pessary

American  

[pes-uh-ree] / ˈpɛs ə ri /

noun

Medicine/Medical.

plural

pessaries

1. a device worn in the vagina to support a displaced uterus.

2. a vaginal suppository.

3. diaphragm.

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pessary British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of pessary

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

Example Sentences

A third of all deliveries were induced, meaning labour was started using artificial methods such as a hormone drip or a pessary.

From BBC

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

She has been working with a pelvic health physiotherapist and uses a vaginal pessary, a device that helps to support the vaginal walls and pelvic organs, which means she feels more confident doing exercise.

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