Using Vaginal Suppositories

One of the most common reasons women visit a gynecologist is vaginal discharge. Groin pain and bleeding irregularities are also common concerns patients want addressed.

The inner structure of the vagina is lined with a multilayered surface. It contains no secretory glands.

Only during sexual arousal does a lubricating fluid get secreted from areas very close to the outside of the vagina.

A significant portion of vaginal fluid is known to come from glands in the cervix. These glands are also sensitive to estrogen stimulation.

Cells shed from the multiple layers of the vagina also play a significant role in forming vaginal fluid.

Microorganisms naturally present in the vagina help prevent overgrowth by maintaining this acidic environment.

A small amount of clear vaginal discharge is considered normal. This discharge is typically odorless, resembling mucus right after menstruation ends, and appears as a whitish, cream-like substance after ovulation. These are its natural, physiological characteristics.

Discharge may be absent in girls who have not yet started menstruating and in postmenopausal women, due to reduced estrogen.

The main causes of increased vaginal discharge are vaginal infections.

Cervical infections and lesions, vaginal lesions, and cervical cancer can also increase vaginal discharge.

Discharge from Gardnerella infection, which develops from bacterial vaginitis, can appear white or gray and resemble the smell of spoiled fish.

This type of discharge does not cause irritation in the vagina or external genital area. Fungal-related discharge, by contrast, is typically white and odorless.

In chronic cervical infections, discharge is thick and can disrupt vaginal flora, creating conditions favorable for further infection. This discharge is usually frothy and has an unpleasant odor.

The key point to keep in mind here is that abnormal vaginal discharge is most often caused by conditions affecting the vagina and cervix.

Sexual intercourse is not limited to vaginal intercourse alone. Close physical contact, and oral and anal intercourse, are also included within the scope of sexual activity.

For this reason, infections transmitted this way are also considered sexually transmitted infections.

The microorganisms responsible for these conditions multiply within the genital system and are also found in bodily fluids and blood. Sexually transmitted infections in particular continue to become more widespread.

Let's discuss the reasons behind this;

• Condoms, once the primary method, are increasingly being replaced by IUDs and birth control pills.
• Urbanization and migration have shifted social values, and communication tools have become far more widespread.
• Some physicians lack sufficient knowledge on this subject.
• Increased freedom of travel has led to a growing number of tourists arriving from abroad.
• Some conditions have symptoms that are not widely recognized.

Beyond treating the causes of sexually transmitted infections, patient education and regular examinations should also be part of the process.

Participation in various screening programs, along with treating one's partner, is also advisable.

Many vaginal suppository products are now available on the market.

Detailed usage instructions are typically provided when these products are recommended.

With that in mind;

• Sexual intercourse should be avoided during treatment,
• Use should be stopped immediately if an allergic reaction occurs,
• In cases of trichomonas-related vaginal inflammation, the partner should be treated as well (dual treatment),
• Women who are virgins — that is, who still have an intact hymen — should never use these types of suppositories or vaginal medications on their own without medical guidance.
• Alcohol should be avoided for at least 2 days after completing treatment.

Side effects may also occur with this type of medication.

Possible side effects include abdominal pain, swelling of the face, lips, and tongue, and difficulty breathing.

Vaginal burning and itching should also not be ignored.

There are several types of vaginal suppositories. Some (for example, those containing lactobacillus) must be stored and transported according to cold-chain requirements.

Vaginal suppositories should always be used under the most hygienic conditions possible. Always use disposable examination gloves, widely available anywhere.

Put an examination glove on each hand, and position yourself as shown in the diagram to insert the suppository deep into the vaginal canal.

Before inserting your medication, be sure to wash your external genital area with an appropriate gel or soap. Never wash inside the vaginal canal itself.

Then, in the correct position, insert the suppository into your vaginal canal.

It is very important to insert it as deep as possible.

Never use a vaginal suppository based on a friend's recommendation or hearsay, without a doctor's guidance. Vaginal suppositories and pessaries should only be used when prescribed by your gynecologist.