Vaginal progesterone is available in the forms of progesterone gel, rings, and suppositories or pessaries. These stem pessaries became precursors to the modern intrauterine device. Modern scholarship suggests that pessaries were banned because they were reported to cause vaginal ulcers. Therapeutic pessaries are used to support the uterus, vagina, bladder, or rectum. Some pessaries can be worn during intercourse. According to Pliny the Elder, pessaries were used as birth control in ancient times. He also offered a number of recipes for herbal baths, rubs, and pessaries. Pessaries are of varying shapes and sizes. Pessaries are a treatment option for pelvic organ prolapse. Pessaries are a mechanical treatment as they elevate and support the uterus. Pessaries should be offered to women considering surgery as a non-surgical alternative.