Many women feel confused or overwhelmed when they first realise how many pessary shapes and styles exist
Ring pessaries. Cube pessaries. Gellhorn pessaries. Softer silicone options. Firmer support. Different sizes. Different fittings.
For many women, the language alone can feel overwhelming at first — especially while already coping with pressure, prolapse symptoms, bladder worries or fear about what is happening to their body.
Different pessary shapes exist because every woman’s body, prolapse symptoms and support needs can feel very different. Some women need softer support. Others need stronger support. Some women feel comfortable quickly, while others need adjustments, resizing or different fittings before something begins to feel manageable.
Ring pessaries
Ring pessaries are one of the most commonly used types and are often offered first. Some women describe them as feeling softer, simpler or less intimidating emotionally.
- Often used for support and pressure symptoms
- Can feel less overwhelming visually
- Some women manage removal themselves
- Different firmness levels exist
Cube and Gellhorn pessaries
Some women are offered cube or Gellhorn pessaries when stronger support is needed. These names can sound frightening initially, especially when women begin searching images online late at night while already panicking.
- Often used for stronger support needs
- Some women prefer softer silicone versions
- Removal can feel emotionally daunting initially
- Different women tolerate different shapes differently
Softer versus firmer pessaries
Many women quietly search for pessaries that feel softer, more flexible or easier to manage emotionally and physically.
- Some pessaries fold more easily than others
- Comfort matters as much as support
- Some women struggle with firmer pessaries
- Flexibility can affect confidence and removal fears
If one pessary feels wrong
Many women wrongly assume that if the first pessary feels uncomfortable or unsuitable, their body has somehow failed.
- Different bodies respond differently
- Multiple fittings are very common
- Different prolapse combinations need different support
- Needing adjustments does not mean failure