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How do I insert the Gellhorn Pessary ?
Pessaries can easily be inserted on your own. Check the Gellhorn Pessary
for intactness, cleanliness, discolouration, damage and wear marks. The
pessary has to be replaced by a new one should damage or changes on the
surface be visible.
You should insert the Gellhorn Pessary into the vagina in the mornings
and remove it in the evenings in order for the sensitive vaginal tissue to
be able to recover overnight. In certain cases the pessary may remain
inserted during the night or be replaced by a smaller pessary at night.
Instead of changing the Gellhorn Pessary themselves, many older patients
leave this to their physician. Removal and reinsertion is necessary every,
or every other week. Please follow your doctor’s instructions for this.
Wash your hands prior to inserting the pessary. To ease insertion it is
recommended that a lubricant, such as Ladysoft, be used. If needed, the
Gellhorn Pessary may be coated with a cream or gel containing oestrogen.
To begin with, all prolapsed organs have to be pushed back into their
correct position (please have your physician exactly explain all necessary
movements for this). Now insert the pessary into the vagina with the
handle facing downward. It may be helpful to place one leg e.g. on the
edge of your bed. Some women find it easier to insert the Gellhorn Pessary
in a crouching or lying position. You could also lean against a wall with
your legs slightly spread and then insert the pessary. Try out which
method is best for you. Use your right hand to gently push the cup -
coated with Ladysoft – towards the back and bottom of your vagina. Pay
attention to the sensitive bulge of the urethra. Once the ring has slipped
past the urethra, turn the cup horizontally and push it as far up as
possible. Usually the tip of the stem is still visible.