How to Insert a Ring Pessary — Step by Step Guide

August 12, 2026

Inserting a ring pessary correctly is essential for comfort, effectiveness, and safety. This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about ring pessary insertion — for both patients self-managing at home and healthcare providers fitting a pessary for the first time.

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What You Need Before Inserting a Ring Pessary

Your correctly sized ring pessary (sized by a healthcare provider)
Water-based lubricant (not petroleum-based)
Clean hands — wash thoroughly before and after
A comfortable, private space

How to Insert a Ring Pessary — Step by Step

Step 1 — Clean Your Pessary

Before insertion, wash your ring pessary with mild soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly. Pat dry. Do not use alcohol, bleach, or harsh chemicals — these degrade medical-grade silicone.

Step 2 — Apply Lubricant

Apply a small amount of water-based lubricant to the leading edge of the pessary. Do not use petroleum jelly (Vaseline) as it degrades silicone over time.

Step 3 — Get Into Position

Choose a comfortable position:

Standing with one foot raised on a step or toilet seat
Squatting with knees apart
Lying on your back with knees bent

Step 4 — Fold the Pessary

Gently pinch the ring pessary in half — it will fold into an oval shape, making it much smaller and easier to insert.

Step 5 — Insert the Pessary

Hold the folded pessary and gently push it into the vaginal opening, directing it downward and backward toward the base of your spine. Continue until you can no longer feel it — it should sit comfortably above the pubic bone.

Step 6 — Check the Position

The pessary will unfold inside the vagina. Check with your finger to ensure the ring has fully opened. You should not feel it during normal activity. Discomfort suggests repositioning or a different size may be needed.

Step 7 — Test the Fit

Stand up, walk around, cough, and bear down gently. A correctly fitted pessary stays in place during all normal activities.

How to Remove a Ring Pessary

Insert one finger into the vagina and hook it under the rim of the ring. Gently pull it down and out, folding it as it comes through the vaginal opening. Wash immediately after removal.

How Often Should I Clean My Pessary?

Most patients remove and clean their pessary once a week. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice on cleaning frequency. Read our full Ring Pessary Care & Cleaning Guide →

When to See Your Healthcare Provider

The pessary falls out repeatedly
You experience pain or significant discomfort
You notice unusual discharge or odour
You cannot insert or remove the pessary yourself

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it hurt to insert a ring pessary?

No. Correctly sized and lubricated, insertion should be comfortable, similar to inserting a menstrual cup or diaphragm. Any pain suggests the pessary is the wrong size or is not positioned correctly — speak with your provider.

How do I know if the pessary is in the right place?

You should not feel the pessary at all during normal activities. Walk around, cough, and bear down gently — if it stays comfortably in place, it is correctly positioned.

Can I have sex with a ring pessary in?

A ring pessary without support can generally remain in place during intercourse. A ring pessary with support may need to be removed. Discuss with your healthcare provider.

How long can I leave a ring pessary in?

Most patients wear their pessary continuously for 5–7 days between cleanings. Some prefer to remove nightly. Follow your provider's advice.

What if it falls out?

Occasional slippage during a bowel movement is common. Wash the pessary and reinsert. If it falls out frequently, the size may be wrong — consult your provider or try our 3-Size Right-Size Pack.