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What is Cyclogest Pessary? How does it work?

Cyclogest is a drug that contains progesterone hormone. Its route of administration is oral, vaginal, or rectal. The form of cyclogest used for the vaginal or rectal mode is known as cyclogest pessary. It is off-white and has torpedoes in shape.

Medicine Dosage:

The prescribed dosage in the UK is 200mg (Twice Daily) or 400mg (Once Daily). Cyclogest pessaries liquify and slowly release progesterone hormone into the bloodstream of the rich blood vessels in the bottom.

Types of Vaginal Pessaries:

Following are a few types of vaginal pessaries depending on their many shapes.

• Ring Pessary

• Donut Pessary

• Cube Pessary

• Gehrung Pessary

• Dish Pessary

• Marland Pessary

• Oval Pessary

• Cup Pessary

What is Progesterone?

Progesterone belongs to the class of drugs called progestins. It is a female reproductive system hormone naturally released into the bloodstream by the corpus luteum in the female ovary. Progesterone acts to regulate the menstrual cycle, uterine wall thickness, and the maintenance of pregnancy. According to healthcare professionals, Progesterone is essential for female sexual health as it helps maintain early pregnancy, regular menstruation, and bleeding.

At Welzo, we offer several tests that can measure your progesterone levels, to view or order our progesterone test, click here.

Uses of Cyclogest Pessaries

A wide variety of conditions in female health require cyclogest as a solution. Its function is to keep progesterone hormone in balance and maintain the thickness of the uterine wall.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS):

Patients who experience depression in premenstrual syndrome due to low levels of progesterone hormone take this medication. Patients using this drug believe that taking progesterone hormone for luteal support 9-10 days before menstruation (i.e., in their luteal phase) relieves their depression symptoms of premenstrual tension.

Increased Risk of Threatened Pregnancy:

As mentioned, progesterone hormone maintains uterine wall thickness. The implanted embryo in the uterus takes its nutrition from the uterine wall. Cyclogest pessaries used in the initial stages of pregnancy are to support the uterine wall. Its function is to make the uterus richer by nourishing tortuous glands and blood supply for a safer pregnancy.

Placenta Support:

Females with low-lying placentas will experience recurrent per vaginam bleeding during their pregnancy. Those females with preterm labor, inevitable miscarriage, or on-off bleeding require placental support. Cyclogest prescribed to such patients is to use rectally. It will cause the progesterone hormone to attain normal and natural blood levels for placental support and safer pregnancy.

Postnatal Depression:

Postnatal depression in females is due to a dip in the blood progesterone hormone levels. Cyclogest pessaries prescribed to such females are to attain normal blood levels of progesterone to combat their depression during this stage.

Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART):

Females who suffer from a problem with getting pregnant or maintaining normal pregnancies undergo assisted reproduction technology. Cyclogest prescribed to such females is to help with the unattained progesterone levels in this treatment. Progesterone is essential in the initial stage of pregnancy when the corpus luteum produces adequate blood levels of progesterone. Chances of miscarriage are high in the first or second month of pregnancy if abnormal blood progesterone levels persist. Thus, cyclogest pessary is suggested for females with complaints of spontaneous abortion.

How to Use Cyclogest Pessary

It is mandatory to note the main precautions of taking cyclogest pessaries. Cyclogest pessaries stored at room temperature of 15-30℃ are better to use. If kept at a higher temperature, the drug may liquify itself and mark useless. Following are the steps of pessary use;

1. Medicines:

Most patients prefer bedtime. Once you decide the time for yourself, it is easy to remember to take the drug regularly and on time.

2. Hygiene:

Wash your hands properly and unpack the medicine.

3. Rectal pessary:

For rectal use, gently insert the pessary into your rectum as far as one inch.

4. Vaginal pessary:

For vaginal use, gently insert the pessary between the two lips of the vagina and push it inside until it feels comfortable to go.

5. Medicine Inserted:

Once the medicine is inserted, discard the packing and wash your hands thoroughly.

6. Rest:

Lie down for about half an hour for the pessary to dissolve completely.

7. Vaginal discharge:

Wear a pantyliner or use a tissue for any liquid material that may still opt out from the route of drug entry.

What are the Side Effects of Cyclogest Pessary?

The following are the side effects expected of cyclogest. Not every one of you needs to experience them.

1. Abdominal Discomfort

2. Constipation

3. Rectal or Vaginal walls soreness

4. Irregularity in the Menstrual cycle

5. Fatigue

6. Breast Tenderness

7. Sleepiness

8. Vaginal Infection

9. Faecal Incontinence

Watch out for the above side effects that may come with the use of Cyclogest pessary. Remember to consult your physician if one or more of these side effects appear in your health.

When should you use Cyclogest Pessary?

Confirm the following acknowledgments before consuming cyclogest pessaries. Indications of the cyclogest drug are listed below.

1. Always follow your physician's advice regarding the course and route of treatment through cyclogest.

2. Only go for the rectal route if you suffer from any vaginal infectious disease like thrush, urinary tract infections, or recently gave birth.

3. Only go for the vaginal route if you take the medication for assisted reproduction treatment or suffer from bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis.

4. If you take this medication for premenstrual syndrome or postnatal depression, you can pick either the vaginal or rectal route at your convenience.

When should you not use Cyclogest Pessary?

If you meet any of the following criteria, you must switch away from cyclogest pessary use. Contraindications of cyclogest are listed below.

1. Progesterone can pass from your breast milk into your baby's. Physicians do not prefer cyclogest for lactating mothers.

2. If a patient suffers from progesterone-sensitive tumors like the uterine or breast, then cyclogest is contraindicated.

3. Its contraindicated in patients with hereditary blood disorders like porphyria.

4. Unexplained per vaginum bleeding.

5. Patients are already at risk for venous thromboembolism during pregnancy. Do not use this drug if you suffer from any thromboembolic blood disorder.

6. If you have a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or breathlessness due to lung disorders or heart conditions, consult your physician before consuming cyclogest.

Cyclogest and Food Interaction

Grapefruit juice increases the blood levels of certain medications like progesterone. You must be careful while taking Cyclogest along with grapefruit juice. Abnormally high levels of progesterone hormone levels in the bloodstream can cause many problems in female health.

Weight Gain due to Cyclogest pessary use

Progesterone is a steroid hormone whose prolonged intake can lead to moderate weight gain in some females. However, patients who use this drug only temporarily may not experience this side effect.

For a full range of medications and supplements to support women's health, visit our information health hub by clicking here. Or, to order a private at-home progesterone test, click here.