Ask An Expert: Vaginal Surgery and Sex

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Ask An Expert: Vaginal Surgery and Sex

Question:

After having a vaginal pessary placed, can you have sex or would it be painful still? Is it unhealthy or dangerous?

Answer:

A vaginal pessary is a silicone device inserted into the vagina to treat pelvic floor prolapse and urinary stress incontinence. Prolapse is a type of hernia caused by damage to the tissues that suspend the bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum from the pelvic bones. Patients with prolapse often have pressure and an uncomfortable bulge of tissue at the vaginal opening. Damage to tissues may result from several factors including childbirth, aging and chronic strain.

Correcting prolapse requires surgery to repair damaged tissues. However, as an alternative to surgery, patients may use a pessary to relieve their symptoms. Pessaries come in different shapes and sizes. Most are ring-shaped and are fit by a doctor during an office visit. The pessary must be removed periodically for cleaning to prevent infections and irritation of the vaginal walls.

Some pessaries, for example the ring type, may be left in place during sexual intercourse, as long it causes no discomfort to either partner. Other pessaries are bulky and must be removed for sex. Women should be instructed in all aspects of care and be encouraged to ask questions for managing their unique circumstances for successful use of a pessary.

Joan Bengtson, M.D., is assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproduction at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Last updated:	July 01, 2007