Management of incarcerated vaginal pessaries

Uterine procidentia is relatively common among white multiparous women. The incidence increases with age in association with other predisposing factors. Conservative management of uterine prolapse is rare today, perhaps due to definitive results with surgical therapy and the high incidence of earlier hysterectomy. Still, physicians should become familiar with pessary use and its complications. Three conservatively managed cases of pessary incarceration are reported. Applications of estrogen cream improved the condition of the vagina, permitting removal of the incarcerated pessary a few day later. Careful instruction of patients and relatives about follow-up care can prevent such complications.