Definition

Noun: 1. A medical device inserted into the vagina: Specifically, a pessary is a small, flexible device, often ring-shaped or dome-shaped, that is inserted into the vagina to support a prolapsed uterus or bladder. This is its primary and most common medical meaning. 2. A contraceptive device: Historically, the term also referred to a contraceptive device, such as a diaphragm, which is a flexible dome placed over the cervix to prevent pregnancy. This usage is now less common, with more specific terms like "diaphragm" being preferred.

Usage

• The word "pessary" is a medical term. It is used by healthcare professionals and in patient education materials.
• It is typically used with verbs like insert, fit, use, prescribe, or remove.
• It is often modified by the purpose (e.g., , ) or the condition it treats (e.g., ).

Examples

• Medical Support Device:
  • After childbirth, her doctor recommended a pessary to manage her uterine prolapse.
  • The patient found the ring pessary to be a comfortable and effective non-surgical option.
• Historical/Contraceptive Device:
  • In the early 20th century, a contraceptive pessary was a common form of birth control.

Advanced Usage

• "To be fitted for a pessary": This phrase describes the medical procedure where a healthcare professional determines the correct size and type of pessary for an individual patient.
  • She visited the gynecologist to be fitted for a pessary.

Variants and Related Words

• Diaphragm (n): A specific type of contraceptive pessary. This is the more modern and precise term for the birth control device.
• Vaginal ring (n): While often referring to hormonal contraception (e.g., NuvaRing), the term can sometimes be used informally in a similar context to a supportive pessary, though they are different devices.
• Support device (n): A general term that includes pessaries.

Synonyms

• Vaginal support device: A more descriptive synonym for the primary meaning.
• Diaphragm: A synonym specifically for the contraceptive meaning.
• Intravaginal device: A formal, general term.

Notes on Different Meanings

1. Primary Meaning (Modern): A device for pelvic organ support. This is the dominant meaning in contemporary medical practice.
2. Secondary/Historical Meaning: A contraceptive barrier device. This meaning is largely archaic in professional contexts, replaced by "diaphragm."

Important Note

• CRITICAL DISTINCTION: The provided reference context defines "pessary" solely as a contraceptive device (a diaphragm). This is an incomplete and somewhat outdated definition for general English. The primary definition in modern English, especially in medical contexts, is a device for supporting pelvic organs. Learners should be aware of both meanings but understand that the supportive device meaning is now more prevalent.

Noun

1. a contraceptive device consisting of a flexible dome-shaped cup made of rubber or plastic; it is filled with spermicide and fitted over the uterine cervix