to be smooth means the silicone is degrading.

2. Discoloration that does not wash off

A new SciMed pessary is translucent or pale ivory. Over time it may pick up a slight yellow or tan tint from natural vaginal discharge. A light tint that washes off with soap is normal. A deep yellow, brown, or grey that stays after cleaning means the silicone has absorbed material it cannot release — time to replace.

3. An odor that persists after cleaning

Wash the pessary thoroughly with mild soap and warm water. Smell it. If there is a sour, fishy, or off smell that does not go away, the silicone is harboring biofilm that surface cleaning cannot reach. Replace it. Do not try to soak it in vinegar or bleach — those degrade silicone further.

4. New discomfort, irritation, or discharge

If a pessary that was comfortable for a year suddenly causes irritation, bleeding, or unusual discharge, the device or your tissue (or both) has changed. The first move is to take it out, leave it out for a few days, see if symptoms resolve, then try a new pessary in the same size.

5. It no longer holds the prolapse up

Old silicone loses elasticity. A pessary that used to spring firmly into place may now feel floppy. If you notice prolapse symptoms returning while wearing your pessary, and the pessary itself feels softer than you remember, it is time.

Pessary replacement timeline at a glance

Time since first fit	What to check	Action
0–3 months	Comfort, retention, no bleeding	Use freely. Clean weekly.
3–6 months	Any change in fit or sensation	Inspect monthly under light.
6–12 months	Color, surface smoothness, smell	Inspect monthly. Order replacement around month 10–11.
12–18 months	Cracks, stiffness, retention	Replace at the first sign of degradation.
18–24 months	Same as above, more frequently	Plan replacement even if it still looks fine.
24+ months	Anything	Replace. Silicone past 2 years is past spec.

Do I need another clinical fitting to reorder?

If your size has not changed, no. This is the single biggest cost saver for long-term pessary users. Once you know your size, you can reorder the same size direct from the manufacturer for $44.99 (without support) or $49.99 (with support), no appointment, no co-pay, no prescription required in the US.

The reason: a vaginal pessary is FDA-cleared Class II equipment, and consumer sale without a prescription is permitted under FDA classification rules. You do not need a new fitting to confirm what you already know.

Reorder is one click: ring with support or ring without support, select your size, check out. Ships from California, usually 2–4 business days.

The replacement calendar tip (set this once, save hours later)

Add a recurring calendar reminder for 14 months from your last pessary purchase. That gives you 2 months of lead time before the 16-month mark when most patients start noticing silicone wear. Order the replacement, swap it in, and put the old one in the bin. Done.

If you wear yours continuously and clean it on a strict weekly schedule, push the reminder out to 18 months. If you have higher tissue turnover, post-menopause, or any active vaginal atrophy, pull it in to 10–12 months.

What if my size needs to change?

Sizing can shift over time, usually downward. Common triggers:

• Significant weight loss (10+ pounds)
• Starting topical vaginal estrogen — plumper tissue means a slightly smaller fit
• Pelvic floor physical therapy that has strengthened the muscles
• Time since a vaginal delivery (tissue continues to remodel for years)

If your pessary is now slipping out or feels loose, you probably need to go down one size. If it has started pressing or causing discomfort it never did before, you may need to go up one size. The cheapest way to find out is the 3-size fitting pack — it ships you three adjacent sizes (e.g., 3, 4, 5) for $119.99 so you can confirm without a clinic visit.

If you would rather get expert eyes on it, a urogynecologist re-fitting visit is reasonable — about $200–$500 cash, often free if you have a referral and active insurance.

How to dispose of an old pessary

Silicone is not recyclable in curbside programs. Put the old pessary in a small bag and into household trash. There is no biohazard concern for a clean, intact device. If you are throwing out a cracked or discolored one, the same rule applies — it is medical waste only if you tag it as such, and household disposal is fine.

Can I keep a backup pessary on hand?

Yes, and we recommend it for daily wearers. Order a second one when you are due. Rotate them weekly. Two pessaries used in rotation will each last toward the longer end of the 1–2 year window because each gets more rest, drying, and inspection time. This is the same logic as rotating two pairs of running shoes.

HSA/FSA covers replacement pessaries

Every replacement pessary is HSA, FSA, and HRA eligible under HCPCS code A4561. Use your HSA debit card at checkout, or pay any way and reimburse yourself with your SciMed receipt. See our HSA/FSA coverage guide for documentation tips, and reference IRS Publication 502.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I replace my pessary if I only wear it for exercise?

Roughly every 2–3 years for intermittent wear. The silicone still ages even when not in use, but flex cycles are far fewer. Inspect annually for cracks or stiffness.

Can a pessary last longer than 2 years if it still looks fine?

It can, but we don't recommend stretching it. Silicone degradation is not always visible. Manufacturer guidance and clinical consensus both put 1–2 years as the safe upper bound for continuous wear.

Do I need to remove my pessary to inspect it?

Yes, monthly. Take it out, wash it, inspect it under bright light, and reinsert. The whole process takes under 5 minutes and is the single best habit for catching problems early.

What if my pessary smells but looks fine?

Try washing once with mild soap and warm water. If the smell returns within a day or two, replace the pessary — biofilm has set in. Also see your provider to rule out a bacterial vaginosis, since BV can cause persistent odor regardless of pessary age.

Can I clean an old pessary with bleach to extend its life?

No. Bleach, alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide all degrade medical-grade silicone. Use only mild unscented soap and warm water. If the pessary needs more than soap to feel clean, it needs replacement.

Is there a recall or batch warning I should know about?

Check the FDA MedWatch site for any active recalls before reordering. SciMed has had zero recalls since launch — we batch-test every production run for tear strength and durometer.

Can I reorder a different brand?

Yes, but stick with the same size and same style (ring with support vs. without). Cross-brand sizing for ring pessaries is essentially standard — a size 4 ring is 2.75 inches (70 mm) at every reputable manufacturer.

Shipping: Free shipping in the US. International orders ship worldwide at calculated rates — UK, EU, AU/NZ, and more. Clinic procurement (DDP) available for GCC and MENA buyers. See our shipping policy.