How to Insert, Remove and Clean a Ring Pessary at Home

How to Insert, Remove and Clean a Ring Pessary at Home

One of the biggest advantages of a ring pessary over other pessary types is how easy it is to self-manage. Once you've been fitted by a gynaecologist or pelvic floor physiotherapist, most women can confidently insert, remove, and clean their vaginal pessary ring at home — no clinic visit required every time.

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This guide walks you through the whole process, step by step.

What You'll Need

• Your ring pessary (clean and dry)
• Water-based lubricant (avoid oil-based — it degrades silicone)
• Mild unscented soap
• Clean towel or paper towel
• Clean storage container (if storing overnight)

How to Insert a Ring Pessary

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Find a comfortable position. Most women prefer standing with one foot raised on the toilet or bath edge, squatting, or lying down.
3. Apply lubricant. Squeeze a small amount of water-based lubricant around the rim of the pessary ring.
4. Fold the ring in half. Pinch two opposite sides together to create an oblong shape — like folding a taco shell.
5. Insert at a 45-degree angle. Guide the folded pessary into the vagina, pointing toward the small of your back, until it passes the pubic bone.
6. Release and let it open. Once inside, the ring springs back to its circular shape and seats itself in the vaginal fornix around the cervix.
7. Check the fit. Walk around, cough, and try squatting. You should feel no discomfort and the pessary should not fall out. If you can feel it pressing, it may need to be repositioned or a different size tried.

How to Remove a Ring Pessary

1. Wash your hands.
2. Find a comfortable position — same as for insertion.
3. Hook a finger under the rim of the pessary ring (you may need to bear down gently to bring it within reach).
4. Pull gently downward and out at the same 45-degree angle it was inserted. The ring will fold slightly as it comes out.

If you have difficulty reaching the pessary, try squatting and bearing down (like you are opening your bowels). This moves the pessary lower in the vaginal canal and within easier reach.

How to Clean a Ring Pessary

1. Rinse the pessary under warm running water to remove any discharge.
2. Wash with a small amount of mild, unscented soap, working it over the entire surface including the support membrane (if you have a ring with support).
3. Rinse thoroughly — residual soap can cause irritation.
4. Dry with a clean towel or air dry on a clean surface.
5. Reinsert or store in a clean, dry container away from direct sunlight.

Do not use harsh disinfectants, bleach, alcohol, or boiling water — these will degrade the silicone. Do not use oil-based lubricants or products containing petroleum jelly.

How Often Should I Remove and Clean It?

Most ring pessaries can be worn continuously for 5–7 days before removal and cleaning. Some women prefer to remove theirs nightly; others wear theirs for up to two weeks. Your healthcare provider will advise the schedule that suits your anatomy and lifestyle.

At each removal, check the pessary for any cracks, tears, or persistent odour that doesn't resolve with cleaning. If any of these are present, replace the pessary.

Tips for Self-Management Success

• Practice makes perfect. The first few insertions can feel awkward — most women find it becomes easy and takes under a minute after a few tries.
• Lubricant is key. Using enough lubricant makes insertion much more comfortable, especially if you have vaginal dryness.
• Timing matters. Some women find insertion easier in the morning before physical activity; others prefer evening after the pelvic floor has relaxed.
• Regular removal reduces odour and discharge. Wearing a pessary continuously for too long without cleaning can cause vaginal discharge and odour. Stick to the recommended schedule.
• See your provider annually. Even if self-managing, an annual check with your gynaecologist or pelvic floor physio is recommended to ensure the pessary is still the right size and your prolapse hasn't progressed.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Contact your gynaecologist or pelvic floor physiotherapist if you experience:

• The pessary frequently falling out
• Pain, pressure, or discomfort while wearing the pessary
• Unusual or heavy vaginal discharge
• Bleeding or spotting
• Difficulty urinating or emptying the bladder
• Inability to remove the pessary yourself

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SciMed Store supplies medical-grade Ring Pessary With Support in all sizes (0–8), shipped fast from the USA. If you're unsure of your size, our Combo Pack lets you try two consecutive sizes in one order.

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