ABSTRACT
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) has been a medical concern affecting the lives of countless women. Early treatment attempts and rituals were improved as physicians developed a better understanding of human anatomy and pathophysiology of POP. Since ancient times, the use of pessaries has become the mainstay of conservative treatment for POP. This chapter documents a historical review of pessaries and how they evolved through the centuries, with innovations and advancements made in shape, technique, and material. While many pessaries have faded in popularity, such as metal, glass, and porcelain pessaries, others are still in use today. Modern-day pessaries have provided women with a nonsurgical alternative to control POP and urinary incontinence symptoms, thereby significantly improving their quality of life.
