The pessary process: Spanish-speaking Latinas' experience

Area of Science:

• Urogynecology
• Women's Health
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) management often involves conservative options.
• Understanding women's lived experiences with conservative POP treatments like pessaries is limited.
• Spanish-speaking women's perspectives on pessary use are particularly underrepresented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences of Spanish-speaking women who choose conservative management of pelvic organ prolapse using a pessary.
• To identify key factors influencing patient satisfaction and adaptation to pessary use.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing grounded theory methodology.
• Semi-structured interviews conducted with 16 Spanish-speaking women using pessaries for at least one month.
• Analysis of interview transcripts focusing on symptom relief, pessary management, and quality of life.

Main Results:

• A central theme of a 'pessary adjustment process' emerged.
• This process involves initial decision-making, a period of physical and mental adaptation, and eventual symptom relief.
• Physician recommendation and personal choice significantly influence the decision to use a pessary.

Conclusions:

• Spanish-speaking women navigate a distinct adjustment process when using pessaries for pelvic organ prolapse.
• Physician involvement is crucial in both the decision to use a pessary and the patient's ability to adapt.
• Comprehensive, individualized care from a multidisciplinary healthcare team enhances successful pessary adaptation and management.