How to Clean and Care for Your Pessary: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pelvic health may not be talked about often—but it should be. If you’re using a pessary for prolapse, incontinence, or post-surgery support, caring for it is just as crucial as getting the right fit. This small, silicone device works hard to support your pelvic organs but needs regular cleaning to stay safe and effective. 

A pessary can cause irritation, infection, foul odour, or tissue damage without proper care. At In Step Physical Therapy Clinic, we simplify it’s care through cleaning, signs it’s time for a replacement, and when to check in with a professional. With physiotherapy in Edmonton that supports every stage of pelvic health—including pessary care—we’re here to help.

Complete Care Of Pessary Cleaning Routine 

At In Step, we guide patients through proper pessary care as part of their pelvic-focused physiotherapy in Edmonton. For most pessary users, a once or twice weekly cleaning at home is ideal. However, the frequency may vary depending on:

• Types you use (e.g., ring vs. Gellhorn)
• Your personal anatomy
• Whether you’re postmenopausal
• If you’ve had past infections or irritation
• Always follow the care instructions given by our pelvic floor physiotherapist.

Step 1: Clean Hands, Always

Before you touch your pessary—or your vaginal area—hand hygiene is needed. Your hands may carry germs even if they look clean. Washing them thoroughly ensures you’re not introducing unwanted bacteria to this sensitive area.

• Use warm water to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
• Scrub under the nails and between the fingers.
• Rinse and dry with a clean towel.
• Keep unscented hand soap or hand sanitizer in your designated care and easy cleaning of pessary access. 

Step 2: Gentle Removal

Now that your hands are clean, it’s time to remove your pessary safely. This step might feel tricky at first, especially if you’re new to it—but it becomes second nature with practice.

• Standing with one foot on a raised surface (like a bathtub edge or toilet seat)
• Squatting slightly over a towel or toilet
• Lying down with your knees bent

How to remove it:

• Insert your clean index finger into your vagina.
• Gently hook it under the rim or edge of the it.
• Slowly pull it downward and out, guiding the shape with care.
• If removal feels painful, gets stuck, or you’re not confident, please don’t force it. We’re here to support you—without pressure or judgment.

Step 3: Rinse with Warm Water

Once you’ve removed the pessary, your first step in the cleaning process is a simple warm water rinse. This helps to:

• Loosen any discharge, mucus, or surface residue
• Soften any debris stuck in minor grooves or edges
• Prep the surface for a more effective soap-clean
• Hold it under a steady stream of warm water (not hot!).
• Rotate it gently in your hands to allow water to wash over all sides.
• Don’t use brushes, sponges, or rough cloths—your fingers are enough.
•  It’s gentle on the silicone material and helps maintain it’s shape and lifespan. Avoid boiling water or soaking it in harsh solutions, which can cause damage over time.

Step 4: Wash Thoroughly with Mild Soap & Rinse Completely

Now that you’ve rinsed off the initial residue, it’s time to give your pessary a proper, gentle clean. This step involves using the right soap and ensuring no residue is left behind afterward.

• Place it in your hand and apply a small amount of soap.
• Gently rub the pessary between your fingers, paying close attention to any grooves or textured areas, especially if using a cube or Gellhorn pessary.
• Avoid scrubbing hard—you aim to clean, not wear down the surface.
• Rinse it under warm running water for at least 30 seconds.
• Rotate and inspect it to ensure all soapy residue is gone—especially in curves, edges, or indentations.
• If you have sensitive skin or a history of irritation, rinse a little longer to be safe.

Step 5: Dry Properly & Reinsert or Store with Care

Once your pessary is completely clean and rinsed, it’s time to finish your routine with proper drying—and either reinsertion or safe storage, depending on what’s next for you. You have two simple, safe options:

• Pat dry with a clean, soft towel used only for pessary care.
• Air dry by placing the pessary on a sanitized surface, like a paper towel, clean tray, or dedicated care area.
• Avoid: Used towels, tissues, or bathroom counters. These surfaces can carry bacteria and compromise the cleanliness of your device.

Ready to Reinsert?

• Apply a small amount of water-based lubricant like K-Y Jelly to it or vaginal opening to reduce friction and help to make insertion more comfortable.
• Depending on its type (e.g., cube or ring pessary), gently fold or angle the pessary and slowly guide it back into place.
• It should sit comfortably and securely—you shouldn’t feel pain, pressure, or discomfort.

Not Reinserted Yet? Store It Safely.

• Place the completely dry pessary in a clean container with a lid.
• Store it somewhere cool, clean, and away from moisture or direct sunlight.
• Never store your pessary wrapped in tissue or tossed into a drawer—this can lead to contamination or surface damage.

Following the routine above helps you stay on your day-to-day care. However, regular in-clinic visits ensure your vaginal tissue is healthy and your pessary is still doing its job safely.

You’re Not Alone—We’re With You Every Step

Caring for your pessary isn’t just a routine—it’s an essential part of your pelvic health journey. At In Step Physical Therapy, we’re here to walk beside you. Whether you need guidance or support, our approach is gentle, supportive, and focused on you. Let’s make pessary care easy, empowering, and stress out together with the help of physiotherapy in Edmonton. Book your pessary consultation or follow-up today with In Step Physiotherapy Clinic and experience our support tailored to your needs.

Schedule your visit now and take the next step toward comfort, control, and confidence.