Your Pessary Check-Up Visit: What Happens and What to Ask Your Clinician
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A pessary check-up is a short, routine visit where your clinician asks how you are doing, usually takes the pessary out, looks gently at the inside of the vagina for any redness or sore spots, and then cleans and puts back the same pessary, or changes the size. Most visits are quick and calm. Going in with a few notes and a short list of questions helps you get the most out of the time.
This guide is about the follow-up visits that come after your first fitting. If you are still deciding whether to ask about a pessary at all, our guide to talking with your doctor about getting a pessary is a better place to start.
Why check-up visits matter, even when you feel fine
Many women feel so comfortable with their pessary that they forget it is there. That is a good sign. But some small problems, such as a little rubbing on the vaginal wall, do not always cause pain at first. A check-up lets your clinician spot these early, while they are easy to fix.
Your clinician will tell you how often to come back. The schedule depends on things like whether you take the pessary out yourself at home, your general health, and how your body has responded so far. Some women are seen more often in the first months and less often later. Follow the plan your own clinician gives you, and ask them to write it down if that helps.
Before your visit: a little preparation goes a long way
Keep simple notes for a few weeks
You do not need anything fancy. A small notebook or a note on your phone is enough. Jot down anything you notice, even if it seems minor. Your notes from the weekly and monthly self-checks are perfect for this.
| What to note | Examples |
|---|---|
| Comfort | Can you feel the pessary when sitting, walking or bending? |
| Staying in place | Has it slipped down or come out, for example when coughing or on the toilet? |
| Discharge | Any change in amount, color or smell |
| Spotting | Any pink or red on underwear or tissue, and when it happened |
| Bladder and bowels | Any new leaking, trouble passing urine, or trouble with bowel movements |
| Your routine | How often you take it out and clean it, if you do this yourself |
Bring the right information
- The type and size of your pessary (for example, ring without support, size 4). It is often printed on the box or your receipt.
- A list of your medicines, including any vaginal creams.
- Your questions, written down, so you do not forget them once you are in the room.
Ask the office one question when you book
Ask whether they would like you to leave the pessary in for the visit or take it out at home first. Practices do this differently, so it is best to check rather than guess.
What usually happens during the visit
Every clinic has its own routine, but most check-ups follow a similar pattern.
1. A short chat
Your clinician will ask how things have been. This is where your notes help. Be honest about small things like a bit of leaking or a change in discharge.
2. Taking the pessary out
You will lie on the exam table as you would for a regular pelvic exam. The clinician gently folds or tilts the pessary and removes it. It may feel a little odd for a moment, but it is usually quick. If you remove it yourself at home, they may ask you to show them how you do it.
3. A look at the vaginal walls
With the pessary out, the clinician checks the inside of the vagina for redness, rubbing, or small sore areas. This is the main reason for the visit. Spotting a little irritation early means it can usually be managed simply.
4. Checking the pessary itself
They will look over the pessary for wear, cracks or any change in shape, and clean it if it is going back in. If it looks worn, they may suggest a replacement. Our guide on how often to replace a ring pessary explains what to look for.
5. Back in, or a change
Most of the time the same pessary goes back in. Sometimes the clinician suggests a different size, for example if it has been slipping or if you can feel it. Bodies change with age, weight changes and time, so a size change is normal and not a sign that anything went wrong.
6. Making a plan
Before you leave, you should know when your next visit is and what to do if a problem comes up before then.
Questions to ask your clinician
Choose the ones that matter most to you. You do not need to ask them all.
About how things are going
- Did everything look healthy inside?
- Is my current size still right for me?
- Is the pessary itself in good condition, or should I think about a new one?
About daily life
- Can I take it out and clean it myself at home? Can you show me how?
- Is it all right for me to leave it in during sex, exercise or travel?
- Would a vaginal cream be helpful for me?
About problems
- Which signs mean I should call you before my next visit?
- What should I do if it falls out or I cannot get it out?
- Who should I contact after hours?
About the future
- When is my next check-up?
- Could I ever need a different type of pessary?
- Can you write down my pessary type and size so I can order a spare?
When not to wait for your next check-up
Call your clinician sooner if you notice any bleeding (after menopause, even light spotting is worth a call), pain, a bad smell, discharge that changes a lot, trouble passing urine or having a bowel movement, or a pessary you cannot remove. These do not always mean something serious, but they should be looked at. Your clinician's advice always comes first.
After the visit
Write down anything you were told, especially your size and next visit date. If your clinician changed your size or suggested a spare, keep that information with your receipt. A spare can be handy if your pessary needs replacing or you are travelling. Always follow your clinician's guidance and the instructions that come with your device.
A note about our ring pessary without support
If your clinician has recommended an open ring (also called a ring without support), SciMed makes one in medical-grade silicone (USP Class VI), latex-free, in sizes 0 to 9 (44 to 102 mm). It is an FDA 510(k) cleared Class II device and is HSA/FSA eligible under HCPCS code A4562. Unopened packs can be returned within 30 days for a free size exchange. We recommend that your first sizing is done by a qualified provider.
Questions about sizes or ordering? Email sales@scimedstore.com or message us on WhatsApp at +1-669-265-9353.
Frequently asked questions
Does a pessary check-up hurt?
For most women it feels much like a regular pelvic exam. Taking the pessary out and putting it back can feel a little strange for a moment, but it is usually quick. Tell your clinician if anything feels painful so they can slow down or adjust.
How often will I need a pessary check-up?
Your clinician will set a schedule for you. It depends on whether you remove and clean the pessary yourself, your health, and how your body has responded. Follow the plan your own clinician gives you.
Should I take my pessary out before the appointment?
Ask the office when you book. Some clinics prefer you to come in with it in place so they can see how it sits, while others are happy for you to remove it at home first.
Is it normal to need a different size at a check-up?
Yes. Your body can change over time, and a pessary that once fit well may start to slip or feel noticeable. A size change is a common, simple adjustment.
What should I bring to my check-up?
Bring your pessary type and size, a list of your medicines including any vaginal creams, a few notes about how things have been, and your written questions.