Andrew Siegel MD 7/1/17
Medical trivia: Did you know that July 1 is the transitional day in which medical students become interns, interns become residents, residents become fellows, and residents and fellows become attending physicians? It is typically a day of mass confusion in the hospital. For this reason, it is always better to be treated in June than July!
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common female condition due to weakened pelvic anatomical support. It results in one or more of the pelvic organs falling into the vaginal space, and at times, outside of the vaginal opening. Several of my previous entries have covered the topic of POP and its treatment:
A pessary is an internal device available in different sizes and shapes that is placed within the vagina to keep the fallen pelvic organ in its proper anatomical position. I reviewed pessaries in a previous blog entry: The basics of pessaries
Today’s entry is on Femicushion, a newly available soft cushion that functions as an external pessary, which offers the advantage of not needing to be positioned deeply within the vagina as is a standard pessary. This device is ideal for women who cannot or do not want to have surgery for their POP and are not thrilled with the concept of wearing an internal pessary.
The Femicushion is composed of washable, medical-grade silicon and is available in three sizes based upon the anatomy of the vaginal opening.
After the POP is “reduced” (the prolapsed pelvic organ is pushed back into its normal anatomical position), the appropriately sized Femicushion is placed just within the vaginal opening. Its presence prevents the fallen pelvic organ from descending outside the vaginal opening.
Once in place, it is maintained in proper position with a special pad with Velcro that is attached to adjustable undergarments (all washable):
The Femicushion is designed to be worn during the day and removed at night. It is washed upon removal, to be worn the following day.
The Femicushion causes less complications than an internal pessary, since it is external and is removed and cleaned on a daily basis, reducing the risk for vaginitis and bleeding. Furthermore, it eliminates forgetting to remember the presence of the internal pessary that can give rise to erosions and other serious medical issues.
Dr. Sophia Souto and colleagues performed a pilot study of the Femicushion concluding that it is an effective means of alleviating POP symptoms and improving the quality of life of women suffering with POP. Dr. Souto was kind enough to send me all of the images used in today’s entry. For an excellent reference on the topic, see the following article published by Dr. Souto et al: Femicushion: A new pessary generation – pilot study for safety and efficacy. Pelviperineology 2016: 35: 44-47
The Femicushion device can be purchased online at the Urology Health Store: Use “Urology 10” code for 10% discount and free shipping.
http://www.UrologyHealthStore.com
Wishing you the best of health,
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Dr. Andrew Siegel is a practicing physician and urological surgeon board-certified in urology as well as in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Siegel serves as Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School and is a Castle Connolly Top Doctor New York Metro Area, Inside Jersey Top Doctor and Inside Jersey Top Doctor for Women’s Health. His mission is to “bridge the gap” between the public and the medical community that is in such dire need of bridging.
Author of MALE PELVIC FITNESS: Optimizing Sexual & Urinary Health http://www.MalePelvicFitness.com
Author of THE KEGEL FIX: Recharging Female Pelvic, Sexual and Urinary Health http://www.TheKegelFix.com
Tags: Andrew Siegel MD, external pessary, Femicushion, pelvic organ prolapse, pessary, Sophia Souto MD
Our Greatest Wealth Is Health 
July 2, 2017 at 4:56 PM |
Dear Dr. Siegel,
While I enjoy and learn from your blog entries I have a complaint to register. Time and again I see photographs of female genitalia while males are shown with illustrations. Is this fair to us females. I think not.
March 23, 2018 at 3:58 PM |
where to obtain spare silicon pessaries?
April 2, 2018 at 7:10 PM |
Gynecologist