Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Washing yourself
• Part 2 of 3: Inserting the suppository into your vagina
• Part 3 of 3: Using the medicine properly
• Tips
• Warnings

Progesterone vaginal suppositories are often used in IVF treatments or to help menopausal women with low progesterone periods. The suppositories are made by your pharmacist and can be inserted with or without an applicator. Make sure both your hands and your vulva are clean before inserting the suppository. Follow all instructions given by your doctor regarding use and storage of the suppositories.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Washing yourself

1. Clean the area around your vagina with warm water and unscented soap. Stand in your shower or bathtub and wet your vulva. Use your hand or a clean washcloth to apply the soap. When the soap foams, rinse it off with warm water until all soap residue is removed.
   • There may be bacteria and germs on the vulva. So you should wash the area to prevent these bacteria and germs from entering your vagina when you insert the suppository.
   • Make sure to use unscented soap, as fragrances can cause a fungal infection.
2. Wash your hands with warm water and soap. Wet your hands with warm water and then rub them with soap. Rub your hands together to make the soap foam and keep doing this for 20 seconds. Then rinse your hands under warm water until all soap residue is gone.
   • There can also be bacteria and germs on your hands and you don't want them to get into your vagina.
3. Be careful when you take the suppository as it can melt. The suppository consists of progesterone with a protective layer around it. When you insert the suppository into your body, this layer melts and the progesterone is released. The suppository should not melt in your warm hands, so keep it as short as possible.
   • It is best to hold the suppository lightly between two fingers. Never put it in the palm of your hand.

Part 2 of 3: Inserting the suppository into your vagina

1. Lie on your bed and pull your knees up at your chest so that they are bent. This will help make the vaginal opening as large as possible so that you can insert the suppository more easily. You will be able to push the suppository deeper into your vagina in this position than in other positions, and the suppository will work better as a result.
   • Pull your legs back as far as possible instead of just bending your knees.
2. Place the suppository on your fingertip. The suppository may stick to your fingertip. If you can't do this, hold the suppository up to the opening of your vagina. Then hold your fingertip to push the suppository into your vagina.
   • Don't forget to grip the suppository lightly as it can melt easily in your hands.
3. Push the suppository into your vagina as far as possible without feeling any resistance. This is probably as far as you can get with your finger. If you feel resistance, stop pushing and leave the suppository where it is.
   • You should not feel any pain or discomfort when you insert the suppository. If it does, stop pushing and remove your finger from your vagina.
4. Remove your finger from your vagina. Let your finger slide out of your vagina and leave the suppository in place. When removing your finger from your vagina, be careful not to remove any of the medicine.
   • There is little chance that the suppository will stick to your finger. If it does, reinsert the suppository into your vagina. Push it against the side of your vagina to make sure it stays put.
5. Lower your legs back onto the bed. Lie down for a while and relax before coming back up. The suppository starts to melt immediately after insertion.
   • There is no need to lie down after inserting the suppository.
6. Wash your hands after inserting the vaginal suppository. Wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds and rinse under hot water. For example, the progesterone is not absorbed by the skin on your hands and fingers.

Part 3 of 3: Using the medicine properly

1. Read all the information in the package leaflet and on the packaging of the suppositories. Follow all instructions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist. Instructions for using progesterone may depend on the specific treatment you are receiving, so follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
   • The suppositories should be oval in shape or look like bullets. They are usually prepared by the pharmacist, so ask him or her any questions.
2. Unless it is almost time for the next dose, put in a missed dose as soon as possible. If you miss a dose of progesterone, insert the suppository as soon as possible when you remember. It is important to use the drug according to the instructions without missing a dose. However, never take two doses at the same time.
   • If it is almost time to put in the next dose, skip the forgotten dose.
3. Choose baggy, breathable clothing while using the suppositories. The progesterone keeps your vulva moist as it slowly drains out of your vagina. Wear cotton underwear and wide skirts or pants until you no longer need to use the medicine.
   • While using progesterone vaginal suppositories, do not wear tight pants, underpants, nylon tights and leotards. These materials do not breathe, so you are more likely to get a fungal infection.
4. Wear sanitary towels to protect your underwear from leakage. The suppository melts in your body and the fluid slowly leaks out of your vagina. You can wear sanitary towels to protect your underwear from the moisture.
   • Don't forget to change your pads every few hours. The vulva should be kept as dry as possible so that you don't get a fungal infection.
   • If you put the suppository in before going to sleep, you will experience less fluid leakage than if you walk around after insertion.
5. Do not use tampons while using progesterone vaginal suppositories. Tampons can absorb the progesterone, making the medicine less effective. Always use sanitary pads instead of tampons.
   • You may have your period while you are using the suppositories. If this happens, keep using sanitary pads only and don't use tampons.
6. Keep the suppositories in the refrigerator to prevent them from melting. It is best to store your suppositories in the cool, dry environment in your refrigerator. This way they keep their shape and you can insert them more easily, because they can melt quickly.
   • Some progesterone suppositories can be stored at room temperature. Read the medicine packaging to be sure.
   • Do not freeze the suppositories.
7. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using progesterone. Progesterone is considered safe, but all drugs have side effects and risks. Your doctor can help you understand the risks of using progesterone from your medical history. Here are some risks your doctor can discuss:
   • Do not use progesterone during pregnancy unless directed as part of fertility treatment.
   • Progesterone can increase the risk of blood clots, strokes, heart attacks and breast cancer. This risk is higher if these conditions run in your family.

Tips

• Insert the suppository at the same time each day so that you use it according to the directions on the package.
• Let your doctor know if you become pregnant while using progesterone suppositories. However, do not stop the drug unless instructed to do so by your doctor. In most cases, you can keep taking progesterone for about ten weeks.

Warnings

• Never take the pills orally.
• Progesterone can make you drowsy. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while on this medication. It is a good idea to put in the suppositories before going to bed.
• Do not use any other vaginal products while you are using progesterone suppositories, otherwise the medicine may not work properly.
• If you do use an applicator, use it only once, unless the package says it is reusable. Applicators are generally intended for single use.