Priority 1 from the Pessary use for Prolapse PSP

UNCERTAINTY: How might a pessary affect sexual activity? (JLA PSP Priority 1)
Overall ranking 1
JLA question ID 0054/1
Explanatory note Sexual activity is a key component in pessary use for prolapse. When deciding which pessary to use a clinician will ask whether the woman plans to be sexually active, and the answer will affect which pessary type can be chosen. Additionally, it is known that clinicians may choose not to fit a pessary in a woman who is sexually active, particularly if self-management of the pessary is not an option in that clinic. Future research needs to answer what the best pessary protocol is for those who are sexually active. examples: Will my husband be able to detect my pessary? Can I still have penetrative sex? Do different pessaries affect sexual function?
Evidence

None identified
Health Research Classification System category Renal and urogenital
Extra information provided by this PSP
Original uncertainty examples

Can I have intercourse (sexual) with pessary, if yes will my partner be able to feel it? ~ Can you feel it when you have sex? ~
Will it affect sex life? ~ What effect will it have on sex life? ~ Are you able to have a sexual relationship with a pessary in? ~
Does it affect your ability to do everyday tasks or exercise / have sex etc? ~ Are you sexually active- if so,does the presence of a pessary create problems? ~ Does it inferfere with coitus?
Submitted by 12 x women, 5 x healthcare professionals, 1 x both, 1 x literature
PSP information
PSP unique ID 0054
PSP name Pessary use for Prolapse
Total number of uncertainties identified by this PSP. 66 (To see a full list of all uncertainties identified, please see the detailed spreadsheet held on the JLA website)
Date of priority setting workshop 8 September 2017