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Symptomatic and anatomic improvement of pelvic organ prolapse in vaginal pessary users

International Urogynecology Journal volume 32, pages 1023–1029 (2021)Cite this article

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

The vaginal pessary is a conservative method for treating pelvic organ prolapse (POP). It is able to reduce symptoms with minimal complications, improving quality of life (QOL). This study’s hypothesis was that the use of pessaries decreases quantitative measures and improves women’s QOL. We aimed to evaluate the effects of the use of a ring pessary on the quantitative measurements of POP by the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) and on QOL.

Methods

Prospective cohort study divided in two stages. In stage I POP-Q and QOL were assessed prior to the use of the ring pessary and in stage II after its use for at least 4 months with pessary removal 72 h before clinical evaluation. Wilcoxon tests were performed for necessary comparisons and Spearman’s tests for calculating correlations.

Results

One hundred thirty-six women were evaluated, of which 50 were included. There was a decrease in POP in at least one of the vaginal compartments in the women included. When assessing individual measures (Ba, Bp and C), reductions in all measures were observed. There was also an improvement in the general and specific quality of life of women.

Conclusion

The ring pessary proved to be a good therapeutic option, with a reduction in POP-Q measurements and/or absence of POP progression in the short term and an improvement in women’s QOL.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Universidade Federal do Ceará-UFC, 2930 Comodoro Estácio Brígido Street, ap. 303/B-Engenheiro Luciano Cavalcante, Fortaleza, Brazil

    Lanuza Celes Mendes, Leonardo Robson Pinheiro Sobreira Bezerra, Andreisa Paiva Monteiro Bilhar, José Ananias Vasconcelos Neto, Camila Teixeira Moreira Vasconcelos, Dayana Maia Saboia & Sara Arcanjo Lino Karbage

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  1. Lanuza Celes Mendes
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  2. Leonardo Robson Pinheiro Sobreira Bezerra
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  4. José Ananias Vasconcelos Neto
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Correspondence to Lanuza Celes Mendes.

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Mendes, L.C., Bezerra, L.R.P.S., Bilhar, A.P.M. et al. Symptomatic and anatomic improvement of pelvic organ prolapse in vaginal pessary users. Int Urogynecol J 32, 1023–1029 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-020-04540-w

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Keywords

  • Pessary
  • Pelvic organs prolapse
  • Vaginal prolapse
  • Conservative treatment