A method is disclosed for administering an agent (for example delivering a
drug or
diagnostic agent) intravaginally or to the interlabial space by positioning an interlabial device, such as an absorbent pad, between the
labia. The pad is retained between the
labia for a sufficient period of time to deliver an
active agent, or allow a reaction with a
diagnostic agent. Alternatively, the pad is applied after medication is administered, for example intravaginally or labially or perilabially, to help reduce discomfort to the subject, or loss of medication. The
active agent may be carried by the pad itself, or in an intravaginal extension of the pad, or separately in a
suppository or other
dosage form. In particular examples, the pad has a smaller minor portion superimposed on a larger major portion, and the smaller minor portion is inserted as a
leading edge between the
labia of the subject to facilitate interlabial
insertion. In another example, the pad is placed interlabially after
insertion of an agent (such as a medicated
suppository) into the
vagina, to inhibit loss of the medication from the
vagina. The pad can have a variety of shapes, including
major and minor portions that are portions of spheres or ellipsoids, or which are elongated and have cross-sections that are circular or
ellipsoid, or pads which are folded.