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A pessary is a small plastic or silicone medical device or form of pharmaceutical preparation which is inserted into the vagina or rectum and held in place by the pelvic floor musculature.

Therapeutic pessaries

Uses

A therapeutic pessary is used to support the uterus, vagina, bladder or rectum. A pessary is most commonly used to treat prolapse of the uterus. It is also used to treat stress urinary incontinence, a retroverted uterus, cystocele and rectocele.

The pessary is similar to the outer ring of a diaphragm. It can be placed temporarily or permanently and must be fitted by a physician. Most pessaries can be worn during intercourse.

Occlusive pessaries

An occlusive pessary is generally used in combination with spermicide as a contraceptive; please refer to cervical cap for more details.

v • d • e Route of administration / Dosage forms Oral digestive tract: Tablet · Capsule · Orally disintegrating tablet · Elixir respiratory tract: Inhaler (Metered-dose, Dry powder) · Nebulizer Sublingual administration ENT Eye drop · Ear drop Transdermal Ointment · Cream · Transdermal patch · Lotion · Liniment · Gel · Shampoo Injection Subcutaneous · Intravenous · Intramuscular · Intrathecal Vaginal Pessary (vaginal suppository) · Vaginal ring · Douche · Intrauterine device Rectal Suppository · Enema