Objective The aims of this study were to determine the percentage of patients who opt to undergo pessary self-care versus those who return to the office for care and to identify any differences in the characteristics between the 2 groups. Methods This study is a retrospective chart review conducted at a tertiary care center. Demographic data; details regarding pessary use; body weight; pelvic organ prolapse stage; and medical, surgical, and obstetrical histories were evaluated. Variables were compared between groups of patients using the t test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, χ2 test, and Fisher exact test. Results The rate of patients choosing to perform pessary self-care was 31%. The patients in the self-care group were significantly younger (65.0 vs 75.0 years, P < 0.001). Those who were performing self-care were more likely to be premenopausal (6.9% vs 1.5%, P = 0.003), have a lower stage of pelvic organ prolapse (61.3% vs 42.1%, P < 0.001), and more likely to be sexually active (40.5% vs 9.6%, P < 0.001). Those not performing self-care had higher rates of vaginal bleeding (26.0% vs 16.4%, P = 0.012) and erosion (23.5% vs 9.9%, P < 0.001). Self-care patients predominantly used the ring with support pessary, whereas those in the non–self-care group were mostly using the Gellhorn. Conclusions Only one third of patients who use a pessary chose to perform self-care. Patients who use self-care are younger, premenopausal, sexually active, and have lower degrees of prolapse. These data can help educate patients on the characteristics more often seen in those choosing self-care. This study highlights the importance of further exploring pessary care preferences and using this information for counseling.

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When matched for age and parity, women with prior hysterectomy had significantly greater posterior compartment prolapse compared with those without. Prior hysterectomy had no significant effect on the anterior vaginal compartment.