Vaginal Suppositories: How To Use Them And What To Expect

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Medical News TodaySubscribeStep-by-step guide on how to use vaginal suppositories

Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH — Written by Charlotte Lillis — Updated on June 13, 2025

Step-by-step guide
Tips
Uses
Summary

Vaginal suppositories are solid, oval-shaped treatments that a person inserts into the vagina using a plastic applicator. They become liquid as they warm to the body’s temperature.

A vaginal suppository provides targeted relief from conditions affecting the vagina. They also tend to be fast acting due to their rapid absorption.

It is important to follow a doctor’s advice when using vaginal suppositories. They can advise on safety of use.

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to use vaginal suppositories. It also takes a look at when people may use vaginal suppositories, with information on what to expect.

Using vaginal suppositories: Step-by-step

The following step-by-step guide shows the correct way to prepare and use vaginal suppositories.

Step 1

Wash the hands and vaginal area with mild soap and warm water before patting dry with a clean towel. This will help prevent any spread of bacteria.

Step 2

Fill the applicator, unless it is pre-filled.

Solid suppositories: Unwrap the suppository and applicator. Hold the base of the applicator in one hand and place the suppository inside the applicator with the other hand. Dipping the end of the suppository in water may make it easier to insert.
Cream suppositories: Connect the opening of the tube of cream to the open end of the applicator. Fill the applicator until it reaches the correct dosage.

Step 3

A person can apply vaginal suppositories when lying down or standing, whichever feels most comfortable. The lying position may be the best method for people requiring assistance from a caregiver.

Either lie on the back with knees bent or stand with legs shoulder-width apart and one foot raised on a stool or other elevated platform.

Step 4

Place the applicator at the vaginal opening. Gently insert the applicator into the vagina, as far as it will go, without causing discomfort.

Step 5

Gently push the plunger of the applicator until it goes no further. This forces the suppository deep into the vagina.

Step 6

Remove the applicator slowly and gently.

Step 7

If the applicator is reusable, wash it with some gentle soap and warm water. Discard a non-reusable applicator along with the household waste.

Additional tips

To help prevent leakage, it may be best to use vaginal suppositories before going to bed. Lying down will reduce leakage of the product that could occur while sitting or standing.

Wearing sanitary pads will protect underwear and bed linen from leakage.

People can take vaginal suppositories during a menstrual period. However, they should use sanitary pads instead of tampons, as tampons may absorb some of the medication.

What are vaginal suppositories for?

Some vaginal suppositories can help with the treatment of infections such as yeast infections.

Contraceptive suppositories are another type of vaginal suppository that some people used as a form of birth control.

Suppositories will take varying lengths of time to work, depending on their purpose. The size and chemical makeup of a suppository will also determine the rate at which it dissolves.

Birth control

Contraceptive suppositories contain a spermicide that acts to prevent pregnancy in two ways:

It creates a foam substance that blocks the entrance to the cervix so sperm cannot get through.
It immobilizes and kills the sperm, so they are unable to travel to the womb.

People should insert the suppository into the vagina at least 10 to 15 minutes before sex. Doing so allows enough time for the medication to melt, enabling the spermicide to disperse.

Spermicides are typically effective for up to 1 hour.

Yeast infections

A vaginal yeast infection, which is also known as vaginal candidiasis, is due to the organism Candida albicans.

Some antifungal drugs are available as both creams and suppositories, such as clotrimazole and miconazole. These come in different strengths and are available for purchase over the counter.

Depending on the strength, the medication can often take between 3 and 14 days to clear an existing infection. Suppositories usually require fewer dosages than creams and tend to provide symptom relief sooner.

When using vaginal suppositories for a yeast infection, it is essential to complete the recommended course even if symptoms disappear before finishing all the medication.

For many decades, people have used boric acid suppositories as an alternative treatment for recurrent vaginal yeast infections. These are also available over the counter in most health stores and online.

A 2018 laboratory study found that boric acid works by restricting the growth of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata strains that have become resistant to conventional drug treatment.

Boric acid suppositories may be particularly useful for people whose vaginal candidiasis symptoms do not improve after an extended course of conventional treatment.

Do not ingest boric acid, as this can be toxic. Always use boric acid under a doctor’s supervision.

»Learn more:What to know about sex and yeast infections

Vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness can affect people of any age but is more common among those transitioning to menopause. Certain suppositories can help to maintain vaginal moisture and healthy pH levels.

For example, vaginal estrogen could help treat vaginal dryness and irritation that occurs due to menopause.

Vitamin E suppositories may also be beneficial. A 2022 article found that vaginal vitamin E could help treat genitourinary syndrome of menopause, which can cause vaginal dryness.

For people who are sensitive to hormone therapy, vitamin E suppositories could potentially be a suitable and safer alternative.

Summary

Vaginal suppositories are treatments that a person inserts into the vaginal. They can help treat infections and vaginal dryness. Some types of birth control are also available as suppositories.

When applying a vaginal suppository, a person may want to try either lying down or standing to determine which position works best for them.

Follow the instructions that come with the treatment. A person’s doctor can confirm how frequently they need to apply the suppositories.

Birth Control / Contraception
Sexual Health / STDs
Women's Health / Gynecology

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

About vaginal oestrogen. (2023).
Barrier methods of birth control: Spermicide, condom, diaphragm, and cervical cap. (2025).https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/barrier-methods-of-birth-control-spermicide-condom-sponge-diaphragm-and-cervical-cap
How to use vaginal tablets, suppositories, and creams. (2025).https://www.veteranshealthlibrary.va.gov/medicationsva/203,a608033
Larsen B, et al. (2017). Boric acid and commercial organoboron products as inhibitors of drug-resistant Candida albicans.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11046-017-0209-6
Overview: Vaginal yeast infection (thrush). (2022).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK543220/
Porterfield L, et al. (2022). Vaginal vitamin e for treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9086347/
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). (2021).https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/candidiasis.htm

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Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH — Written by Charlotte Lillis — Updated on June 13, 2025

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