Wearing a Pessary to Your Annual Gynecology Exam or Pap Smear: What to Tell Your Doctor

Yes, you can still have your yearly gynecology exam and Pap smear while you use a pessary. The most important step is simple: tell the office about your pessary when you book, and tell the clinician again when you arrive. In most cases the pessary is taken out for the exam and put back afterward, and the visit goes much like any other.

This guide covers what to say, what to expect, and a few small things that can make the day easier. It is meant for general information only. Your own clinician will guide you on what is right for you.

Why it matters to mention your pessary

A pessary sits inside the vagina, quite close to the cervix (the opening of the womb, where a Pap sample is taken). If the person doing your exam does not know it is there, they may be surprised, and the exam may take longer than it needs to.

Sometimes the clinician who does your yearly exam is not the same person who fitted your pessary. You may be seeing a new doctor, a nurse practitioner, or someone covering for your usual clinician. Your pessary may not be clearly noted in their records, so it is always worth saying it out loud.

What to tell the office when you book

When you call or book online, mention that you wear a pessary. Then ask a few simple questions:

• Should I leave my pessary in for the visit, or take it out at home first?
• Can the person doing my exam also remove and replace my pessary?
• Would it be easier to combine this visit with my regular pessary check-up?
• Is there anything I should avoid before the exam, such as vaginal creams?

Clinics handle this in different ways, so there is no single right answer. Follow what your clinic tells you.

What to tell the clinician on the day

Before the exam begins, it helps to share:

• That you wear a pessary, and whether it is in right now.
• The type and size, for example "a ring pessary without support, size 4."
• How you look after it: whether you take it out and clean it yourself, or only at clinic visits.
• Any changes you have noticed, such as spotting, a change in discharge, leaking, or the pessary slipping.
• Any vaginal creams or medicines you use.

A short written note with these details is handy, especially if you tend to forget things when you are nervous. If you would like help putting your concerns into words, our patient script for talking to your doctor has some useful phrases.

What usually happens during the exam

The pessary is usually taken out

For a Pap smear, the clinician needs a clear view of the cervix. To do this, they gently place a speculum (the smooth instrument that holds the vaginal walls open). In most cases the pessary is removed first so it is not in the way. If you take your pessary out yourself at home, you may be asked to do this before the exam, either at home or in the exam room in private.

The Pap sample and pelvic exam

The Pap sample is taken from the cervix in the usual way. Not everyone needs a Pap smear every year, and many women over 65 no longer need them; your clinician will tell you how often you need one. Your clinician may also do a regular pelvic exam. Because the pessary is out, it is a good moment for them to look at the vaginal walls for any redness or rubbing.

The pessary goes back in

Afterward, the pessary is usually cleaned and put back, either by the clinician or by you. If something has changed, such as irritation or a fit that no longer feels right, your clinician may suggest a different plan.

If you have had a hysterectomy

If your cervix was removed, you may not need Pap smears at all, depending on your history. Your clinician can tell you whether you still need them. You may still have regular pelvic exams and pessary check-ups.

Bringing your pessary to the visit

If your clinic asks you to take the pessary out at home, or if you want to bring a spare, you will need a clean way to carry it. A tissue, a zip bag or a loose pocket are not good choices. A pessary can pick up lint, get squashed, or be accidentally thrown away.

A small, hard storage case keeps your pessary clean, dry and protected on the way to your appointment and back. It is also easy to hand to your clinician if they want to look at the device.

A few simple tips

• Clean your pessary the way your clinician showed you before putting it in the case. Our ring pessary care and cleaning guide explains the basics.
• Make sure the pessary and the case are dry before closing the lid.
• Keep the case in your purse, not in a coat pocket where it could be forgotten.
• Bring water-based lubricant if you will be putting the pessary back in yourself and your clinician has said that is fine.

If you need a refresher on taking the pessary out and putting it back, see how to insert, remove and clean a ring pessary at home. Always follow your clinician's instructions and the instructions that came with your device.

Feeling nervous? That is normal

Many women feel a little anxious before a pelvic exam, and having a pessary can add to that. It may help to remember:

• Many clinicians who do pelvic exams are used to seeing pessaries.
• You can ask them to explain each step before they do it.
• You can ask them to slow down or stop at any time.
• You can bring a friend or family member, or ask for a chaperone.

A note about our pessary storage case

SciMed's pessary storage case is a hinged case with a secure snap lid. It comes in two sizes: Small fits ring pessary sizes 0 to 3, and Large fits sizes 4 to 8. If you are between sizes or still being fitted, Large is the suggested choice because it holds smaller rings too. The case is latex-free and BPA-free, and nothing on the outside shows what is inside. To care for it, wash it with warm water and mild unscented soap, and let it air dry before use. The pessary is sold separately.

The case is $19.99 on its own, or $9.99 when you buy it with any SciMed ring pessary.

Questions? Email sales@scimedstore.com or message us on WhatsApp at +1-669-265-9353.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have a Pap smear if I wear a pessary?

Yes. In most cases the pessary is taken out so the clinician can see the cervix, the Pap sample is taken in the usual way, and the pessary is put back afterward. Follow your own clinician's advice.

Should I remove my pessary before my gynecology appointment?

Ask the office when you book. Some clinics prefer that you come in with the pessary in place, while others may ask you to take it out at home first.

Does having a pessary affect my Pap smear results?

Tell your clinician you wear a pessary and mention any changes such as spotting or unusual discharge. They can take this into account when they do the exam and look at your results.

Do I still need Pap smears after a hysterectomy?

It depends on your health history and whether your cervix was removed. Ask your clinician whether you still need Pap smears. You may still need pelvic exams and pessary check-ups.

How should I carry my pessary to the appointment?

Use a clean, dry, hard storage case rather than a tissue or plastic bag. This keeps the pessary protected and makes it easy to hand to your clinician.