Constipated from Pessaries

[Hope_JN]

Hello lovely ladies

Sorry for TMI with the title 🙈 we had our egg collection yesterday and I started my cyclogest pessaries. I have always placed them rectally as I find this easier than via the front but I am so so constipated from them! I’m usually a once a day girl but haven’t been able to go to the loo since day before yesterday! Can anyone please give advice on what I can do to help...I’ve bought some prunes and have been drinking lots of water. I’m also worried that being constipated means the progesterone may not be absorbing into my blood stream as it should. I have had a history of low progesterone in the past when using just the pessaries Xx

[Lapinblanc88]

It's the progesterone. Awful effect on me too.Prune juice doesn't work for me.

Highly recommend lactulose. It's one of the few ok when pregnant.

The only thing that work for me.

Otherwise I would go once every 5 or 6 days...

😱🤢

[Hope_JN in reply to Lapinblanc88]

Thank you for your reply. That sounds awful, sorry to hear you’ve had the same. I haven’t been able to go for two days and have been so uncomfortable all morning so called the pharmacy who suggested lactulose but said it could take a few days to work. Hubby went and got me some which I just took. I’ve also ordered some glycerin suppositories. Also been suggested to take the pessaries through the lady garden rather than rectally. Just worried that the constipation may mean my pessaries aren’t absorbing as they should be as I’ve had a history of low progesterone in the past x

[Lapinblanc88 in reply to Hope_JN]

Best taken vaginally as the progesterone also penetrate through the vaginal walls which is beneficial. You would need to lay down for 30mn. Very important!!

Lactulose works within half a day for me

10ml am and pm once or twice a week

[Hope_JN in reply to Lapinblanc88]

Thank you so much for your advice, I will definitely be doing the pessaries vaginally now xx

[Sparklylife]

I am having the same issue -glamorous side of hormones 🙈 Keep well hydrated, light activity (walking) and fibre + fruits. I also ended up getting lactulose. Only thing is - lactulose gives me terrible wind pains - bloated like a balloon. So I try avoid it if I can. I took my pessaries vaginally - only at night. Just got to wear liners 🙄

I wish I had good news it would ease, but I still have this issue, occasionally very bloated and uncomfortable on an evening. Just try to eat little and often too might help.

Hope it is not too bad and that lactulose will help you a bit!

[Hope_JN in reply to Sparklylife]

Thank you, yes I’m really hoping it eases with lactulose xx

[Lapinblanc88 in reply to Sparklylife]

I had the same issue but when I lowered the dose to 10ml I was fine

[Tryingtostaycalm]

I had awful constipation; the worst I’ve ever had. I didn’t go to the toilet properly for almost a week and felt terrible. The only thing that seemed to ease it was Fybogel which was safe to take. Good luck!x

[Hope_JN in reply to Tryingtostaycalm]

So sorry you experienced that, it’s an absolutely awful feeling, my whole day has gone feeling miserable as I’m used to normal bowel movements. Thank you for your advice xxx

[ray_of_sunshine_]

I found drinking hot water got things moving for me. Best of luck x

[Hope_JN in reply to ray_of_sunshine_]

Thank you, I’m feeling a lot better after drinking tons of water today and the lactulose has certainly helped! X

[Murielsmom]

I had the same issue the first few days. I’m still on the pessaries as in my 2ww. I started taking fiber tablets (like Metamucil but without sugar additives) and lots of water and that worked really well. I also try to have a fruit/vegetable smoothie in the morning as my first meal (I add vegan protein to the mix and some almond milk) just to get the bowels moving. I’ve only had to use the tablets once so far as the smoothies are really helping.

Good luck! I know how frustrating it feels!

[Emma672]

Well you’ve asked a question I was thinking about so thank you! On my first round of IVF I had Utrogestan pessaries which are used up the front and I still got terrible constipation, apparently it’s the hormone itself rather than where you put it that causes the issue. Just about to start round 2 do I know this is coming again... but I’ll look to get some Lactulose as recommended by the ladies above. The things that nobody tells you when you start IVF! x