How to use your pessaries
Written by Helen Marshall, pharmacist
What are pessaries?
Pessaries are solid, bullet-shaped preparations designed for easy insertion into the vagina. They can be inserted using your fingers, or may come with an applicator. Pessaries are normally made of a solid vegetable oil that contains the medicine. The medicine is gradually released into the vagina as the pessary dissolves at body temperature.
How to insert a pessary
- Wash your hands.
- Remove any foil or plastic wrapping from the pessary and applicator (if supplied).
- If an applicator is supplied, push the pessary into the hole at the end of the applicator.
- Sit or lie down with your knees bent and legs apart.
- Gently insert the pessary into the vagina as far as is comfortably possible using either your fingers or the applicator.
- If you are using an applicator, depress the plunger to release the pessary then remove the applicator from your vagina.
- Wash your hands again.
Other useful advice
- If you are pregnant, do not use an applicator to insert pessaries. Use your fingers instead.
- Once in the vagina the pessary will melt and may leak from your vagina. You may find it more comfortable to insert the pessary before going to bed at night rather than during the day. If you do insert it during the day, sanitary towels can be used to prevent any staining of your clothes.
- You should continue to use your pessaries until the course is completed, even if this means inserting them during your monthly period. If you do use them during your period you should use sanitary towels rather than tampons.
- Some pessaries can damage diaphragms and condoms, making them ineffective as contraception. Read the printed instructions in the packet to determine if this applies to your pessaries.
- EXPIRY: never use your pessaries after the expiry date as they may no longer be effective. Follow the printed instructions given with your pessaries.
- STORAGE: store your pessaries in a cool, dry place.
- Always keep medicines out of the reach of children.
- If you forget to insert a pessary (miss a dose), insert the pessary as soon as you remember, and then go on as before.
- Always use the pessaries according to the printed label or as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.
- Pessaries are only intended for vaginal use and must not be taken by mouth.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you accidentally use more than you were supposed to.
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