Author:
Clyde Lopez
Date Of Creation:
18 June 2021
Update Date:
1 July 2024
Content
If your doctor has prescribed vaginal suppositories (suppositories) for you, and you have never used them before, then you may be interested to know how they work. With the help of suppositories, various active substances are delivered to the body through the vagina - these can be different drugs, herbs, hormones or lubricants both for treating problems in the vagina (for example, fungal infections) and for treating the whole body (hormonal drugs). If you are using suppositories in the form of an ointment or tablet, they may have a plastic applicator for easier administration.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Inserting the suppository
1 Cleanse the vaginal area. Wash your intimate area with a hypoallergenic mild soap. Do this only on the outside and do not try to wash the inside of your vagina. First, wash your hands thoroughly. Rinse your vulva to completely rinse off the soap. Blot the area with a clean cotton towel to remove excess moisture. - Washing the intimate area and hands is very important - this is the only way you can prevent the spread of bacteria in the vagina when the suppository is injected.
2 Prepare the suppository. Print out the suppository applicator and determine if it is already filled with cream or pill. If it is not filled, then grasp the applicator with your thumb and forefinger, and with the other hand, insert the required amount of cream or a tablet through the other end of the applicator. - To fill the applicator with cream, it is usually necessary to firmly attach the tube of cream to the desired end of the applicator. Dispense the required amount of cream into the applicator.Disconnect, close and store the tube until next use.
- Typically, there are marks on the applicator in cream suppositories that indicate how many grams are in that applicator, for example, 1 g, 2 g, and so on.
3 Get into a comfortable position. Stand with your legs and knees apart. Raise one leg on a stool, on the edge of a tub or toilet. You can also lie on your back with your knees bent and spread out to the side to about shoulder level. - In the described positions, it is much easier to access the vagina and insert the suppository.
4 Open the labia majora and vulva. Using your left hand if you are right-handed (or your right if you are left-handed), part the labia majora and vulva. This will open up access to the vagina. Keep the vaginal opening open and use your dominant hand to insert the suppository. - While it may seem daunting at first, try to relax. Remind yourself that this procedure only takes a little getting used to, and if you can't do it all at once, you can always try again.
5 Insert the suppository into the vagina. Insert the suppository applicator halfway into the vagina, or use your index finger to insert the suppository. Try to insert the suppository as deeply as it feels comfortable. If you are using a suppository with an applicator, press down on the plunger so that the cream or tablet enters the vagina. - The suppository will go into the vagina if you insert the applicator approximately halfway down, or if you use your index finger, insert it approximately up to your knuckle.
6 Throw away the applicator. Pull out the applicator. Wash it with soap and running water if it is reusable, or throw it away if it is single use. Wash and dry your hands. It may take about half an hour until the suppository completely dissolves, that is, after about this time you will notice vaginal discharge. - Follow the drug manufacturer's directions or your doctor's instructions.
- You should not feel the suppository after insertion, and you will not need to take it out as it will completely dissolve into the vagina.
Part 2 of 2: Using Vaginal Suppositories Effectively
1 Store suppositories at room temperature. Suppositories usually consist of fats or water-soluble polymers. Once in the vagina, they begin to melt. To prevent the suppositories from melting, store them at room temperature. If it is too hot in the house and there is a high risk of the suppositories melting, then they can be stored in the refrigerator. - When the suppository melts, the active substances of the drug are released - drugs, herbs, hormones or lubricants.
2 Use suppositories even during your period. If the doctor prescribed you a course of treatment with suppositories, then this means that he considers it beneficial for your body. Even if you start to menstruate, continue to use the suppositories as directed by your doctor. Just use pads, not tampons. - If you miss the next dose of the drug, enter the suppository next time. Do not under any circumstances increase the dose.
3 Administer suppositories at night. Suppositories dissolve in the vagina and can drain with secretions, so they are best administered at bedtime. If you need to administer suppositories during the day, use a pad or pantyliner to collect the discharge. - When administering the suppository, do not use tampons. Tampons absorb the drug, making it less effective and irritate the vaginal walls.
4 Pay attention to side effects. Because vaginal suppositories are used to treat a wide variety of conditions (including fungal and bacterial infections, vaginal dryness, and hormonal imbalances), side effects vary.Most side effects do not require medical attention. The most common side effects are: - discomfort in the vagina;
- dryness in the vagina;
- burning or itching;
- vaginal discharge due to dissolution of suppositories.
5 When to see a doctor. If pain or discomfort occurs when using suppositories, see your doctor. If you think you are allergic to a drug, also see your doctor. Signs of an allergic reaction include swelling in the vagina or vulva, burning, itching, tightness, or chest pain. Read the instructions for the drug to know about possible allergic reactions. - Check with your doctor if you should avoid sexual intercourse while taking a course of suppositories.
- If you have any problems using the suppository applicator, please inform your doctor. The doctor will show you how to use these suppositories correctly.
