For Pelvic Organ Prolapse, POP in a Pessary?

Randomized trial suggests adding a pessary is more effective than pelvic floor exercises alone.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is likely to become even more common as the population ages. In a trial of vaginal pessary use, researchers enrolled 276 women (mean age, 63; median parity, 3) with symptomatic POP awaiting surgery at an academic urogynecology service in Hong Kong. All received training in pelvic floor exercises, then were randomized to these exercises alone (control) or with placement of a ring pessary. The primary outcome was changes in POP symptoms and quality of life at 12 months based on questionnaire responses.

Among women who received pessaries, fitting was successful in 66% and pessary use was ongoing at 12 months in 60%. Vaginal bleeding and discharge were more common in the pessary group, but this difference did not achi…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

For Pelvic Organ Prolapse, POP in a Pessary?

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Reviewing Author