FAQs

Below, you'll find answers to the most common questions and concerns. If you have a question about a different topic, please contact us.

Understanding Splinting and Releve

What is splinting?

Splinting is a technique used to support the vaginal walls during bowel movements to prevent prolapsing organs from trapping stool or urine. This can help ensure more complete evacuation. Releve provides a clean, effective alternative to manual splinting, taking the guesswork and effort out of the process.

Is splinting safe?

Yes, splinting is safe when performed correctly. It involves using gentle pressure on the vaginal or perineal area during bowel movements to aid evacuation, particularly for individuals with pelvic organ prolapse or difficulty fully emptying. Splinting helps reduce straining and may prevent worsening of prolapse-related symptoms. Learn more about splinting here.

What is Releve?

Releve is a vaginal splinting device designed to support the vaginal walls during bowel movements and voiding. It helps individuals with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) manage incomplete evacuation and related symptoms by using a soft, silicone balloon to provide gentle support to weakened vaginal walls, preventing their collapse and the trapping of stool or urine.

Will using Releve make my condition worse?

No, Releve is designed to prevent worsening of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) by reducing straining during bowel movements. You don’t need a large balloon or to stretch the tissue for it to be effective. Releve forms to your natural vaginal shape and gently supports the vaginal walls. Proper use of the device should not cause any pain or discomfort. If you experience any issues, consult a pelvic health professional to ensure you are using the device correctly.

Using Releve

Who should use Releve?

Releve is intended for individuals experiencing trouble emptying due to low-grade pelvic organ prolapse, including conditions such as cystocele (bladder) and rectocele (rectal). If you find yourself needing to manually support your vaginal walls during bowel movements or have difficulty fully evacuating, Releve may provide relief. We recommend consulting with a pelvic health professional to ensure Releve is right for you.

Do I need a prescription to order Releve?

No, a prescription is not required to purchase or use Releve. However, we recommend consulting a pelvic health professional, such as a physical therapist, gynecologist or urogynecologist, to confirm that Releve is suitable for your specific condition.

How do I use Releve?

Insert the balloon portion of device into the vagina before having your bowel movement. Use the bulb at the top of the device to inflate the balloon to occupy the vagina and allow it to support the vaginal walls. Hold the device in place using the handle, relax and complete your bowel movement. You don’t need to press against the vaginal wall, simply relax and let the balloon do the work. When your bowel movement is complete, remove the device, clean it, and store it for the next use. You can reference the Instructions for Use for more detailed information.

Is Releve comfortable to use?

Yes, Releve is designed for comfort. The device is made from soft, medical-grade silicone, and the shape is optimized for easy insertion and removal. The uninflated balloon is about the size of a tampon. Most users report that it feels natural once inserted, providing support without discomfort.

How often can I use Releve?

Releve can be used as needed during bowel movements and voiding. Some people use it daily, while others use it only when they have a difficult bowel movement. There are no limits on how often you can use the device, as long as it is cleaned properly after each use. Releve is designed for temporary use and is not a replacement for longer-use devices like pessaries.

Can I use Releve for bladder prolapse (cystocele) symptoms?

While Releve is primarily designed for supporting bowel movements, some users find that it helps alleviate pressure and symptoms related to bladder prolapse as well. We suggest consulting a pelvic health specialist to determine if Releve is appropriate for managing your specific symptoms.

What if Releve doesn’t work for me?

If you feel Releve isn’t providing the relief you expected, we encourage you to consult a pelvic health professional to ensure proper use. Each body is different, and it may take some adjustment to determine if Releve is the best solution for you.

How does it work with a commode?

Releve’s curved handle allows you to sit on the commode with the device inserted. Some patients find it easier to insert the device first, then sit down. You can also sit on the commode first and then insert the device. The length of the handle allows you to hold the device in place while sitting on the commode.

Can I use lubricants with Releve?

Yes, if you require lubrication to insert the device we recommend using a water-based lubricant that won’t degrade the silicone balloon and will help maximize the useful life of the product.

Should I rotate or lift Releve when it is inserted or just hold it in place?

Some patients find that lifting up on the handle while the device is inserted helps counter prolapsing organs. Others find that passive occupation of the vagina with the inflated balloon is enough to allow for complete evacuation of stool. Whichever feels most comfortable and allows for complete evacuation is recommended.

Can Releve be used during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant and experiencing pelvic organ prolapse symptoms, consult your healthcare provider before using Releve. They can help determine if Releve is a safe option for you during pregnancy.

Can I use Releve while I’m on my period?

