How to insert Utrogestan tablets as a pessary?

[Chocolateporridge]

Because I've been getting really bad side effects from Utrogestan taken orally my GP has said I should try taking it vaginally. I'm on high dose Estrogel (4 pumps) so I need to insert 3 tablets a night for 2 weeks then stop for 2 weeks. She said just use the tablets as they are not allowed to prescribe the pessaries due to cost.

I know I'm going to really struggle with this, I've never been able to use tampons. Can anyone give me tips on how to do this, obviously I don't have an applicator either.

Push them in while lying on your bed? Maybe use a dab of Yes lubricant if necessary. Can't think of any other ways!

You can also buy pessary applicators on Amazon to make it easier. And I agree that you should definitely use a small amount of lubricant.

I've had to estrogen tablets (tiny things) vaginally before. I put it on the top of my finger and pushed up and backwards as far as my finger would go. Sometimes the tablet kind of followed my finger on the way out and I'd have to try again. I think lying on the bed for your first few goes is a good idea. Wash your hands and have a practice first.

@Chocolateporridge A word of advice- you may want to wear knickers in bed as the capsules do ooze a bit.

The applicators- I have some as I did get the 200mgs a few times. (The 200 ARE very expensive and as I pay for them privately I ask for the 100mgs) . The 100mgs capsules don't really fit the applicator.

The 200mgs 'sit' in the applicator like a boiled egg in an egg cup. The 100mgs slip right down the 'cup' and when the plunger is pressed they are sometimes still in the applicator.

Obviously I've not bought an applicator online so I can't say.

Best advice is as above- lie down and go slowly. They are really tiny and softish so should go in easily.

I used to just push them in with my finger. That worked ok most of the time.

I did end up with thrush so switch to oral method in the end.

Thank you all so much. I've got to use 3 X 100mg a night so I've ordered some applicators online, I hope the tablets fit them ok, I'll order some lube too.

Do you need to make sure you put them in after intercourse, not before, or anything like that?

If the applicators don't work, try Canesten pessary applicator- it works well. I just wash it in warm soapy water after each use and air dry.

What a palaver it all is!!

I would put them in after sex not before, they dissolve internally into a white gunky mess - which is fine if you insert them high enough up. It just stays up and absorbs mostly.

But potentially a bit of a passion killer!!

@CorsicaDreaming that's a great tip, thanks so much!
I wish I'd thought of the canesten pessary before I ordered a pack off Amazon 😂

I did have a left over Canestan applicator and the Utrogestan didn't fit- well, it was too small and simply got stuck in the applicator. It's much better (IMO ) to use your finger than a rigid piece of plastic.

@Chocolateporridge If you struggle, consider asking your GP for Ovestin or Vagifem which is local vaginal estrogen and for dry/ small vaginas! It's not classed as HRT anyway, and may help you rather than using lube.

Hi all, just jumping on the thread.

I am due to start my 12days of vaginal utrogestan today, can I insert it any time of day or does it have to be at night like the oral one? There is nothing on the leaflet advising how to take it for perimenopause only for fertility, that guidance is three times a day. So with that in mind, I am guessing it doesn't have to be at night time?? So confusing

You can do it at any time but just make sure it doesn't fall out before it's melted and absorbed.

You must have the 200mgs type if the leaflet is only for fertility? yes?

Hi there, yes I have the 200mg ones. Thank you for confirming that they can be taken any time of day. Been struggling to find an answer anywhere and not been able to get through to the Dr!

I'm only passing on what I was told as my consultant is a menopause & fertility specialist. I've never tried using them except at night, but he said any time was fine.

Just be a little wary of any possible side effects - might be a good idea to try first when you are not at work or have anything important to do.
They make me very hot (using at night)- not in a good way!

I've started it this afternoon as nothing planned for the rest of the day. Hoping there will be no side effects, as struggled with the side effects when i had the oral tablets.

Haha I'm hot all night long anyway and like you...not hot in the way my husband would like me to be!!

I'm going to try this as I've been getting terrible bloating & stomach discomfort

@Samikous they make me super tired within half an hour of inserting them so I would definitely only take them just before going to bed!

The same, and also dizzy.
I have a private prescription so I have the 200 mg ones. I don’t bother with the plastic rod things. I use a mixture over the twelve days as one causes vaginal irritation and the other nausea and heartburn. I do seem to have a heavier and shorter bleed if I have used them vaginally, even though it is only for a few days out of the twelve as I use more oral ones.

Mine came with applicators. Absolute game changers. You can also buy them on Amazon x

@Chocolateporridge is using as a pessary helping you at all?

Yes @stilldumdedumming It's not affecting my IBS at all anymore and I'm only feeling a little bit nauseous in the morning. I'm just wondering how I'll feel on the 14 days when I don't take them because when I was taking them orally I took them for 25 days out if 28 to try to combat the IBS issues 😬

Oh I'm so pleased! Although yes, I get the trepidation. What a minefield - but that seems like progress.

Hmmm not sure what I want to do now. My side effects have not been digestive but more hormonal.

@stilldumdedumming my IBS issues are caused by the hormones so maybe you'll be ok? Also.... they don't need to be taken on an empty stomach as far as my bedtime toast tests show 😂