Pessary

A pessary ( " penetrate " from Latin pessaries, Greek πεσσων " split " ) is a medical device that is inserted into the vagina or uterus.

Therapeutic pessaries

Pessaries can be inserted as a conservative form of treatment for morbid change in position of the uterus into the vagina. They also serve as a conservative treatment method for stress urinary incontinence. The form of pessaries is very variable, ranging from partial screen-like shell shapes and rings to dice. As silicone and plastic materials are now predominantly used. Until today rigid pessaries porcelain or glass are sometimes used with an outer diameter of usually 55 to 100 mm.

Pessaries have been used in prehistoric times to the treatment of these diseases. During archaeological excavations of prehistoric and early historic burials woman often ring-shaped objects made ​​of ceramic or metal were found to be interpreted by archaeologists and Paläopathologen as pessaries which were centered in the lower pelvic area and. From the Iron Age, specifically the late Hallstatt and early La Tène period, twelve women burials are known so far, where there were earthen pessaries.

Various pessaries made ​​of silicone foam

Pessaries for contraception

As a mechanical contraceptive pessaries are used for contraception. You do not have intrauterine device ( spiral) are inserted into the uterus have been filed so-called diaphragm into the vagina, cervical cap set as the external os or.

Cervical

Intrauterine device ( spiral)