Pessaries are made of medical grade silicone. They should be washed at least once a week with liquid dishwashing soap. Never use bleach or harsh cleaners. If you need to use lubrication for insertion, use a water-based lubricant such as KY jelly or Astroglide. You may continue to be sexually active with most styles of pessaries in place. If after your initial pessary fitting you are having difficulty emptying your bowels, passing urine, or if the pessary feels uncomfortablle, please contact your nurse or doctor's office. YOU SHOULD REPORT ANY UNUSUAL VAGINAL DISCHARGE, ODOR OR BLEEDING.

To Remove The Pessary

• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Either lift one leg on a foot stool or sit on the toilet.
• Put your middle finger into the vagina and feel for the pessary.
• Bear down as if you were having a bowel movement.
• Grab the pessary and pull it down and out. Fold the pessary if possible.
• Wash the pessary with dishwashing soap. Clean all the holes with a pipe cleaner and
• rinse well.
• Leave the pessary out overnight at least once a week.
• Store the pessary in a clean, dry facecloth or a clean cloth make-up bag.
• Keep the pessary away from children or pets.
  

To Insert The Pessary

• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Put a small amount of lubricant on your finger and insert it inside your vagina.
• Rinse your hands again so they are not slippery.
• Lie down or stand up with one leg on a footstool.
• Separate the lips of your vagina (labia) to expose the opening of the vagina.
• Insert the folded pessary and push it up as high as you can.
• DO NOT WORRY, THE PESSARY CANNOT GO UP TOO FAR.
• Wash your hands.
• If it doesn't feel right