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How Do I Choose the Best Suppository?

By Valerie Goldberg
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,363
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Suppositories are solid medications that are placed inside the body via the vagina, rectum or urethra. Once these drugs have been placed, the medication melts and is absorbed by the body. When looking to choose the best suppository, there are a few things to take into consideration. You will need to consider your doctor's opinion, the reason for using a suppository and whether you need a prescription to obtain the medicine.

No matter what type of ailment you are suffering, you should talk to your doctor before beginning to use suppositories. Even though some suppositories are sold over the counter, you want to make sure the suppositories you choose do not interact negatively with any medications you are already taking. Your doctor also can tell you if using a suppository is the best method for you to find relief for your health issue. It is possible that your doctor would rather you take an oral medication.

Rectal suppositories are among the most common type. These suppositories are used to relieve constipation. A variety of rectal suppositories can be purchased without prescription and are made of many different elements, ranging from glycerin to mineral oil. It is important to always have clean hands when you insert a rectal suppository. You also should follow the insertion instructions on the package exactly as stated to avoid a rectal injury.

Prescription vaginal diazepam suppositories are used as a treatment for women suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction, a painful muscle spasm condition. These suppositories are made at compounding pharmacies and can be inserted directly into the vagina at bedtime. The use of vaginal diazepam can help to relieve any symptoms you may have regarding frequent urination, pain with sitting or painful sex. Your doctor can teach you how to insert a vaginal diazepam suppository with your hands or provide you with an applicator.

If you suffer from frequent yeast infections, you may find yourself needing a different variety of vaginal suppository, one made of anti-fungal medication. Drugstores sell these suppositories over the counter with instructions and an applicator included. Yeast infections often mimic other vaginal infections so, if you are experiencing symptoms for the first time, you may want to see your gynecologist for a checkup and some prescription suppositories instead of just running to the store.

Erectile dysfunction can be treated with prescription suppositories. If you are a man who has not had success with oral erectile dysfunction medications, then you may want to talk to your doctor to see if this type of suppository is right for you. A urethral suppository is the size of a pellet and must be inserted very carefully with a small applicator to avoid injury and infection.

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Discussion Comments
By bear78 — On Sep 17, 2014

@ysmina-- No laxative is safe to use regularly because they all cause dependency, even the glycerin suppositories. They should only be used rarely and when necessary. It's important to adjust the diet and eat more fiber foremost. You should tell your doctor if you have constipation often so that a better treatment can be found.

Rarely though, glycerin suppositories can be used both by children and adults to relieve constipation. But children should only use children's suppositories and adults should use the ones made only for adults. The children's suppositories are smaller and also come in liquid form.

I've used glycerin suppositories once or twice before. When eating more fiber, drinking more water and exercise doesn't work, suppositories can be an easy and quick remedy. Just don't use them often.

By ysmina — On Sep 16, 2014

Does anyone here use glycerin suppositories for constipation? Or does anyone use them for a child? Do you find these effective? And is it safe to use them regularly?

By turquoise — On Sep 16, 2014

The last time I had a yeast infection, my doctor prescribed a vaginal anti-fungal suppository. She said that this will treat my infection. Previously, I had only used creams so I was a bit hesitant to use suppositories. But they were easy to use and completely cleared up my infection. I started seeing changes in just a few days.

So if anyone else is dealing with chronic yeast infections and if the doctor prescribes a vaginal suppository, don't be scared to use them. Just follow your doctor's directions and hopefully your infection will go away just as mine has.

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