The use of vaginal pessaries for uterine prolapse

Vaginal pessaries are useful for treating uterine prolapse when surgical intervention is not a safe option. This article covers recommendations for selection, insertion and care of the appliance. Careful follow-up is necessary to minimize possible complications, which can include infection, ulceration of the mucosa, incarceration of the pessary, and an increased incidence of vaginal and cervical malignancy. Disagreement within the literature about the proper schedule for follow-up, and inadequate documentation of the risks of pessary usage underscore the need for clinical research in this area.