Women’s Health

Portia by Bray vaginal ring pessaries for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is a state of pelvic relaxation due to a disorder of the pelvic structures resulting in a downward descent of one or more of the pelvic organs. This lack of pelvic support can occur through birth trauma, chronic cough, chronic constipation, heavy lifting, obesity, atrophic changes and intrinsic weakness.

Portia by Bray vaginal ring pessaries

Designed for comfort and ease of use, our Portia by Bray ring pessaries are used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP).  Our Portia by Bray products can be purchased in either flexible PVC or rigid polythene materials each with a wide range of sizing options to ensure a comfortable fit for the patient.

Portia by Bray vaginal ring pessaries are CE marked Medical Devices which are compliant with Directive 93/42/EEC. Our ring pessaries are latex-free, non-sterile and manufactured and packed in Britain in a controlled environment.

Product types

Our pessaries are available in the following materials.

PVC pessaries

Portia by Bray flexible PVC ring pessaries are available in 16 diameter sizes ranging from 50mm to 110mm. A healthcare professional will assess the correct size required following a medical examination.

Polythene pessaries

Portia by Bray rigid polythene ring pessaries are available in 15 diameter sizes ranging from 50mm to 100mm. A healthcare professional will assess the correct size required following a medical examination.

Our pessaries are designed and manufactured in Britain

FAQs

What is pelvic organ prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is when 1 or more of the organs in the pelvis slip down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina. When pelvic floor disorders develop, one or more of the pelvic organs may stop working properly, it can be the womb (uterus), bowel, bladder or top of the vagina. Although POP is not life threatening, it can cause pain and discomfort.

Anything that puts increased pressure in the abdomen can lead to pelvic organ prolapse. Common causes include:

  • Pregnancy, labour, and childbirth (the most common causes)
  • Obesity
  • Respiratory problems with a chronic, long-term cough
  • Constipation
  • Pelvic organ cancers
  • Surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy)

Genetics may also play a role in pelvic organ prolapse. Connective tissues may be weaker in some women, perhaps placing them more at risk.

Some women notice nothing at all, but others report these symptoms with pelvic organ prolapse:

  • A feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvic area
  • A backache low in the back
  • Painful intercourse
  • A feeling that something is falling out of the vagina
  • Urinary problems such as leaking of urine or a chronic urge to urinate
  • Constipation or loss of bowel control
  • Spotting or bleeding from the vagina

Symptoms depend somewhat on which organ is drooping. If the bladder prolapses, you may leak urine. If it’s the rectum, you may have constipation and uncomfortable intercourse. A backache as well as uncomfortable intercourse often accompanies small intestine prolapse. Uterine prolapse is also accompanied by backache and uncomfortable intercourse.

If you think you may have pelvic organ prolapse, talk to a healthcare professional. They’ll ask about your medical history and examine your pelvic organs to get an idea of how strong your pelvic floor muscles are. It may be all they need to do to make a diagnosis.

Your healthcare professional may also discover pelvic organ prolapse during a routine pelvic exam, such as the one you get when you go for your smear test. 

Your healthcare professional may order a variety of tests if they suspect pelvic organ prolapse. They may also want to find out if more than one organ has moved out of place, how severe the prolapse is, and whether you have other related conditions. 

Pessaries

Vaginal pessaries are a long established and proven solution for symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse.  A healthcare professional will assess the correct size required following a medical examination and successful patient fitting rates are high.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP)

POP is common with some degree of prolapse seen in 50% of parous women. The effects of POP range widely from no significant symptoms through to local discomfort, loss of sexual function, urinary and bowel problems, discharge, backache, ulceration and infection.

Treatment options should be considered when the condition is symptomatic and once it has been clearly ascertained that symptoms are due to POP.

Non-surgical treatment

Support pessaries such as the Portia by Bray vaginal ring pessaries offer a non-surgical option for managing pelvic organ prolapse. They are particularly suitable for women who wish to avoid surgery or are not candidates for surgical intervention.

Further information

Please click on the videos below for more information. 

Medical professional information:

Patient information:

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