If you are using capsules to deliver treatments vaginally, you should check the labels to know if the capsules are vegetable, enteric-coated vegetable or gelatin.
Using vegetable capsules
Vegetable capsules can be more appropriate, depending on how they are manufactured, because they dissolve in moisture and are plant-based.
But, veggie caps are usually made from a type of cellulose from tree bark which is technically a plant, but it’s also very fibrous.
Some veggie capsules may not break down as you would wish and may need to be scooped out. If you buy capsules from My Vagina, we have tested our capsules and are happy with their break-down ability.
Watch our video to see what happens to gelatin and veggie caps in a 30-minute cold water bath
Using gelatin capsules vaginally
Gelatin doesn’t dissolve in moisture; it melts in your vagina with body heat. Gelatin is an animal protein and requires stomach acid or heat (or both) to break down.
While the vagina is slightly acidic, it is nowhere near as acidic as the stomach, and vaginal acidity doesn’t break down gelatin.
Gelatin is not harmful; it can just take longer to break down and release the treatment into your vagina, especially with powders.
Sometimes, you may end up with a glob of gelatin capsule and treatment coming out unmelted. To counter this, ensure you insert the capsules deeply into your vagina and use them while you sleep so gravity doesn’t let them slide out too quickly.
It doesn’t matter if you choose gelatin or vegetable capsules because they all work in the right conditions.
Using body temperature to break down gelatin
Gelatin starts to melt at 35 degrees Celsius and above, which is two degrees lower than body temperature (37C); therefore, gelatin can dissolve in the right heat conditions, such as in the vagina.
However, you may have already experienced a gelatin capsule eventually finding its way out of your vagina, undissolved, half-full of your treatment.
The capsule not dissolving properly is particularly likely when the ingredients inside the capsule are dry and dusty (like probiotic powders or boric acid). The build-up of powder can slow the temperature rise of your vagina.
If you are doing treatments once a day or more, you can quickly end up with a pile of capsules and treatments building up, not treating anything at all.
Understanding gelatin
Gelatin melts at higher temperatures and turns semi-solid at lower temperatures, just like jelly.
Enteric-coated capsules
Do not use enteric-coated vegetable or gelatin capsules in your vagina, as the coating is not vagina friendly.
Hot capsule tips
- Dunk vegetable capsules in water before inserting to help them dissolve in your vagina quicker, especially if you have a dry vagina
- Don’t freeze gelatin caps – you’ll break their cell structure
- Vegetable capsules are sensitive to moisture/dryness in the air – if you leave them in the air, they can turn dry and brittle if it’s dry, and they become soggy and soft if it’s humid
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place
- Got the enteric coated capsules? Instructions for switching caps
- Jelly (Jell-O) is gelatin-based. You add hot water, and the gelatin and flavours and sugar melt so you can mix it and pour it into moulds. You let it cool, and it goes wobbly.
- The gelatin in foods melts in the mouth, over the stove or fire – like marshmallows
- Bone broth goes thick in the fridge because of gelatin, but when you heat it, it turns into a regular watery/soupy consistency
References
M.C.Gómez-Guillén, B.Giménez, M.E.López-Caballero, M.P.Montero, Functional and bioactive properties of collagen and gelatin from alternative sources: A review. Food Hydrocolloids Volume 25, Issue 8, December 2011, Pages 1813-1827
Specially formulated probiotic for vaginal application to promote a healthy vaginal microbiome.
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