What does pessary mean?
A pessary is a small device placed in the vagina for medical use. Its best-known use is contraception: a spermicidal pessary releases a substance that helps disable sperm, making it a less common alternative to condoms, oral contraceptives, and other modern methods. Pessaries are also fitted to support the uterus and surrounding pelvic structures when prolapse or displacement causes discomfort. The term may therefore describe either a contraceptive product or a therapeutic support device. In medical contexts, the specific design and purpose are often clarified by phrases such as “contraceptive pessary,” “vaginal pessary,” or “ring pessary.” The word has a clinical tone and is less familiar than “insert” in general conversation, but it remains an important term in gynaecology, reproductive health, and the treatment of pelvic-organ prolapse.
nounA small device inserted into the vagina to prevent pregnancy, often by releasing spermicide. It may also be used medically to support a weakened uterus or treat certain pelvic conditions.
- A contraceptive device inserted into the vagina, usually designed to prevent sperm from reaching the cervix.
- A vaginal support device used to help prevent or treat uterine prolapse and related pelvic-organ displacement.
"The doctor recommended a vaginal pessary to support the uterus and relieve the pressure caused by prolapse."
"She used a spermicide pessary for contraception."
"A ring pessary was fitted to support her prolapsed uterus."
The standard plural is “pessaries.”
"The nurse explained how to insert and remove the pessaries correctly."
From a Greek word meaning a plug or tampon, the pessary has served both as contraception and as a support for pelvic organs.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pessary come from?
Pessary entered English through Latin pessarium, a term for a vaginal insert or suppository. The Latin word derives from Greek pessos, meaning a plug or tampon. Its modern medical uses developed from the original sense of an object inserted into the vagina, with applications ranging from contraception to support for prolapsed pelvic organs.
Related word forms
How pessary is actually used
The term is primarily medical. In specialist writing, “pessary” may refer broadly to an intravaginal device, while contraceptive use often specifies “contraceptive pessary” or “spermicidal pessary.” The word can sound formal or unfamiliar to speakers who normally say “vaginal insert.”
Easily confused with pessary
A diaphragm is a flexible barrier that covers the cervix, whereas a pessary may release spermicide or provide support for pelvic organs.
Pessarium is an uncommon alternative form of pessary and is especially associated with medical usage.