From the Research
Healing Time for Vaginal Lesions
The expected healing time for vaginal lesions caused by a pessary in an 86-year-old postmenopausal patient on vaginal estrogen can be estimated based on the available evidence.
- A study published in 2008 1 reported a case where a vesicovaginal fistula was successfully repaired after 6 weeks of vaginal estrogen treatment.
- Another study from 2021 2 mentioned that a new pessary could be fitted after 6 weeks of treatment for a vaginal erosion.
- A study from 2013 3 reported that a rectovaginal fistula caused by a Gellhorn pessary resolved after 1 month of treatment with vaginal estradiol cream.
Factors Affecting Healing Time
Several factors can affect the healing time of vaginal lesions, including:
- The size and severity of the lesion
- The type of pessary used
- The frequency of follow-up visits and pessary maintenance
- The use of vaginal estrogen therapy
- A study from 2016 4 found that women who used vaginal estrogen had a lower incidence of increased vaginal discharge and were less likely to discontinue using their pessary.
Importance of Follow-up and Maintenance
Regular follow-up visits and proper pessary maintenance are crucial to prevent complications and promote healing.