Hysterephore

HYSTEROFORE (from Greek hystera - uterus and plioios - support), an apparatus for holding the uterus in cases of prolapse. The H. consists of two parts: first, a pessary that supports the uterus, and second, a bandage that is secured to the waist. The pessary itself has a club-like shape; it is made of rubber, but softer than ordinary uterine rings; previously this part of the apparatus was made of wood. The H. is used very rarely, in cases of large prolapses when surgery is contraindicated, and ordinary pessaries cannot hold the uterus due to weakness of the m. levator. Of course, the H. is only a palliative and cannot cure uterine prolapse. In individual cases, in elderly women, wearing the H. may lead to improvement associated with scarring of the vagina and pelvic floor. The H. cannot be worn continuously, as it hinders changing position - from sitting to walking, from walking to lying down, etc. Additionally, prolonged wearing of the hysterephore is distressing due to the bad odor, leucorrhea, etc.