pessary

[ pes-uh-ree ]

noun

, Medicine/Medical.

, plural pes·sa·ries.

1. a device worn in the vagina to support a displaced uterus.
2. a vaginal suppository.
3. diaphragm ( def 4 ).

pessary

/ ˈpɛsərɪ /

noun

1. a device for inserting into the vagina, either as a support for the uterus or ( diaphragm pessary ) to deliver a drug, such as a contraceptive
2. a medicated vaginal suppository

Word History and Origins

Origin of pessary¹

1350–1400; Middle English pessarie < Late Latin pessārium a suppository, equivalent to Latin pess ( um ), pess ( us ) (< Greek pessós oval stone used in a game) + -ārium -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of pessary¹

C14: from Late Latin pessārium, from Latin pessum, from Greek pessos plug

Example Sentences

A common treatment for prolapse, a device called a pessary, actually resembles a menstrual cup.

From Salon

It is administered using gels, creams, pessaries, tablets or sprays.

From BBC

Pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle changes can help to improve symptoms, but sometimes medical treatment is needed such as vaginal pessaries or surgery.

From BBC

"I had steroid cream. I had pessaries. I had oestrogen cream. I had all sorts of things when really all I needed was antibiotics," she said.

From BBC

She added that she left hospital with a pessary, anti-blood clotting injections and a leaflet on pelvic floor exercises.

From BBC