Vaginal progesterone and the vaginal first-pass effect

Abstract

Vaginal progesterone is an effective alternative to systemic administration by oral or intramuscular use. The first-pass effect is reviewed, as are the most common uses for this route of delivery. This includes use in hormone replacement therapy, luteal support particularly in assisted reproduction, and avoidance of side-effects of oral progestins and progesterone. Vaginal progesterone represents a unique therapeutic solution to a number of clinical problems.

Keywords:

• Vaginal
• progesterone
• first pass
• hormone replacement
• assisted reproduction
• progestin or progesterone side-effects

Conflict of interest

The author reports no conflict of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

Additional information

Funding

Nil.