You want me to put what… where?! In the U.S., there’s still a lot of mystery around suppositories. But they’re nothing new—and their benefits are legit. So, what are they, how long have they been around, and why do we love them so much? Let’s dive in.
Ancient Origins of Suppositories
Let’s start way back. Suppositories date all the way to 2000 B.C. Egypt, where they were used for—you guessed it—hemorrhoids. In North America, artifacts from around 1700 B.C. show that Indigenous tribes created suppository-style 'plugs' from dogwood trees, also for hemorrhoid relief. By the 1700s, suppository use started to grow. Most were still rectal and made from ingredients like soap or honey. Then came cocoa butter, glycerin, and more refined formulas in the 1800s.
A few highlights from the medical timeline:
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1936 – First documented use of pediatric suppositories as pre-anesthesia medication.
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1981 – France becomes the first country to officially authorize pediatric suppositories.
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By the late 20th century – Europe and Japan lead global suppository usage.
Modern Vaginal Use
Today, vaginal suppositories are used to deliver a wide range of therapeutic ingredients—right where they’re needed. Popular ingredients include:
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Boric acid – Often used for yeast and bacterial infections
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Vitamin E – Helps with vaginal dryness and atrophy, especially during menopause
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Lactobacillus – Supports healthy vaginal flora, reduces itching, and helps balance pH
Why We Love Them
Here’s the real magic of suppositories: absorption. Because they bypass the liver and digestive tract, your body can absorb active ingredients faster and more efficiently. The benefits are super targeted because the ingredients go right to the vaginal tissue—without taking a detour through your gut or liver. That means quicker relief, fewer side effects, and no unnecessary filler ingredients.
So no, vaginal suppositories aren’t new. But they’re finally getting the recognition they deserve as a fast, effective, and body-friendly delivery method. And we are so here for it.