Pessaries in the Geriatric Patient

Pessaries have been used for centuries in the management of uterine prolapse. Although surgical repair has been popularized by surgeons and gynecologists for younger women with pelvic relaxation, pessaries remain a useful palliative strategy for patients who refuse surgery or represent higher operative risks. Despite the fact that pessaries are commonly used today, there is scant geriatric literature to describe their use among elderly patients. This article will review the indications and management of pessaries among elderly women with the goal of preventing complications and promoting investigation for their clinical application.