Gellhorn, anyone??

Body: 

I was at my GYN's office today after a year post-op (sacral colpopexy, cystocele, rectocele repair). I have had some problems with reoccuring prolapse of the vaginal wall. He suggested a pessary and he fitted me with a Gellhorn. It felt comfortable and I was able to urinate with no difficulty. What I didn't realize was you couldn't have sexual relations with this type of pessary. I would have to return in 6 months for him to take it out and clean it.

Does anyone have previous experience with this pessary?

So...your doc gave you a pessary to wear for 6 months straight, and forgot to mention that you can't wear it for sex? Ooops. Can you go back and have him teach you how to remove, clean and replace it? That's a much better deal with a pessary anyway. Your tissues need to breathe and they need a break from having a foreign body taking up residence. I'd give the office a call if I were you. - Surviving

Can you also ask why you are having recurring prolapse problems after only one year post prolapse repair?
Just for your own benefit and information.

There are other types of pessaries and Christine talks about them in her book "Saving the whole Woman". You could also put pessary or gellhorn in the search box at the top of this page and have a look through previous threads at what other women have had to say re pessaries. Some women find them helpful, others not so. But ultimately the type of pessary must suit you re correct fit and comfort, but also your lifestyle and being in control also helps.

best wishes, Fab

If you are married and your doctor failed to tell you sex was not recommended with that pessary in place then you need a new doctor! Honestly. I have a donut (ring) pessary that I can remove daily. I wear it pretty much only when I exercise at this point. I have not had surgery but live with uterine prolapse, anterior and posterior prolapse along with it (all Stage 2).

I am finding the WW posture helps a lot with day to day discomfort. I wish I could spend my entire day in the 'bent at the hips' position! It is wonderful.

Go back and talk some more. Find another pessary that works with your life style. Personally, the pessary can always come out so I would not leave that office not knowing how to put it back in!

Take care.

Spammie, I think you will find that the more your body settles into correct posture on a permanent basis, the more this will approximate the "bent at the hips" relief that you are feeling. You're training those organs to stay pinned over the pubic bones. Keep up the good work! - Surviving

There are several kinds of pessaries. I am shocked that your doctor would fit you for one for six months and not let you know that you cannot have sex with it. I do hope you will follow Surviving's suggestion and go back to get another type that you can put in when you need it and take out for the night or for sex. I do not have any pessary experience but they are discussed in Christine's book. Some are made for the doctor to remove, some are fine for you to remove. Both however should have been explained to you so that you could make the decision that you think is best for you. Best wishes to you!