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| How to use your pessaries |
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Written by Helen Marshall, pharmacist
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What are pessaries?
Pessaries are solid, bullet-shaped preparations designed for
easy insertion into the vagina. They can be inserted using your fingers, or may
come with an applicator. Pessaries are normally made of a solid vegetable oil
that contains the medicine. The medicine is gradually released into the vagina
as the pessary dissolves at body temperature.
How to insert a pessary
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Wash your hands.
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Remove any foil or plastic wrapping from the pessary and
applicator (if supplied).
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If an applicator is supplied, push the pessary into the hole at
the end of the applicator.
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Sit or lie down with your knees bent and legs apart.
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Gently insert the pessary into the vagina as far as is
comfortably possible using either your fingers or the applicator.
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If you are using an applicator, depress the plunger to release
the pessary then remove the applicator from your vagina.
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Wash your hands again.
Other useful advice
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If you are pregnant, do not use an applicator
to insert pessaries. Use your fingers instead.
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Once in the vagina the pessary will melt and may leak from your
vagina. You may find it more comfortable to insert the pessary before going to
bed at night rather than during the day. If you do insert it during the day,
sanitary towels can be used to prevent any staining of your clothes.
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You should continue to use your pessaries until the course is
completed, even if this means inserting them during your monthly period. If you
do use them during your period you should use sanitary towels rather than
tampons.
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Some pessaries can damage diaphragms and condoms, making them
ineffective as contraception. Read the printed instructions in the packet to
determine if this applies to your pessaries.
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EXPIRY: never use your pessaries after the expiry date as they
may no longer be effective. Follow the printed instructions given with your
pessaries.
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STORAGE: store your pessaries in a cool, dry place.
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Always keep medicines out of the reach of children.
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If you forget insert a pessary (miss a dose), insert the
pessary as soon as you remember, and then go on as before.
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Always use the pessaries according to the printed label or as
instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.
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Pessaries are only intended for vaginal use and must not be
taken by mouth.
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Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you accidentally use more
than you were supposed to.
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Last updated 28.03.2007
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