In this blog, we’ll talk all about the pessary ring and how the Uresta pessary differs from traditional pessaries for managing stress urinary incontinence.
What is a Pessary Ring?
When it comes to managing bladder leaks, the pessary ring (or ring pessary) is a common solution recommended by gynecologists who have training or experience fitting pessaries. These small, flexible devices are inserted into the vagina to provide support to the bladder and pelvic organs.
Types of Pessaries
There are several different types of pessaries available, designed to cater to individual needs and the specific conditions they aim to address. These include the traditional pessary ring, Gellhorn pessaries, the Uresta pessary and cube pessaries, to name a few.
The types of pessaries gynecologists choose often depend on the severity of the patient’s condition and level of comfort.
With so many different types of pessaries on the market, there's an option for every individual's unique requirements.
Benefits of Pessary Rings
A Pessary ring can offer many benefits and effective support for women managing symptoms related to bladder leaks without the need for surgical intervention.
Non-Invasive Solution:
- Pessary rings offer a non-surgical, medication-free approach to managing bladder leaks, providing relief without invasive procedures.
Safe for Long Term Use:
- Pessary rings are a safe, long-term solution endorsed by pelvic floor physiotherapists. They can complement physiotherapy by providing immediate relief from bladder leaks, allowing you to work on strengthening your pelvic floor muscles without the need for surgery.
- A pessary ring will not make your pelvic floor muscles weaker over time, making it a safe for long term use
Effective Support:
- These devices effectively support the pelvic area preventing bladder leaks.
- Pessary rings may not be as effective for women suffering with prolapse as the “knob” portion of the ring may rotate out of position.
Comfort with Proper Insertion:
- Pessary rings are often comfortable to wear, but can be challenging to insert, given they need to be properly folded during insertion. Once inserted, they also need to be oriented a certain way to be comfortable and effective.
Customizable Fit:
- Pessary rings can be available in different sizes, but generally patients are given one specific size based on their initial fitting with their healthcare professional.
Extra confidence
Ok, I’m 65, I have delivered 3 kids (no Caesarians) and I’ve had bladder leaks for years. Your product gives me more freedom to do as I please. Walk, play with my granddaughter, dance, be out for a full day of fun, exercise, drink more coffee. I wear protective undies (Knix and Speax) but Uresta gives me that extra confidence that I am protected.
- Deborah Boudreau via Trustpilot
Getting a Professional Pessary Fitting
Getting a pessary fitting from a health professional is a bit of a process.
First of all, you'll need a prescription from your healthcare provider, often a gynecologist or urogynecologist, in order to schedule a fitting. This can often result in long waitlists at your clinic and involves an assessment of your medical history and condition to determine the right vaginal pessary size and type for your needs.
The fitting itself aims to find the right device for your individual's needs, but it may take many tries and later adjustments to ensure optimal comfort. The ease or difficulty of this process can vary among users.
Once you find the right vaginal pessary for your specific needs, your healthcare provider will guide you on insertion, removal, and maintenance, ensuring your comfort throughout the process.
How Long Do Pessary Rings Last?
The lifespan of a pessary ring varies but typically ranges from several months to a year, after which it should be replaced. Maintenance includes cleaning the pessary as advised by your healthcare professional. It's worth noting that using a pessary ring does not make your incontinence worse or weaken your pelvic floor muscles over time, making it a safe long term solution for managing bladder leaks.
How Uresta Differs from the Pessary Ring
Similar to the pessary ring, Uresta is a safe, simple, and effective solution for you to regain control of your bladder leaks without resorting to surgery. Its unique design sets the Uresta pessary apart from traditional pessaries, featuring an easy-to-use handle for simple insertion and removal. It's also the only over-the-counter pessary available in Canada, eliminating the need for physician fittings and long waitlists to get your prescription. Furthermore, Uresta’s bell shape design means that it can be an effective bladder leak solution for women suffering from mild prolapse (i.e. stages 1 and 2).
Proper cleaning and maintenance of your Uresta device is simple—use soap and water or a natural cleaning gel after each use, and be sure to replace your Uresta device annually.
With five different sizing options, you can discover the perfect fit using our Uresta Start Kit in the comfort of your home, all without a formal physician fitting. Women often keep the full-size range from the starter kits to switch between sizes depending on activity and required level of support, whether it's a typical day or about to do a high-intensity workout.
Curious if Uresta is right for you? Take our Free Assessment!
