Vaginal Suppositories - When Do You Need to Use Them?

What Are Vaginal Suppositories?

A vaginal suppository takes the form of a small, solid, oval medicine inserted into the vagina using a plastic applicator. The suppository dissolves inside the body due to heat, allowing for quick absorption and precise treatment delivery.

Patients use these suppositories for treating yeast infections, relieving vaginal dryness, and contraception purposes. The success rate of vaginal suppositories depends on the specific medical condition being treated and the formulation prescribed by healthcare professionals.

When Do You Need to Use Vaginal Suppositories?

Healthcare providers recommend vaginal suppositories under the following conditions:

• Birth Control: You can use vaginal suppositories with spermicide as a birth control method that does not require daily care.
• Yeast Infections: When your vaginal area exhibits signs of yeast infection such as itching, burning, and unusual discharge, antifungal suppositories offer effective relief.
• Vaginal Dryness: Women experiencing vaginal dryness due to menopause or other conditions can use hyaluronic acid vaginal suppositories or vitamin E vaginal suppository products to moisturize vaginal tissues and normalize pH balance.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal hormone suppositories can be used as an alternative to oral hormone therapy.
• Recurrent Yeast Infections:Doctors may recommend boric acid vaginal suppository treatments when conventional medications fail to prevent recurring yeast infections.

How to Use Vaginal Suppositories: A Step-by-Step Guide

Preparation

• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Remove the suppository from its packaging.
• Insert the suppository into the applicator if applicable.

Insertion

• Choose a comfortable position, either lying on your back with knees bent or standing with one foot elevated.
• Gently insert the suppository into the vagina as deeply as comfortable.
• If using an applicator, press the plunger to release the suppository, then remove the applicator.

Aftercare

• Remain lying down for a few minutes to allow the medication to absorb.
• Wash your hands again after insertion.
• Avoid using tampons, as they may absorb the medication.
• Use a sanitary pad to prevent leakage onto clothing or bedding.

Additional Tips for Proper Use

Preventing Leakage

• Insert the suppository before bedtime to minimize leakage.
• Use sanitary pads rather than tampons, as tampons may interfere with medication absorption.

Ensuring Proper Dosage

• Complete the full course of treatment as directed, even if symptoms improve earlier.
• Stick to the prescribed schedule, and if you miss a dose, wait for the next scheduled dose instead of doubling up.
• During menstruation, continue using vaginal suppositories but opt for sanitary pads instead of tampons.

Common Uses of Vaginal Suppositories

1. Birth Control

Contraceptive suppositories use spermicide to prevent pregnancy in two ways:

• Creating a foam barrier that blocks the cervix.
• Immobilizing and killing sperm before they reach the uterus.

Users should insert the suppository at least 10 minutes before intercourse. However, this method is less effective than other contraceptive options, with up to 28% of users becoming pregnant each year.

2. Yeast Infections

Yeast infections, often caused by Candida albicans, can be treated with OTC suppositories or natural suppositories.

OTC Suppositories

• Antifungal medications like clotrimazole and miconazole are available in suppository form.
• Treatment duration varies from 3 to 7 days, depending on the medication’s strength.
• Severe infections may require a 14-day prescription treatment.

Natural Suppositories

• Boric acid vaginal suppository treatments have been used for decades to treat recurrent yeast infections.
• A 2011 study reported a success rate between 40% and 100% in treating recurrent yeast infections.
• A 2018 study confirmed vaginal suppository boric acid effectively combats drug-resistant strains of Candida.

3. Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness can occur at any age but is most common during menopause. Hyaluronic acid vaginal suppositories, hormone-based treatments, and vitamin E vaginal suppository options help restore moisture and maintain vaginal health.

Hormonal Suppositories

• A clinical trial demonstrated that Prasterone significantly improved vaginal dryness within 12 weeks.
• This treatment works locally on vaginal tissues, minimizing side effects.

Vitamin E Suppositories

• A study showed that a 12-week course of vitamin E vaginal suppository treatment improved vaginal dryness symptoms.
• Although estrogen creams provided faster relief, vitamin E was equally effective after 8–12 weeks.
• Women who cannot use hormone therapy may find vitamin E vaginal suppository a safer alternative.

Final Thoughts

Vaginal suppositories effectively treat contraception, yeast infections, and vaginal dryness by delivering targeted medication directly to the affected area. While contraceptive suppositories are less reliable than other birth control methods, suppositories for yeast infections and vaginal dryness offer fast relief with minimal side effects.

Proper and consistent use ensures maximum effectiveness, making these treatments a practical choice for many women.