Does pessary use affect sexual function?

This study examined the effects of pessary use on sexual function. Reaserchers concluded that pessaries do not affect sexual outcomes among women using these devices.

Pessaries are small flexible devices inserted into the vagina to provide support for pelvic organs. They are commonly used to treat urinary incontinence among women with pelvic floor weakness, and can provide women with a better quality of life. However, little is known about pessary management in relation to sexual activity. More knowledge about sexual function in pessary users may help address the concerns of women and their partners when considering this treatment.

A total of 127 women took part in this study. They completed questionnaires on sexual function, pessary management and body image before, and 3 months after, beginning pessary use.

Approximately half of women (54%) were sexually active at the start of the study. Sexual function, as reported by women, remained stable from before pessary use and until the end of the study. Pessary use seemed to have no affect on any of the aspects of sexual function investigated, including quality of sex, sexual arousal and achieving orgasm. However, pessary did significantly raise concerns regarding the sexual partner. Many women reported taking their partner’s experience into consideration while managing their pessary use. For example, the majority of sexually active women (70%) removed their pessary for sexual intercourse. About half of women removing the pessary for sex (53%) stated consideration of partner wishes as their primary reason for doing this, not pessary type or comfort.

Pessary use was also shown to improve body self-image. Women satisfaction with pessary use was related to better overall sexual function scores.

Sexual function is not negatively affected by pessary use, which may provide reassurance to those considering this treatment.