sea sponges

Body: 

Hi...I am new to the forum...I had a hysterectomy almost 30 years ago...no prolapse until about 10 years ago...Gyno wanted to do surgery...I had no insurance and said "no"...Found a Doctor to prescribe a pessary...it has worked for the last ten years but now things are trying to get out around the pessary...I got some sea sponges...Inserted a sea sponge and then the pessary and it works to keep things up...but..there were no directions on how often to remove the sea sponge...Nightly? and then wash it and re-insert? I am seeing another gyno on the 29th to see just what it is that is sneaking out...but would appreciate any input from you women who know probably more than the gyno...Olive

Hi Olive

Glad to hear you had some success with the sponges. I used them for a while when I first realised I had pop but don't feel I need them now. I changed mine about as often as a tampon ( say four hourly) and was meticulous about rinsing them and cleaning them once a weak in a tea tree oil solution ( just one drop in a bowl of warm water - soak them and afterwards rinse very thoroughly and alow to air dry). I never had any infection or discomfort problems with them with this method - however, I am pre-menopausal which might be why I tolerated them well - I know some women don't. However, it sounds like you are comfortable with them too, which is very encouraging.

All the very best with your POP. I've been using the forum for three and a half months and have learnt a lot about managing my urethrocele. There is so much useful knowledge shared here. have you read Christine's book yet?