Impact of a vaginal pessary on the quality of life in women with pelvic organ prolapse

Abstract

Background: Vaginal pessaries have been used as an option for conservative treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. Objectives: To determine if vaginal pessaries improve vaginal symptoms, quality of life, and satisfaction in women with pelvic organ prolapse after 3 to 6 months of pessary use. Methods: This was a prospective observational study in a cohort of women presenting for a vaginal pessary fitting for pelvic organ prolapse. The women were asked to complete an International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms and evaluate their satisfaction using visual analog satisfaction scale before being fitted for the vaginal pessary, and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Results: Of the 40 women eligible to be included in this study, all vaginal symptoms and overall quality of life scores significantly improved after 3 and 6 months of treatment (P < 0.001). Moreover, the satisfaction scale increased significantly (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The use of a vaginal pessary for up to 6 months improved vaginal symptoms, quality of life and satisfaction in women with pelvic organ prolapse.