Yes, just make sure to clean the device thoroughly by following the cleaning instructions after use.

Cleaning and Maintenance

How do I clean Releve?

We’ve improved Releve’s design to allow for easier cleaning. You can run the silicone balloon under water to wash it, but do not submerge the entire device as components like the inflation bulb are not waterproof. Use a mild or pH-neutral soap to clean the silicone balloon, as this helps maintain the natural pH balance of the vagina. The balloon itself is not at risk from other soaps. If there is any soilage on the handle, you can wipe it away with a wet cloth. After cleaning, air-dry the device completely before putting the plastic cover back on and storing it. Air drying is preferred because the silicone material can be sticky. We advise against using disinfectants, as these can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina.

How long does Releve last?

With proper care, Releve is designed to last for 12 months. However, as with any medical device, regular inspection is recommended, and if you notice any wear or damage, it may be time to replace the device.

Do you offer disposable covers to go over the balloon?

We discontinued this product because most patients preferred to wash the device after use rather than using a cover. By following our cleaning instructions, you can ensure the device is safe to use without the need for a protective cover. The silicone balloon is designed to be durable and easy to clean, making a cover unnecessary for effective and hygienic use.

Regulatory Information

Is Releve FDA-approved?

Releve is an FDA-registered Class I medical device. Class I devices are low-risk medical devices that do not require premarket approval (510(k)). Releve complies with all FDA regulations for safety and effectiveness, and our manufacturing process includes rigorous quality control to meet FDA standards.

Is Releve safe for intravaginal use?

Yes, Releve has undergone rigorous testing, including leak testing of its components during manufacturing, to ensure safety for intravaginal use. It is made of medical-grade materials designed specifically for this purpose.

Performance and Safety

What is the balloon made of?

The balloon is made from high-tensile-strength, medical-grade silicone, selected for its ability to resist tearing and popping during normal use.

Is there a risk the balloon will pop?

Our burst testing showed that it takes approximately 70 squeezes of the bulb for the balloon to burst. Most patients only require 3-5 squeezes for effective relief, so it is extremely unlikely to pop during normal use.

The instructions say not to overinflate. What does that mean?

Overinflation means adding more air than needed, which can cause discomfort but will not harm you or damage the device under normal use. Releve is designed to withstand significant pressure, and the balloon is made of high-tensile-strength, medical-grade silicone. To use it correctly, inflate the balloon until you feel it gently occupy the vaginal space without causing any pain or discomfort. If you have concerns about proper use, consult your pelvic health professional for guidance.

How do I know if the balloon is inflated correctly?

Inflate the balloon until you feel it occupy the vagina. It should not cause any pain or discomfort, but you should feel the balloon inside. If it is not inflated enough, it may be ineffective and could slide out of the vagina during use.

Why does it only last a year?

Our rigorous performance testing shows that, with daily use, the balloon may stop holding air after about a year. This lifespan ensures the device remains safe and effective during its intended use.

Ordering and Cost

How much does it cost?

Releve costs $84.99, which includes the device and a carry bag. We offer free shipping on all orders to the continental US.

Is Releve reimbursed by insurance?

Currently, Releve is a patient-pay product. We’ve tried to make it affordable for patients, with reusability up to a year.

Is Releve FSA or HSA eligible?

We are working on this and will let you know when available.

How do I order Releve?

Order Releve online on our website here. It ships via USPS Ground Advantage in discreet packaging. Wholesale pricing is available for stocking clinicians. Contact us for details.

Is Releve available on Amazon?

At this time, Releve is only available for purchase through our website. Stay tuned for updates on other purchasing platforms.

Customer Support

Who do I contact if I have a question, feedback or complaint?

Please reach out to our Customer Service Team at info@relevesupport.com for any issues. We can also be reached by phone at (714) 832-6300.

What are my shipping and delivery options?

Our standard shipping option is USPS Ground Advantage. We can ship via UPS or FedEx for an additional fee. Please contact us if you would like to arrange alternative shipping options.

I would like this to be a discreet purchase and receipt. How does Releve ensure that?

Your order is shipped in a plain white box with only a shipping label. The shipping label will indicate that the shipment is from Surgin.

What is your return policy?

Due to the nature of the product, we are unable to accept returns. This is why we encourage you to discuss Releve with your pelvic floor physical therapist or physician prior to ordering to ensure it is right for you. A copy of our Return Policy is available here.

Do you deliver internationally?

We are not currently shipping Releve outside of the United States. However, we are working to make the product available in other countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and Mexico, very soon.