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Prolapse and ring pessaries

(11 Posts)
Tickettyboo22 Thu 28-Sept-23 12:38:25

I have had a slight prolapse for eighteen months and was told by my doctor I had a dry vagina. I have gone through prescribed tubes of Oestrogen cream and packets of Oestrogen pessaries, all the while feeling more and more unbearably sore. I was put on the waiting list to see a Gynecologist. A few weeks before my appointment with the Gyne I could no longer bear the pain and soreness so made the decision to stop the oestrogen altogether. To my utter surprise within a few days, I wasn't so sore, and as the weeks passed the soreness all but disappeared. ( I now occasionally use the Wellsprings plant-based oestrogen externally if I feel a slight soreness). The gyne concluded that I had a prolapsed bowel which was pressing into my vagina and she gave me 3 options - do nothing, have a ring inserted, or an 18-month wait for a corrective operation. I said I'd try the ring as I'd be nearly 75 by the time an operation could be done. Having read up on the pros and cons of the ring I feel very apprehensive of having one. Are there any success stories on Gransnet of having a ring? Your experiences and advice would be most welcome.

StMary Thu 28-Sept-23 13:01:10

Hi, I've had the same problem you for years.. Including urine infection. I discussed having pessary ring and at first fitting it was awful. So much pain down below due to vaginitis.. She gave me some cream to inserter and by 2 weeks i felt better. So had the next pessary ring fitted. No problem. I can now remove mine and put new one in. I realised what I thought was urine infection was due to prolapse... My sister had the lift off the prolapse and it didn't work. So she's back to square one. I'm just going to carry on as I am.

Tickettyboo22 Thu 28-Sept-23 13:20:52

StMary, thank you that's encouraging.

joannapiano Thu 28-Sept-23 15:49:21

I had a bladder and bowel prolapse op 5 years ago, absolutely no problems. My sister in law has other problems, so opted for a ring pessary instead.

tiredoldwoman Thu 28-Sept-23 17:35:24

I gave myself a prolapse lifting a bookcase 2 years ago . I've now got a ring pessary and it's helped enormously - no more ' call the midwife , I can feel a baby's head ' moments whilst in the shower ! All well supported now !

MarathonRunner Sun 01-Oct-23 15:20:00

I've had a ring pessary for 8yrs . I have bowel and bladder prolapse . I have it changed at the gynaecology clinic at local hospital every 6 months and recently I've been using ovestin cream twice a week .
The first year of using the ring was a bit hit and miss , getting the size right . It kept coming out when I went to no 2s.
Eventually with a very patient gynaecologist I got it right and trained myself to go without straining . Its a complete success now , once its in I don't know it's there , it's a 5 minute appt every 6 months .
I didn't want surgery as I'm a bit of a coward and at the time there were lots of reports of problems .
I don't feel my prolapse anymore when walking etc and I would be uncomfortable without it , it's worth a try if you don't want surgery but you might have to be patient in the beginning .
All the best , good luck .

Tickettyboo22 Mon 02-Oct-23 11:03:28

Joannapiano, thank you for your input. Very helpful and I'm feeling less apprehensive.

Tickettyboo22 Mon 02-Oct-23 11:29:49

Tiredoldwoman, I'm so glad you're well supported now and not lifting any more bookcases!? Thinking back I'm sure I contributed to my prolapse by being "Ms. Indepenant" and lifting heavy furniture during the last couple of years. Thank you for your reply.

Tickettyboo22 Mon 02-Oct-23 11:53:53

MarathonRunner, thank you so very much for taking the time to write your comprehensive reply. It is most helpful, in so many ways.

GrannyIris5 Sat 14-Oct-23 17:50:36

Wonder if anyone has advice for my next visit. I had my first ring fitted in May and returned today to have it removed and a new one fitted.
The removal was painful and I feel very sore, the new one going in was fine.
Is it worth taking some paracetamol before my next appointment? Really wasn’t expecting it to be so painful, a bit like having the placenta delivered after a birth

clementine Thu 19-Oct-23 11:22:42

Had a ring pessary inserted three years ago. I kept feeling something coming down though two doctors and a pelvic health physio kept telling me I hadn't a prolapse! Went privately to a urogynaecologist who said there was a mild degree and recommended a pessary. He fitted the first one and then since I have gone to my GP as can't manage to remove it myself . Recently the removal has been quite " ouchy" so I think next time I will do extra localised Oestrogen in the preceding weeks and hopefully that will do the trick . As it's literally only a second or two of discomfort I don't need analgesia .