The Core Question: Do You Leave a Hemorrhoid Suppository In?
Yes, hemorrhoid suppositories are specifically designed to be left in the rectum to work effectively. Once inserted, the suppository melts due to your body's warmth, typically within 15 to 30 minutes. The base, often made of substances like cocoa butter or gelatin, dissolves and releases the active medication. This medication is then absorbed by the rectal tissues, providing targeted relief for internal hemorrhoids. To ensure the medication is fully absorbed, it is crucial to remain lying down for at least 15 minutes after insertion and to avoid having a bowel movement for at least an hour.
How to Correctly Insert a Hemorrhoid Suppository: A Step-by-Step Guide
Proper insertion technique is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of a hemorrhoid suppository and minimizing discomfort. Following these steps can ensure the medication is delivered correctly.
- Prepare: If possible, empty your bowel and bladder before use. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Check the Suppository: If the suppository feels too soft, you can harden it by running it under cold water while still in its wrapper or placing it in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
- Position Yourself: Lie on your side with your lower leg straight and your upper leg bent towards your stomach. This position helps to expose the rectal area for easier insertion.
- Unwrap and Lubricate: Remove the foil wrapper. You can moisten the pointed tip of the suppository with cool tap water or a water-soluble lubricant to make insertion easier. Avoid using petroleum jelly, as it can prevent the suppository from melting correctly.
- Insert the Suppository: Gently lift your upper buttock to expose the rectum. Using your finger, push the suppository, pointed-end first, into the rectum about one inch past the muscular sphincter. If not inserted past this muscle, it may pop back out.
- Rest and Absorb: Hold your buttocks together for a few seconds. Remain lying down for at least 15 minutes to allow the suppository to melt and begin the absorption process. Avoid strenuous exercise for at least an hour.
- Clean Up: After the waiting period, discard any used materials and wash your hands again.
What Happens After Insertion?
Once inside the rectum, the suppository's base melts at body temperature. The active ingredients, such as phenylephrine or hydrocortisone, are released and absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the rich network of vessels in the rectal wall. This allows for localized action, which can shrink swollen tissue, reduce inflammation, and numb the area, depending on the medication's properties.
Comparison of Common Hemorrhoid Suppository Ingredients
Over-the-counter hemorrhoid suppositories contain different active ingredients that work in various ways. Understanding these can help you choose the right product for your symptoms.
| Ingredient Type | Active Ingredient | How It Works | Example Brand(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vasoconstrictor | Phenylephrine HCl | Narrows and shrinks swollen blood vessels, reducing swelling. | Preparation H |
| Protectant | Zinc Oxide, Cocoa Butter | Forms a protective barrier over irritated tissue to prevent further irritation and make bowel movements less painful. | Calmol |
| Anesthetic | Pramoxine | Numbs nerve endings to provide temporary relief from pain and discomfort. | Anusol Plus |
| Steroid | Hydrocortisone | Reduces itching, swelling, and inflammation. | Anusol-HC |
Troubleshooting and Common Mistakes
- Suppository Falls Out: If the suppository comes out, it likely wasn't inserted far enough past the anal sphincter. You should insert a new one, ensuring it goes in about one inch deep.
- Urge to Defecate: It's common to feel an urge to have a bowel movement immediately after insertion. Try to hold it in for at least an hour to give the medicine time to be absorbed.
- Using for Too Long: Do not use over-the-counter suppositories for more than 7 days unless directed by a doctor, as prolonged use can sometimes mask a more serious condition or cause side effects.
Conclusion
To answer the primary question: yes, you must leave a hemorrhoid suppository in. It is a delivery system designed to melt and release medication for effective, localized treatment of internal hemorrhoids. Proper insertion technique and allowing adequate time for absorption are key to achieving relief from symptoms like pain, itching, and swelling. If your condition persists for more than a week, or if you experience bleeding, consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
For more information from an authoritative source, you can visit: Cleveland Clinic on Hydrocortisone Suppositories
