What is a Pessary Ring with Support?

A pessary ring with support is an FDA-cleared medical device used for the non-surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse combined with stress urinary incontinence. This guide explains what it is, how it works, who it is recommended for, how it is sized and inserted, how to care for it, and answers the most common patient questions.

Shop the SciMed Ring Pessary With Support — $49.99, made in California →

What Is a Ring Pessary With Support?

A ring pessary with support is a circular silicone device with a support membrane stretched across the centre of the ring. The membrane provides additional bladder-neck support, making it the preferred choice for patients who experience both pelvic organ prolapse and urinary leakage. It is a Class II medical device (FDA Product Code HHN, 21 CFR 884.5350) and is used to manage pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) — especially when a cystocele (bladder descent) is present.

Ring Pessary With Support vs Without Support

Which variant is right depends on your anatomy and primary symptoms:

Feature	With Support	Without Support
Center design	Solid silicone membrane	Open ring
Primary indication	Cystocele + SUI	Uterine prolapse, mild POP
Bladder-neck support	Yes	No
Sizes	0–8 (44–95 mm)	0–9 (44–102 mm)
Patient price	$49.99	$44.99

For a full comparison, see Ring With Support vs Without Support — Which Type Do You Need?

Who Is It For? Clinical Indications

Ring pessaries with support are recommended for:

• Stage I–III pelvic organ prolapse — particularly cystocele (bladder prolapse), uterine prolapse, and vaginal vault prolapse; the membrane elevates the bladder and reduces bulge symptoms
• Concurrent stress urinary incontinence — by supporting the bladder neck, it can significantly reduce or eliminate leakage with cough, sneeze, or exertion
• Patients who prefer a non-surgical, reversible option or who are awaiting or declining surgery
• Women with medical contraindications to surgery
• Postpartum pelvic floor weakness — providing support during pelvic floor recovery alongside physiotherapy

How to Choose the Right Size (0–8)

Correct sizing is essential for comfort, retention, and efficacy. Sizing is determined by your healthcare provider during a pelvic examination — most patients fit sizes 2 to 5.

• Most patients begin a fitting trial with a size 3 or 4
• The pessary should sit snugly in the vaginal vault with the cervix resting on or through the membrane
• You should be able to pass one finger between the ring and the vaginal wall
• The patient walks, stands, and coughs (Valsalva) to confirm the device stays in place before the fit is finalized

See the full ring pessary size guide (sizes 0–9, mm and inches) →

Insertion Technique

1. Empty your bladder before insertion
2. Apply a small amount of water-based lubricant to the pessary rim
3. Fold/compress the ring and insert it posteriorly through the introitus
4. Release it in the vaginal vault with the membrane facing anteriorly (toward the bladder), rotating it to a horizontal plane behind the pubic symphysis
5. Confirm the cervix (if present) rests on or through the membrane and the ring sits behind the pubic bone
6. Stand and cough — the pessary should not expel or cause discomfort

SciMed Ring Pessary With Support

SciMed Store manufactures FDA-cleared ring pessaries with support at our San Jose, California facility. Our pessaries are made from 100% platinum-cured, USP Class VI medical-grade silicone — latex-free, BPA-free, and clinically tested.

• FDA 510(k)-Cleared Class II Medical Device
• Manufactured in California, USA
• Available in Sizes 0–8
• Same-Day Dispatch Before 2PM PST
• Direct Manufacturer Pricing — No Middlemen
• Discreet Packaging on Every Order

Buy Ring Pessary With Support — $49.99 →

Care and Maintenance

• Clinician-managed: removed and cleaned every 3–6 months; inspected at each visit for cracks or wear (silicone is autoclavable for office reuse between fittings)
• Self-managed: remove weekly or as directed; wash with mild, unscented soap and warm water, rinse thoroughly, and reinsert
• Medical-grade silicone is non-porous, odor-resistant, and does not harbor bacteria the way older latex devices did; typical service life is 1–2 years with proper care
• Store in a clean, dry container away from direct sunlight

When to Seek Medical Advice

Contact your provider if you experience pelvic pain or pressure, difficulty with insertion or removal, unusual or foul-smelling discharge, new bleeding, urinary retention or difficulty voiding, or visible vaginal irritation/erosion. Bleeding, severe pain, fever, or foul odor warrant same-day evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size ring pessary with support should I start with?
Most adults begin a fitting trial with a size 3 or 4, but this varies with anatomy, parity, and prolapse severity. A clinical fitting examination is always required before initial dispensing.

Can the ring pessary with support be self-managed?
Yes. Once the correct size is established through a clinical fitting, many patients are taught to remove, clean, and reinsert the pessary at home on a weekly schedule. Follow your clinician's specific instructions for cleaning frequency.

Is the SciMed ring pessary with support FDA cleared?
Yes. It is FDA 510(k) cleared as a Class II medical device under FDA Product Code HHN, regulated under 21 CFR 884.5350, and manufactured in San Jose, California from USP Class VI medical-grade silicone.

How long does a silicone ring pessary last?
With proper care, a medical-grade silicone ring pessary typically lasts 1–2 years of regular use. Replace sooner if you notice cracks, discoloration, or texture changes.

Where can I buy a ring pessary with support?
The SciMed Ring Pessary With Support is available direct from our US manufacturing facility for $49.99 with free US shipping and same-day dispatch. Multi-size fitting packs are available for at-home size trial.