The use of povidone-iodine (‘Betadine’) pessaries in the treatment of candidal and trichomonal vaginitis

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Abstract
One hundred and thirty-five women suffering from trichomonal, candidal, or both infections simultameously, were treated with povidone-iodine pessaries, 2 pessaries being inserted nightly. Ninety-nine women were given a 7-day course of treatment, but the results obtained were disappointing, and the authors do not recommend such a regime for routine treatment. Better results were obtained with the recommended 14-day course. A further 36 women suffering from chronic trichomonal and/or canidal infections which had previously resisted orthodox treatment were given a prolonged 28-day course of pessary treatment. The results obtained were very encouraging, 92% of the trichomonal and 96% of the canidal infections being cured. Furthermore, although povidone-iodine is slightly less effective in trichomoniasis, most patients suffering from a chronic infection (candidal, as well as trichomonal) were cured by the one preparation. Side-effects did occur, but were significant in only 3 patients. Subjective symptoms, especially any offensive odour, disappeared within 3 days of the start of the treatment. The authors recommend that the 28-day course of povidone-iodine pessaries is used in those cases where trichomoniasis or candidosis has been a therapeutic problem in the past, particularly if the patient is currently on the oral contraceptive pill.

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