Cooper Uresta vs SciMed Ring Pessary — Which is Right for Stress Incontinence?
Share
Bottom line up front: Cooper Uresta and SciMed ring pessary are different products for overlapping-but-not-identical problems. Uresta is a bell-shaped intravaginal device specifically for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) — leakage with cough/sneeze/exercise. SciMed ring pessary is a supportive ring designed primarily for pelvic organ prolapse and moderate SUI. If your main issue is leakage without prolapse, Uresta may be more targeted. If you have prolapse (with or without leakage), a ring pessary is standard of care.
Head-to-head comparison
| Feature | Cooper Uresta | SciMed Ring Pessary |
|---|---|---|
| Primary indication | Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) | Pelvic organ prolapse (with/without SUI) |
| Shape | Bell-shaped intravaginal insert | Silicone ring (with or without support membrane) |
| Mechanism | Sits under urethra to compress and prevent leakage | Supports vaginal walls, may lift bladder base |
| US retail price | $219 (single) / $329 (starter kit with 3 sizes) | $49.99 (single) / $129.99 (3-size fitting pack) |
| Available sizes | 3 sizes (S, M, L) | 10 sizes (0–9) |
| Home fitting | Yes, starter kit lets you try all 3 sizes | Yes, 3-size fitting pack ($129.99) |
| Prescription required | No (OTC in US) | No (OTC in US) |
| FDA classification | Class II 510(k) | Class II 510(k) |
| HSA/FSA eligible | Yes | Yes |
| Made in | Canada | USA (San Jose, California) |
| Best for | Isolated SUI without prolapse | Prolapse (stage I-III), or SUI with prolapse component |
How they work — different mechanisms
Cooper Uresta (bell shape)
Uresta is a rounded, bell-shaped device that sits in the vaginal canal with the wider portion at the top. It's designed to gently compress the urethra against the pubic bone, closing off the urethra during moments of increased abdominal pressure (coughing, jumping, laughing). It doesn't support other pelvic structures — its job is targeted continence.
SciMed Ring Pessary
A silicone ring that sits deeper in the vagina and lifts/supports the vaginal walls. This addresses prolapse of the bladder (cystocele), uterus, or rectum (rectocele). The "with support" version has a soft silicone membrane across the ring that provides more targeted uterine support. Because ring pessaries elevate the bladder base, they can also improve mild-to-moderate SUI as a secondary benefit.
Which is right for you?
Choose Uresta if:
- Your primary complaint is leakage with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise
- You've been diagnosed with SUI but NOT prolapse
- You're looking for a device you can wear situationally (e.g., only during exercise)
- Cost is not the primary factor
Choose SciMed Ring Pessary if:
- You have diagnosed pelvic organ prolapse (bladder, uterine, or rectal)
- You have prolapse with associated leakage
- You want the most cost-effective option
- You want to try multiple sizes at home (fitting pack)
- Your urogynecologist has recommended a ring pessary
Consider a specialist consult if:
- You're unsure whether your issue is SUI, prolapse, or urge incontinence
- You've tried one device without success
- You have complications (multiple pelvic surgeries, atrophic tissue, chronic pain)
Cost breakdown — 2026
| Scenario | Uresta | SciMed |
|---|---|---|
| Try 3 sizes at home | $329 (starter kit) | $129.99 (fitting pack) |
| Buy 1 known size | $219 | $49.99 |
| Replace every 3-6 months | $438-876/year | $99-199/year |
| Insurance coverage | Rarely covered | HCPCS A4562, sometimes covered |
Can you use both?
Not simultaneously. But some patients use a ring pessary daily for prolapse support and switch to Uresta specifically for high-impact exercise sessions. Discuss with your provider before combining.
Frequently asked questions
Is Uresta better than a ring pessary for leakage?
For isolated SUI, Uresta is more targeted. For SUI accompanying prolapse, a ring pessary often solves both issues with one device.
Can I get a ring pessary for stress incontinence?
Yes. Ring pessaries (especially "with support") often improve SUI by elevating the bladder base and closing the urethrovesical angle. Success rate: ~50-70% for mild-moderate SUI.
Why is Uresta so much more expensive?
Direct-to-patient pricing with limited distribution, Canadian manufacture with US import, and a specialized single-purpose design. The material and manufacturing cost is not the driver.
Are both devices safe to use long-term?
Yes, when fit correctly and cleaned regularly. Both need periodic checks with your provider (annually for ring pessary, per Uresta guidelines for that product).
What if I bought the wrong device?
SciMed offers 30-day free size exchange. Uresta return policy varies — check with the seller.
Related reading: