If youre interested in learning more about suppositories, including the benefits they might add to your life, youre in the right place. You also might have a few questions relating to the topic. What is a suppository? How do suppositories work?
Suppositories can be helpful in several ways, and being well-informed about them will be beneficial if you decide to try them. If you have some questions about suppositories and would like them to be answered, we may be able to help! Allow us to break down everything you may want to know if youre new to suppositories.
What Is a Suppository?
Suppositories are typically products or items that can be inserted into the vagina, anus, or urethra and provide some sort of benefit. Here, were primarily going to discuss suppositories that are intended for use in the vagina, though there are many that can be inserted in those other orifices as well.
Some of the most common types of vaginal suppositories include those used to treat yeast infections, decrease pain or increase relaxation, and decrease the presence of smell within the vagina. However, anal and urethral suppositories may be used to deliver other kinds of drugs or medications, treat issues with bowel movements, and treat pain or nausea.
The body absorbs suppository-delivered medications more quickly than traditional oral ones. Also, when medications have a less-than-desirable taste, people may opt out of taking them orally and instead take them through a suppository. There are also circumstances where if someone cannot take medication orally, a suppository may provide these medications.
How Do Suppositories Work?
Suppositories work by being inserted into an orifice other than the mouth. Most commonly, these include the vagina, anus, or urethra. Urethral suppositories are the most rare, while anal and vaginal ones are more commonly used.
When a suppository is inserted into someones body, this allows the medication to be absorbed into the body and start working more quickly than when a medication is taken orally. The medication may also work more effectively in smaller doses when used in this way.
The reason suppositories may be more effective in some circumstances is because the medication doesnt need to go through the digestive system. Bypassing the digestive system allows the drug or product to enter the bodys bloodstream far quickler and reduces how much of drug is lost through digestive system processing; both of these aspects make suppositories helpful in treating medical issues.
When a suppository is inserted into a persons body, the surface area of the product is generally larger than that of the typical pill you take orally. This surface area allows the orifices to absorb the drugs more quickly as well.
If youre using a suppository, its worth noting that its normal for there to be leakage from your orifices; as the medication combines with the mucus in the anus, rectum, or urethra, some of the product may fall from your body, unless you have positioned your body in a way to prevent this. If you are not in a position that prevents this kind of leaking, you may want to use a pad or diaper or some kind to catch anything that falls; this may be helpful if you want to prevent staining or bleaching in your undergarments, pants, or even bed sheets.
What Are the Benefits of Using Suppositories?
Suppositories can be beneficial in a number of ways, and the specific positive aspects may depend on the issue youre trying to treat and the type of suppository you use.
Fast Acting
Suppositories can be incredibly fast-acting because of how they are absorbed, so you may quickly feel relief or notice positive changes if you are treating a medical ailment. By avoiding the digestive tract, the suppository-based medication can be absorbed by the body and sent into the bloodstream relatively quickly. This is a great option if you want to feel fast relief or need to treat a medical issue sooner rather than later.
Lower Doses
This way of putting medications into the body also allows lower doses to be used in order for the same effects to present themselves. In comparison to doses found in pills one might take orally, suppositories can have much lower drug dosages because of the place of insertion, potentially allowing more doses of medication to be distributed to the people who need them.
Treat Medical Issues
In cases where medical treatements cannot be given orally, suppositories still allow issues to be treated effectively. For example, suppositories make it far easier to treat bacterial or fungal infections in the vagina, saving the medication user from having to take a large, poor-tasting dose of oral medication.
Conclusion
Its essential to be well-informed about suppositories before you begin using them. They offer a vast array of benefits and are relatively user-friendly, but always be sure to do what feels best for you, your body, and your overall needs.