Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when the uterus, bladder, or bowel move into the vaginal canal due to weakened pelvic support structures. POP can impact quality of life through symptoms such as pelvic pressure, back pain, urinary or bowel issues, and difficulty with sexual or menstrual care.

Vaginal pessaries are a common, non-surgical treatment that support the prolapsed organs to alleviate symptoms. Ongoing care includes removal, cleaning, and reinsertion of the pessary—typically every six months—either by a clinician or by a trained patient. All pessary users require regular clinical review to ensure safety and effectiveness.

This module provides theoretical training for healthcare professionals in the ongoing care and complication management of vaginal ring pessaries.

After completing this theoretical course learners will be able to:

• Describe how ring pessaries can be used to alleviate symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (POP)
• Outline the steps involved in removing, cleaning, inspecting and reinserting ring pessaries 
• List the most common complications that may occur, and how to manage these
• Note that this module does not train first fitting of pessaries
  

After completing the theory module, trainees may begin practical training using the assessment form available in the downloads section.

Written by

Vanessa May, Associate Director of Nursing - Well Women & Family, St Lukes, Auckland
Helen Paterson, Educational Advisory Committee Lead, NZCSRH
Melanie Pierson, content creator/editor, NZSCRH

Reviewed by

Jacque Cavanagh, internal reviewer (consumer representative NZCSRH)
Jo Lambert, internal reviewer (cultural safety representative NZCSRH)
Katie McCullough, internal reviewer (NZCSRH Board member)

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