Why don't we have medication insertable through the vagina?

[Bowler]

I mean, the vulva is notorious for being very quick and easy to absorb substances, and I feel like it'd be optimal for like, people who struggle with lower back pain and need a quick fix. Or for period cramps. It'd go in like a tampon and dissolve over time. It feels intuitive I guess lmao

[Latha]

Hi Bowler,

This is a great question! As far as I know, doctors do already prescribe some treatments that are delivered through the vagina, like birth control, estrogen to treat vaginal dryness, and medicine for the induction of labour. You might notice that the effects of these treatments are limited to the reproductive system — using this method to deliver medicine to other parts of the body seems to be an ongoing area of study. Maybe we'll see new treatments approved soon!

[Heather]

Like Latha said, we have some medications like this, but they only have local effects primarily because we can’t generally get things into our whole bloodstream either safely or effectively via the vagina.

[Bowler]

interesting, thank you