Some gynecological ointments, such as nystatin, clotrimazole or metronidazole ointments, are indicated for the treatment of infections such as candidiasis, trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis, for example.
These ointments can also be used after medical procedures, such as vaginal surgeries or cauterization of the cervix, for example, being applied to the vaginal canal with the help of the applicator, or they can even be used externally in the case of infections or wounds on the vulva.
The use of gynecological ointment must be done with the advice of a gynecologist, who can indicate the best ointment according to the condition to be treated.
6 gynecological ointments
Some gynecological ointments are:
1. Nystatin
Nystatin gynecological ointment that acts by preventing the growth and multiplication of fungi of the genus Candida spp, mainly a Candida albicansin addition to other species, such as Torulopsis glabrata, Tricophyton rubrum e T. mentagrophytes.
This ointment can be found as the generic “nystatin” or under the name Neo Mistatin, for example, containing 10 or 14 applicators.
When to use: Nystatin ointment is indicated for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis, relieving symptoms of itching, white discharge or redness in the vulva or vagina.
How to use: Nystatin ointment 25,000 IU/g should be used once a day, preferably at night, for 10 to 14 days, as recommended by the gynecologist. The use of this ointment should not be stopped during menstruation. If the symptoms do not disappear within 14 days, you should return to the doctor. Learn how to use nystatin.
2. Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole gynecological ointment works by eliminating fungi of the species Candidawhich cause candidiasis affecting the vagina and vulva.
This ointment can be found under the trade names Gino-canesten vaginal cream or Lomecan, for example, or under the generic name clotrimazole, containing 3 or 6 vaginal applicators. See other ointments for candidiasis.
When to use: Clotrimazole ointment is indicated for the treatment of vaginitis or vulvitis, which correspond to infections of the vaginal mucosa or the external genital area.
How to use: Clotrimazole gynecological ointment should be applied once a day, preferably at night, for 3 or 6 days, as instructed by the gynecologist. If the infection is in the external genital area, the ointment should be applied to that area as well. This ointment should not be used during menstruation.
3. Metronidazole
Metronidazole gynecological ointment works by eliminating protozoa, especially Trichomonas vaginaliswhich causes vaginal infection.
This ointment can be found as the generic “metronidazole” or under the commercial name Flagyl, containing 10 applicators.
When to use: Metronidazole gynecological ointment is indicated for the treatment of trichomoniasis, relieving symptoms such as greenish discharge with a bad smell, pain or burning when urinating, or itching in the genital region. Know how to identify the symptoms of trichomoniasis.
How to use: apply metronidazole gynecological ointment 100 mg/g deep into the vaginal canal, using the applicator provided in the package. Application should be done once a day, preferably at night at bedtime, for 10 to 20 days of treatment, as advised by the gynecologist.
4. Clindamycin
Clindamycin gynecological ointment is an antibiotic that works by eliminating bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis.
This ointment can be found under the name Anaerocid, containing 3 or 7 vaginal applicators.
When to use: Clindamycin gynecological ointment is indicated for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, which causes symptoms such as intense vaginal itching or grayish discharge, for example. See all the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.
How to use: Apply clindamycin ointment deeply into the vaginal canal, preferably at night, using the applicator. The treatment time must be guided by the gynecologist and can vary from 3 to 7 days.
5. Silver sulfadiazine
Silver sulfadiazine is a healing and antimicrobial gynecological ointment, which helps to heal the vaginal mucosa, in addition to eliminating microorganisms sensitive to this substance.
This ointment is found as the generic “silver sulfadiazine” or under the commercial name Gino Dermazine cream 1%, containing 10 vaginal applicators.
When to use: Silver sulfadiazine gynecological ointment is indicated for the treatment of inflammation of the vagina and cervix, called colpitis, in addition to cervicitis. Furthermore, it is indicated in the post-operative period of vaginal surgeries, cauterization of the cervix, biopsy of the cervix and vulva, ulcers and vulvar wounds.
How to use: for colpitis or post-operative use, you must use the applicator provided in the packaging, applying the ointment deeply into the vaginal canal, once a day, preferably at night, for 6 days. For wounds or ulcers on the vulva, you should not use the application, but only apply the ointment to the external genital region, directly on the wound. You should not interrupt treatment during menstruation.
6. Promestriene
Promestriene gynecological ointment has a local estrogenic effect that helps restore the vaginal mucosa.
This ointment is found under the generic name “promestriene” 10 mg/g containing 20 vaginal applicators.
When to use: promestriene ointment is indicated for the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy caused by estrogen deficiency, especially during menopause, or to help with healing after gynecological surgeries, normal postpartum, or after local therapies with physical agents.
How to use: For intravaginal use, promestriene gynecological ointment must be applied once a day, preferably at night, using the applicator, for 20 days, or as instructed by the gynecologist. In the case of external use, you should not use the applicator, but simply apply the external vaginal ointment to the area to be treated, 1 to 2 times a day, for 20 days.
How to apply gynecological ointment
To use the gynecological ointment, you must use the applicator provided in the packaging, as follows:
- Wash your hands well before using the ointment;
- Pull the applicator plunger all the wayremove the ointment cap and fit the applicator onto the nozzle of the ointment tube, screwing it so that it is firm;
- Squeeze the ointment tube to fill the applicator and, when it is full, unscrew the tube and cap the ointment;
- Lie down with your legs bent and slightly open;
- Carefully insert the applicator filled with ointment into the vaginal canalpushing the plunger all the way;
- Remove the applicator and discard it;
- Wash your hands at the end of the application.
The vaginal applicator should only be used in cases of intravaginal application.
In the case of treating infections or other conditions in the external vaginal region, the ointment must be applied to the vulva or directly on genital wounds, without using the applicator.
Care when using gynecological ointment
While using gynecological ointment, it is recommended not to use tampons, vaginal douches or spermicides.
Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse during treatment, as some infections can be transmitted to the partner, in addition to reducing the effectiveness of the condom or diaphragm.
During pregnancy, some ointments are contraindicated. Therefore, you should only use the gynecological ointment recommended by the obstetrician, after evaluating the benefits of the treatment for the woman and possible risks for the baby.
While using the vaginal ointment, it is also recommended to wear cotton panties and avoid wearing very tight clothing.
