The efficacy of povidone-iodine pessaries in a short, low-dose treatment regime on candidal, trichomonal and non-specific vaginitis.

Povidone-iodine pessaries (Betadine vaginal pessaries) containing 200 mg of povidone-iodine (PVP-I) in a water soluble base, are a widely used gynaecological preparation for treatment of vaginitis. We conducted a study on PVP-I pessaries at the reduced dose of one pessary daily for 7 days to suit conditions in Macau where patients are eager for a simple, short treatment course with confirmed clinical efficacy benefiting their professional and household essential requirements. Thirty-eight cases were selected for this particular clinical trial. These consisted of housewives, factory workers and professional girls (a sexually high risk group) who were suffering from vaginitis and complaining of vaginal discharge and irritation due to trichomonas, candida or non-specific vaginitis. After routine examination, including the collection of samples for microbiology, patients were treated with PVP-I pessaries 200 mg once a day for 7 days. The second microbiology samples were collected after the 7 day treatment period. Among the 38 cases, we had 30 cases with a complete record to allow us to make a summary and analysis of the trial. There were 14 cases of vaginitis due to yeasts and fungi infection, 3 cases of protozoa (trichomonas), and 13 cases due to non-specific pathogenic infections. 73.3% of cases had a complete symptomatic and microbiological cure and a further 16.7% had a microbiological cure with a good improvement in symptoms. No complications or side effects were found in the 7 days consecutive treatment course and inflammation quickly subsided during the course of treatment. PVP-I pessaries, used once daily for 7 days, seem to be an ideal treatment for cases who are likely to be unable to follow a longer treatment course.