Suppository vs. Pessary — What's the Difference?

A suppository is a dosage form used to deliver medications by insertion into a body orifice where it dissolves or melts to exert local or systemic effects. There are three types of suppositories, each to insert into a different sections: Rectal suppositories into the rectum, vaginal suppositories into the vagina, and urethral suppositories into the urethra of a male.

A pessary is a prosthetic device inserted into the vagina for structural and pharmaceutical purposes. It is most commonly used to treat stress urinary incontinence to stop urinary leakage, and pelvic organ prolapse to maintain the location of organs in the pelvic region.

A small plug of medication designed to melt at body temperature within a body cavity other than the mouth, especially the rectum or vagina. Also called bougie.

Any of various devices worn in the vagina to support or correct the position of the uterus or rectum.

(medicine) A medicine in the form of a small plug that is inserted into a bodily cavity, especially the rectum, vagina or urethra, where it melts at body temperature.

A contraceptive diaphragm.

A pill or bolus for introduction into the rectum; esp., a cylinder or cone of medicated cacao butter.

A medicated vaginal suppository.

A small plug of medication designed for insertion into the rectum or vagina where it melts

A medical device similar to the outer ring of a contraceptive diaphragm, most commonly used to support a displaced uterus; also called therapeutic pessary.

(contraception) A diaphragm or cervical cap.

(medicine) A vaginal suppository.

An instrument or device to be introduced into and worn in the vagina, to support the uterus, or remedy a malposition.

A contraceptive device consisting of a flexible dome-shaped cup made of rubber or plastic; it is filled with spermicide and fitted over the uterine cervix