Patient education: How to use vaginal medicines (The Basics)

What is a vaginal medicine? — A vaginal medicine is given into the vagina (figure 1). The medicine works by being absorbed into the body or helping with vaginal symptoms.

There are different forms of vaginal medicines, including:

●Creams, gels, and ointments

●Suppositories, capsules, and tablets – These dissolve or melt after you insert them. Suppositories are sometimes called "inserts."

●Rings – These are flexible rings that are placed in the vagina. They are left in for a certain amount of time, and then removed.

What kinds of medicines can be given through the vagina? — Examples include medicines to:

●Treat infections

●Give hormones

●Treat symptoms like vaginal dryness or itching

●Prevent pregnancy

How do I use vaginal medicines? — Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about your medicine.

General instructions for all vaginal medicines:

●Check the medicine.

•Read the label to make sure that you have the correct medicine and the correct dose. Check that it is not expired.

•Know how long you need to use the medicine and how often to use it.

●Wash your hands with warm, soapy water before and after using the medicine.

●Find a comfortable position:

•You might stand with 1 foot on a stool or a tub.

•You might lie on your back with your knees bent and your legs slightly apart.

To use a medicine with an applicator:

●Some medicines come in a prefilled applicator. For others, you must put the medicine into the applicator.

•For creams, gels, or ointments – Attach the applicator to the end of the tube. Squeeze the correct amount of cream, gel, or ointment into the applicator.

•For tablets, capsules, or suppositories – Unwrap the tablet, capsule, or suppository and put it on the end of the applicator.

●You can put a few drops of water on the tip of the applicator. This can make putting it in easier.

●Put the applicator into your vagina as far as it will comfortably go. Push the plunger until it stops.

●Take the applicator out of your vagina.

To insert a suppository or tablet without an applicator:

●Pinch the pill or suppository between your index finger and thumb. Insert it into your vagina.

●Use your index finger to push the medicine inside as far as it can go. This is usually about the depth of 1 finger.

To insert a vaginal ring:

●Make sure your hands are dry. Remove the ring from its pouch.

●Hold the ring between your thumb and index finger. Press the sides of the ring together.

●Insert the folded ring into your vagina. Gently push it as far up as you can using your index finger. The ring does not need to be in an exact position to work. But if it feels uncomfortable, it might not be far enough inside.

●Once it is in, the ring might move around slightly. This is normal.

●Know how long you should keep the ring in.

To remove a vaginal ring:

●Reach your index finger into your vagina. Loop your finger through the ring, and gently pull it out.

●Some vaginal rings are thrown away after use. Others are cleaned and reused. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you are not sure if you can reuse your ring.

What are the risks of using vaginal medicines? — Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will talk to you about all of the possible risks and answer your questions. Possible risks include:

●Mild itching

●Vaginal discharge

Vaginal medicines might weaken or damage "barrier" methods of birth control, like condoms or diaphragms.

If you have sex while using a vaginal medicine, it is also possible for it to be absorbed into a partner's body.

What else should I know?

●Vaginal medicines (except for rings) can "leak" or cause fluid to come out of your vagina. Try lying down after inserting the medicine to allow it to absorb. You can also use the medicine before bedtime. Some people use a sanitary pad to protect their clothes.

●Avoid using tampons while you are using vaginal medicines. They can absorb the medicine.

●If a suppository is soft, try placing it in the refrigerator for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also run cold water over it while it is still in the wrapper.

●Some applicators for vaginal medicines are reusable. If so, wash the applicator with warm, soapy water after each use.

●You might need to avoid sex when using vaginal medicines. Talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

●Rarely, a vaginal ring can fall out. Make sure you know what to do if it falls out. If you are using the ring to prevent pregnancy, know if you need to use another form of birth control.

More on this topic

Patient education: Vaginitis in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Vulvovaginal yeast infection (The Basics)
Patient education: Bacterial vaginosis (The Basics)
Patient education: Trichomoniasis (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaginal discharge (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaginal dryness (The Basics)
Patient education: Hormonal birth control (The Basics)
Patient education: Menopause (The Basics)
Patient education: Sex problems in females (The Basics)

Patient education: Vaginal yeast infection (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Bacterial vaginosis (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Vaginal discharge in adult women (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Vaginal dryness (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Hormonal methods of birth control (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Menopausal hormone therapy (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Sexual problems in females (Beyond the Basics)