Rethinking the design of the vaginal pessary
Frieda van den Noort (Postdoctoraal researcher TNW-M3i)
Vaginal pessaries are used since Roman times to relieve pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms. However, it is unclear why pessaries stay in place and are only successful in ~60% of women. Several hypotheses are suggested, mainly involving support by the bony pelvic structures. Our studies using an upright MRI scanner show that the support of the pessary is provided by the pelvic floor muscles. Knowing this we can start rethinking the design of the pessary. During this sandpit session the discussion, on rethinking the vaginal pessary design, is started to benefit from the different research perspectives within the Techmed audience.