You can use it before and after BMs both, to help relax the muscles. It has no effect on the period that I know of.

I haven't seen anything from the group about the DoseRite applicator, so will mention it here. I recently purchased from Amazon, and use the syringe with anal applicator tip for my nifedipine/lidocaine formulary ointment. It seems to provide a more consistent application in the desired area, and with less irritation than the "finger" method. Does anyone else have experience with this? Also, are others finding that the nifedipine or nitro cause serious irritation across a large area near the fissure?