What are Vaginal Suppositories?

Dr Foram Bhuta

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), 10 years of experience

December 30, 2021 Womens Health 860 Views

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What is the meaning of Vaginal Suppositories?

Vaginal suppositories are oval-shaped, solid medications that are inserted into a woman’s vagina using a special plastic applicator. The vaginal suppositories turn into a liquid form within the vagina as they warm to the temperature of the body, and are directly absorbed into the bloodstream.The body tends to absorb the drugs from vaginal suppositories more quickly as compared to the medications that are taken by mouth.

In this article, we will be discussing vaginal suppositories in detail.

What is the purpose of Suppositories?
What is the purpose of Vaginal Suppositories?
What are the different types of Vaginal Suppositories?
How to prepare for Vaginal Suppositories?
What is the procedure for inserting Vaginal Suppositories?
What are the steps after the insertion of Vaginal Suppositories?
What are the guidelines for Vaginal Suppositories?
What are the risks of Vaginal Suppositories?

What is the purpose of Vaginal Suppositories?

Suppositories may be needed in the following cases:

The drug or medication that you are taking breaks down too quickly in the digestive tract if taken in the form of a pill or liquid.
If you cannot swallow your medicine.
If you are vomiting and cannot keep liquid or a pill down.
The taste of the medicine, when taken orally, is too bitter.

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What is the purpose of Vaginal Suppositories?

Vaginal suppositories can help in the treatment of:

Fungal infections like candidiasis (a condition causing irritation, itching, inflammation, and discharge from the vagina)
Vaginal dryness
Bacterial infections
Birth control (by using contraceptive suppositories)

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What are the different types of Vaginal Suppositories?

The different types of vaginal suppositories include:

Contraceptive suppositories:

Contraceptive suppositories consist of a spermicide that can prevent pregnancy in two ways:

By immobilizing and killing the sperm, so that they are unable to reach the womb (uterus).
By creating a foam substance that blocks the entrance to the cervix (lower part of the uterus), so that the sperm cannot enter inside.
The patient should insert the vaginal suppository at least 10 minutes before sex. This gives enough time for the medicine to melt and allows the dispersion of the spermicide.
This is not a very reliable method of birth control.

Over-the-counter (OTC) suppositories:

Antifungal drugs like clotrimazole and miconazole are available in the form of creams and suppositories.
Depending on the strength of the medication, they takes about three to seven days to clear a fungal infection.
Suppositories require lesser doses as compared to creams to provide symptomatic relief to the patient.
In case of severe or complicated yeast infections, like candidiasis, the doctor may recommend a 14-day course of the suppositories.
It is essential to complete the full recommended course of the suppositories, even though your symptoms disappear much earlier.

Natural suppositories:

Boric acid suppositories are used in cases of recurrent vaginal yeast or fungal infections.
Boric acid restricts the growth of the Candida albicans and Candida glabrata strains, which become resistant to the conventional form of drug treatment.
These types of suppositories are useful in cases of vaginal candidiasis symptoms that do not improve even after an extended form of conventional treatment.

Hormone suppositories:

Hormone suppositories are an effective form of treatment for vaginal dryness, especially in cases of women who are unable to receive hormone replacement therapy (drug treatment to relieve the symptoms of menopause).
Example of a hormone suppository is Prasterone.

Vitamin E suppositories:

A 12-week course of vitamin E vaginal suppositories helps in treating vaginal dryness and other symptoms associated with vaginal atrophy (a vaginal disorder that occurs after menopause leading to the vaginal walls becoming dry, thin, and inflamed).
In the case of women sensitive to hormone therapy, vitamin E suppository is a safer alternative.

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How to prepare for Vaginal Suppositories?

The vaginal area and hands are washed using a mild soap and warm water, and then dried well using a clean towel.
Remove the wrapping of the vaginal suppository.
The suppository is then placed on the end of the applicator. In the case of a pre-filled suppository applicator, this step can be skipped as a pre-filled applicator has the medication present inside.
The applicator needs to be held at the end not containing the suppository.

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What is the procedure for inserting Vaginal Suppositories?

The suppository can be inserted by either lying on the back keeping the knees bent or while standing with the knees bent and the feet placed a few inches apart.
In case a caregiver is inserting the suppository for you, the first position is more comfortable.
The applicator is gently inserted into the vagina, as far as you can comfortably let it go.
The plunger at the end of the applicator is pressed as far as it can go. This enables the suppository to get pushed far back into the vagina.
The applicator is then removed from the vagina.

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What are the steps after the insertion of Vaginal Suppositories?

In the case of a reusable applicator, clean it after the procedure as directed on the packaging instructions.
In case of a non-reusable applicator, discard it after use.
Discard all other used material.
Wash your hands immediately using soap and warm water.

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What are the guidelines for Vaginal Suppositories?

Vaginal suppositories have a tendency to leak. It is therefore advisable to use them at bedtime.
It is advisable to wear a sanitary napkin after inserting a vaginal suppository to prevent staining of the clothes or bed linens.
Dipping the suppository in water before use makes its insertion in the vagina easier.
Store the suppository in a cool place to prevent it from melting before use.
Keep the suppository in the refrigerator if the instruction label says so.
A vaginal suppository can be used by a woman during her menstrual period.
The medication is to be used for as long as your doctor has advised, or as per the instructions given on the product.
Tampon insertion should be avoided when using a vaginal suppository. This is because the tampons may absorb some of the medicine and prevent the vaginal suppository from working efficiently.

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What are the risks of Vaginal Suppositories?

Vaginal suppositories are usually safe. However, the following problems can occur following a vaginal suppository insertion:

Some medication may leak back out after insertion.
The body may not absorb the drug either through a suppository or orally.
A vaginal suppository may cause irritation in the vaginal area.

You should consult your doctor before using a vaginal suppository in the following cases:

If you have had recent surgery in the vaginal or rectal (the part where the body stores stool) area
If you have heart problems
If you have had radiation therapy (a form of treatment for cancer) in the vaginal area.

We hope that we could answer all your questions regarding Vaginal Suppositories through this article.

If you need more information related to vaginal suppositories, then you can contact a Gynecologist.

We only aim to provide you with information through this article. We do not recommend any medicine or treatment. Only a doctor can give you the best advice and correct treatment plan.