Editing Pessary (section)

{{Short description|Device inserted into the vagina for medical purposes}}
{{More citations needed|date=May 2008}}
[[File:Gold-Plated Stem Pessary Intrauterine Device 2017.020.jpg|thumb|right|Gold-plated stem pessary ([[intrauterine device]]) from 1920]]
A '''pessary''' is a prosthetic device inserted into the [[Human vagina|vagina]] for structural and pharmaceutical purposes. It is most commonly used to treat [[Stress incontinence|stress urinary incontinence]] to stop urinary leakage and to treat [[pelvic organ prolapse]] to maintain the location of organs in the pelvic region.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Pessaries - Treatments |publisher=Voices for PFD|url=https://www.voicesforpfd.org/about/pessaries/|access-date=2020-07-28 }}</ref> It can also be used to administer medications locally in the vagina or as a method of [[contraception]]. 

Pessaries come in different shapes and sizes, so it is important that individuals be fitted for them by health care professionals to avoid any complications.<ref name=":1" /> However, there are a few instances and circumstances that allow pessaries to be purchased without a prescription or without seeking help from a health care professional.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Cystoceles, Urethroceles, Enteroceles, and Rectoceles - Gynecology and Obstetrics - Merck Manuals Professional Edition|language=en-US|work=Merck Manuals Professional Edition|url=https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/pelvic-relaxation-syndromes/cystoceles,-urethroceles,-enteroceles,-and-rectoceles|access-date=2017-12-29}}</ref> Some side effects may occur if pessaries are not sized properly or regularly maintained, but with the appropriate care, pessaries are generally safe and well tolerated.<ref name=":6" />