Pessary :

Some birth control counsellors ignore the condom and advise the use of the pessary, but the pessary is secondary to the condom as a contraceptive. The pessary should be used only as a last resort. The pessary is a metal ring covered with a film of rubber far thicker than the condom rubber. Yet, it does not affect the sex feeling because it merely covers the cervix.

How to Insert Pessary :

(1) Press the rim of the pessary to an oblong shape with the thumb and bend middle finger and hold a stretched index finger along the length of the rubber part so that the finger tip is set against the metal rim. It may difficult as the beginning to place the index finger within the rim but this can be achieved with practice.

(2) Place one foot on a low stool (left foot for righthanded person) and lean slightly forward. Sprea the vulva wide open with the left hand, insert the Pessary (with rubber face against vagina's upper wall) until the thumb prevents further insertion, then twist the hand so that the palm faces up. At the same time, press the rubber face flat against the vagina's front wall and push as far in as possible.

(3) Release the thumb and push the pessary in deeper in the direction of the arrow (toward anus), while firmly holding the rim with the tin of the index finger and pressing the finger against the vagina's rear wall.

(4) Stretch out the middle, ring and little fingers in a way to cover the anus with them, and while still holding the index finger's tip against the ring and pressing the finger against the vagina's rear wall, push the pessary further in toward the anus. Now, most of the pessary is in the vagina. Any part of it remaining outside may be pushed in by pinching that part with thumb and index finger and pushing it in while turning the rings. Finally, using the index finger, while pushing the outermost part of the rim inward, push it up (in the direction of the arrow) and hook it onto the inside of the pelvic bone (depression in vagina's front wall)
Insert the index finger once more into the vagina to check whether the pessary is properly placed on the cervix. Also move the index finger over the rim of the pessary to see whether it is evenly inserted. If not raise or lower the rim to straighten it.

Precaution in Insertion :

When to Insert - It is not advisable to insert the pessary immediately prior to intercourse as it destroys the mood. A wife should predict intercourse and insert it in advance.

Use Jelly :

Both the inside and outside of the pessary and the rim should be coated with jelly before insertion. After its removal the pessary should be washed up with soap in lukewarm water, wiped dry, powdered liberally and stored for future use. The pessary should be used only after consultation with a physician and after receiving a physical examination. Repeated use of the pessary and jelly may result in vaginal inflammation.