Cyclogest pessaries

[SquishyBean]

I've just started my cyclogest pessaries yesterday evening in preparation for a frozen transfer on Thursday and am taking them vaginally. The nurse did say to expect some leakage and to wear a pantyliner, but I wasn't prepared for the consistency of the leakage 😅 it feels like the pantyliner is going to be useful just in terms of being able to change it throughout the day, but it's not really able to absorb anything because it's all waxy so it just sits on top and feels uncomfortable. I'm only 2 pessaries in, but it's feeling a little daunting having to carry on with these for a couple of months if we get a positive test. I think I'd rather have an injection because that's just a moment in time, whereas this seems like it will be a constant low level discomfort/irritation 🙈I think the nurse said that taking them rectally would mean less leakage, but I'm also not sure about doing that - it just feels somehow icky! Has anyone else done them rectally and noticed a difference in leakage? Or found any other ways to make it more comfortable? Thanks!

[Skittles11]

I have done them rectally and there is a huge difference in leakage. I was a bit grosed out by doing them rectally initially but it's absolutely fine, honestly and much less messy! You don't have to lie down afterwards either, you can continue your day as normal x x

[SquishyBean in reply to Skittles11]

Thanks for your reply! I might try it out and see how I feel. Although just thinking about it now, this might be a weird question, but like, do you have to plan opening your bowels around it? What if you'd just put it in and then needed to go an hour later or something? Would the pessary come out too and then not get absorbed?

[Skittles11 in reply to SquishyBean]

I would try to go to the toilet before putting it in for sure. Then after putting it I try and wait an hour before going again. You get used to it. If I needed to go immediately after putting one in I'd probably just put another one in but if you can wait a little bit (for me I try an hour) I am confident this is fine based on what I've read x x

[raverg in reply to Skittles11]

I’ve been using it rectally on both of my cycles and I can confirm that there’s barely any leakage, plus I do the same as above (go to loo before or try to hold it for an hour afterwards). The first time round I started with vaginal use but because of the constant leakage and being a heatwave, there was just too much moisture and I developed a sebaceous cyst on my labia, which got me to antibiotics in the 2ww and has been a headache ever since. Other women develop thrush or cervix irritation. So I cannot recommend rectal use more. Plus I think that you should be able to absorb more of the progesterone since nothing really leaks out. Good luck!

[BlahBlah55]

As others have said, I use them rectally too - far better and cleaner that way!

[Blueberries1934]

I've also opted for the rectal route and it's very easy. No mess whatsoever and I don't feel a thing. Would recommend!

[Christianbaby]

It can be quite uncomfortable dealing with the leakage and waxy residue. From my experience, the rectal route does reduce leakage significantly, and many find it less messy, though it might take some getting used to. Wishing you all the best for your transfer on Thursday!

[gerifit]

Like others have said, bum bullets all the way! No leakage and lovely marble poos 😂😂. Make sure you don’t poo for at least half an hour afterwards so it can be absorbed (if you can poo before inserting it then winner!). Good luck with your transfer lovely! Xx

[40plusTTC]

Rectally for sure! Easy to do (honestly!), and I had no leakage at all. Never even tried vaginally with cyclogest because I was warned about the issue of leakage. Definitely try and wait at least an hour before opening bowels as others have suggested so you're absorbing the progesterone as fully as possible. Good luck!

[Twiglet2]

do you lie down for 20mins after inserting? I just do the morning one before I get up in the morning lie down for 20mins then go for a shower and I don't need to wear a liner through the day. The night time one I do need a wee liner for an hour or so but most nights off to bed not long after so it’s fine. I could t take them rectally gave me a sore tummy. I had a successful FET in 2020 and I did this until 12 weeks and was totally fine and no irritation xx

[ArdenJ]

Hi Squishy Bean,

I took the pessaries rectally. The thought of it is worse than actually doing it. Its just getting used to it, any wax left overs come out in the toilet naturally. So all good !

Hope that helps. And massive good luck xx