inflatoball pessary

Just wondering if anyone has worn an inflatoball pessary?  It is a pessary that you insert and then inflate.  I was just fitted for one and found it to be very comfortable.  Can not shift around like the ring.  I tried the ring pessary, but I had too much rectal pressure with it.  The down side with the inflatoball pessary is that I will have to clean it more often than the ring, but it is easy to put in and take out.  Don't want surgey.  I have had a uterus prolapse for 30 years and was never told about the pessary.  Found out about it when I started to research having the surgery. Anyway, just wondered if anyone else had long term experience with the inflatoball pessary?

Thanks,
kw1949

[Cherie762]

This device is intended for pelvic support for prolapse...We have a uro-gyn forum that specialises in pelvic prolapse I think you will get better haelp there , so I am going to transfer your post.

If it ends up that you do need uterus removed get back with me Ive help several thousand people with this, and could answer any question you may have about a hysterectomy...Sometimes as much as we do not want it , it in the end solves many problems.

Cheers

Cherie

[sherrieP]

Hi kw,

There are actually over 20 types of pessaries that Cooper Surgical supplies, the inflatoball is just one of them. The type/size of pessary a woman needs will vary with the type/degree of POP a woman has. A urogynecologist can help fine tune which pessary a woman needs if their gynecologist can't get it isolated enough. Often it is a trial and error scenario; some women will have to try a few different types or one type in a few different sizes until the perfect fit is found. The inflatoball is a type of pesssary used in more advanced degrees of POP. I am happy you found a pessary that works well for you.

I have not tried your particular type of pessary but did have a pessary prior to my own surgery (I had 3 types of POP, grade 3). In my situation even though the pessary worked fine, I opted for surgery because I didn't want to deal with insertion removal of pessary when I already had to deal with an extremely hectic schedule. It is a very personal decision whether to use a treatment modem or to opt for surgery-there is no right or wrong, it is a matter of what is right for you.

There are certainly women who opt to use pessaries for the rest of their lives and there are some studies that indicate that after using pessaries for many years a woman's degree of POP is sometimes reduced. I am happy this is working well for you!

Sher

[kw1949]

Thank you for you imput.  I will see how it goes with the inflatoball pessary.  I have just started wearing it.  So I will see how I like the maintence.  It will give me time to decide if I want surgery down the road.

Thanks,
Karen

[sherrieP]

You bet!
Sher

[oklamdretired]

I am long retired but used to stock Inflatoballs in my office. Some that used them for an extended time improved greatly without needing surgery.              

[sherrieP]

Thanks for your input; there is some statistical data that shows many kinds of pessaries do help improve POP level with long term use. Each woman's case is unique of course but for some women this is truly worth a try!

Sher

[oklamdretired]

Thank you. The patient has to have no latex allergy and be competent to remove and clean the ball daily, as it is real latex and will have an odor unless cleaned frequently. It is easy to use however, and I found it best for 3rd of 4th degree prolapse in those that wanted no surgery or had medical contraindications to surgery. I have been retired 12 years, and was surprised Milex makes the very same product used all these many decades.

[sherrieP]

Yes, Milex has since been bought out by Cooper Surgical, they are now the largest supplier of pessaries, distribute globally over 20 types of pessaries. Pessaries have actually been on record since Hippocrates day.

[oklamdretired]

Thank you, Yes, I know such things date back to ancient history, and that there are old medical records of things used for Procidentia. I remember even reading old medical records written over 100 years ago of things people once used on their own, that were later removed, including one 3 5/8 inch Croquet ball that was developing a severe odor. People should never treat procidentia without medical advice.-- but not many doctors now even know much about pessaries compared to many decades ago.

So my advice is to first phone and speak with the doctor's office nurse to see if he stocks inflatoballs, how many sizes he stocks, when she placed a order for new ones, and the last time she remembers him using one on a patient. They are not cheap.

That way, at least you will have a chance to avoid surgery. Also, latex, like auto tires, is a dated material and needs to be reasonably new when first used.

I don't drive many miles, and recently found out the date on my new looking tires was coded and placed on the inside where I had trouble reading how old they were -- then I found the date, and changed to new ones --..before they blew out and caused a wreck.

The dealer told me they were outdated and worthless due to 'old rubber' even though they looked new..

[sherrieP]

The history of pessary use is so intriguing! Thanks so much for your insights!

I do believe women connect with a health care professional when they first learn about pessaries and the type utilized will depend on the type(s) and degree of POP.  Women should also be aware that if their pessary causes discomfort, it is not the right type/size and they need to contact their physician. The inflatoball is currently the only pessary made from latex rubber, the gellhorn is made of acrylic and the others are made from a medical grade non-toxic silicone. Finding the proper pessary is key to long term function and benefit from it.

Love, the comparative thoughts on the tires too!

Sher

[scholz325]

i have terrible pressure  using a gelhorn.....stomsch pain   this is my   6th  pessary.....just so afraid to bear down......can't remove the gelhorn  like some of the others        75 years old   i think i want the surgery

[sherrieP]

Who fitted you, a urogyn or an ob/gyn? What types of POP do you have? If a pessary is not fitted correctly, it will cause discomfort and not be effective. A good urogyn can address pessary use properly and questions about surgery. Step one would be to have exam done by a urogyn to find out exactly what POP issues are going on and then decide on the best treatment path for you. Once you send more details I'll see what else I can suggest for you.
Sher

[dottie2]

I am 68 years old. I have a prolapsed bladder and am incontinent. I have been fitted with the ring with support. Every time the dr removes the pessary to clean it, she tears my vagina...it bleeds for a day or so, and is extremely painful. I might add that I had a bladder repair in 1989 and another one in 08. WOW aren't we glad for these golden years!!

[sherrieP]

Does the pessary fit and work ok for you? Did your gyn show you how to insert and remove it yourself? A basic ring pessary could be removed and reinserted by you at home; would save you time, money, and pain in this case. Your vaginal tissues are probably dry and atrophied (need estrogen), but even with this scenario I would think the dr could use a lubricant to prevent this from happening. If you've already had 2 bladder procedures, it would probably be of benefit to see a  urogynecologist (specialist for pelvic organ prolapse concerns including bladder); this dr will be better able to suit your needs for pessary insights or repair that would last. If you choose to stay with your current dr for this, please ask about an rx for vaginal estrogen to use the day b/4 and day of removal/reinsertion to lubricate the vaginal tissues and help prevent the tearing.

Sher