Online Pessary Care and Support for Women in California
QuickStop Health provides online pessary care and support for women in California through secure telehealth visits with licensed providers. Virtual care allows women using pessaries to discuss symptoms, comfort concerns, and care questions without waiting for an in-person appointment.
Telehealth can be helpful for ongoing support, troubleshooting, and symptom review when hands-on evaluation is not immediately required. Each visit is evaluated individually to determine whether virtual care is appropriate or if in-person follow-up is needed.
Care Led by Licensed Women’s Health Providers
How Pessary Care Is Supported Through Telehealth
Many women use pessaries to manage pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence as a non-surgical option. While pessaries can be effective, questions or discomfort can arise over time.
During your virtual visit, your provider may ask:
What type of pessary you are using, if known
When your last in-person fitting or exam occurred
Whether you’ve had difficulty inserting, removing, or cleaning the pessary
If you are experiencing discharge, odor, irritation, or bleeding
Whether the pessary feels uncomfortable or no longer fits well
Any history of infections or worsening symptoms
If you are comfortable, you may share photos of external symptoms only. A physical exam cannot be performed through telehealth, but providers can help guide next steps and determine whether in-person care is needed.
What Telehealth Can and Cannot Provide
Telehealth Can Help With:
Reviewing symptoms such as discomfort, odor, discharge, or spotting
Troubleshooting pessary positioning or comfort concerns
Guidance on cleaning, care routines, and wear schedules
Identifying signs that a refitting or replacement may be needed
Monitoring for possible complications
Referrals for in-person evaluation when appropriate
Telehealth Cannot:
Insert or remove a pessary
Size or fit a new pessary
Prescribe a pessary device without in-person evaluation
If hands-on care is needed, your provider will explain why and help guide you to appropriate local care.
Prescriptions are not guaranteed and are provided only when clinically appropriate.
Pessary Care 101: What It Is and Why It Matters
A pessary is a removable medical device placed in the vagina to support pelvic organs. It is commonly used to manage pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.
Pessaries come in different shapes and sizes, including ring, Gellhorn, and cube designs. Because the body can change over time, occasional reassessment is important to maintain comfort and effectiveness.
Why Women Use Pessaries
Pessaries may be recommended:
After childbirth if pelvic floor support has weakened
During perimenopause or menopause
When prolapse or bladder symptoms affect daily life
When surgery is not desired or medically appropriate
They may help reduce symptoms such as:
Pelvic pressure or heaviness
A sensation of bulging
Urine leakage during activity or sneezing
Difficulty with bladder or bowel emptying
What Happens If Care Is Delayed?
Without appropriate monitoring, pessary-related issues may lead to:
Vaginal irritation or ulceration
Increased risk of infection
Ongoing discomfort during daily activities
Difficulty removing or reinserting the device
Worsening pelvic floor symptoms
Regular check-ins help support comfort and long-term use.
How to Prepare for Your Online Pessary Appointment
To get the most out of your visit:
Note your symptoms and when they began
Identify your pessary type, if known
Be ready to discuss care routines and comfort changes
Choose a private space for your visit
Prepare questions about care or follow-up
QuickStop Health uses HIPAA-compliant platforms and does not sell personal information. Your visit remains private and secure.
When In-Person or Emergency Care Is Needed
- You cannot remove the pessary on your own
- You have signs of infection (fever, chills, foul discharge)
- There is heavy bleeding or sudden pain
- You experience urinary retention or can't pass urine
Frequently Asked Questions
Pessary maintenance includes regular cleaning, monitoring for irritation or infection, and checking that the device is still fitting comfortably. Depending on the type of pessary and your personal health plan, some people clean and reinsert their own pessary at home, while others visit a provider for scheduled cleanings. Proper maintenance helps prevent discharge, odour, discomfort, or complications like vaginal sores.
This depends on the type of pessary and your ability to manage it yourself. Many users clean their pessary every one to two weeks at home using mild soap and water, then reinsert it. Others may go to a provider every few months for cleaning and checks. If you notice increased discharge, odour, or irritation, you may need more frequent care.
Some pessaries can be left in place for several days to weeks, while others are removed daily. The right schedule depends on the pessary type and your personal care plan. Your provider will recommend how long to leave yours in before removal and cleaning. Regular follow-ups are important to check for fit and avoid long-term issues like erosion or infection.
Avoid using harsh soaps, douching, or inserting other products unless your provider recommends them. If your pessary is causing pain, bleeding, or discomfort, do not try to force it or leave it in without follow-up. Also, avoid skipping your scheduled maintenance or cleaning routine. Consistent care is key to staying comfortable and preventing complications.
No, your pessary should stay in place when you urinate. It sits in the vagina, separate from the urethra, so normal peeing or bowel movements should not dislodge it. If your pessary feels like it’s shifting or falling out during daily activities, it might be the wrong size or shape, and your provider may need to re-fit it.