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.
What are the different types of pessaries for prolapse?
If you've started looking at pessaries, you may already have come across names like ring, cube and Gellhorn — and wondered how you're supposed to know which one might be right for you.
There isn't one pessary that suits every woman. Different shapes and sizes offer different kinds of support, and sometimes finding one that feels comfortable means trying more than one.
A ring pessary is commonly one of the first types women are offered, while cube or Gellhorn pessaries may be suggested when a different kind of support is needed. What matters is finding something that supports you and feels manageable in your everyday life.
Ring pessaries
Ring pessaries are the most commonly used type of pessary and are often one of the first types women are offered. They come in different sizes, so finding the right fit may take more than one try. Some women describe them as feeling softer, simpler or a little less intimidating than they expected.
- Used to support the pelvic organs and help reduce prolapse symptoms
- Available in different sizes
- Some women can learn to remove and replace their ring themselves
- Sex can be possible with some ring pessaries in place
Cube pessaries
Cube pessaries can be offered when a different or stronger kind of support is needed. Seeing the shape for the first time can feel a little daunting, but understanding how it works and how it is managed can make it feel less unfamiliar.
- Can be used when more support is needed
- Available in different sizes
- Usually removed regularly rather than left in continuously
- You can ask to be shown how to remove and replace it
Gellhorn pessaries
A Gellhorn pessary may be suggested when a ring pessary does not give enough support or when a different type of support is needed. The name and shape can sound quite intimidating at first, particularly if you've found yourself looking at pictures online before anyone has explained it to you.
- Often used when stronger support is needed
- Available in different sizes
- Usually fitted and managed with help from a healthcare professional
- If it feels uncomfortable or doesn't seem right, you can ask for the fit to be checked
What if I'm worried about removing a pessary?
The thought of removing a pessary yourself can feel daunting, especially when everything is still new. You don't have to know how to do it straight away, and not every type of pessary is managed in the same way.
- Some women learn to remove and replace their pessary themselves
- Some pessaries need more regular removal than others
- You can ask to be shown how to remove and replace yours
- If you're not comfortable managing it yourself, talk to the person looking after your pessary care
What if a pessary doesn't feel right?
If the first pessary you try feels uncomfortable, slips, causes pressure or simply doesn't feel right, it's easy to wonder whether pessaries just aren't going to work for you.
Finding the right fit can take more than one try. A different size or type may feel very different, and needing another fitting doesn't mean your body has failed.
- Tell the person fitting it if it feels painful or uncomfortable
- A different size, shape or type may suit you better
- Slipping or problems with your bladder or bowel are worth mentioning
- You can ask for the fit to be checked rather than simply putting up with it