It is natural for the vaginal region to produce secretions throughout the day. They serve to lubricate and clean the intimate canal and are not necessarily signs of pathologies.
However, if there are changes in color, smell and the presence of symptoms such as itching and irritation in the genital region, there may be some type of disease or infection.
In these cases, there are some ointments that can be used to combat and alleviate the problem, according to each clinical picture.
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What is good for discharge?
To combat non-physiological, that is, natural, discharge, there are some medications. The use can vary according to the cause of the secretion and other symptoms, however, in general, ointments that contain substances with antibacterial and antifungal action can be good allies.
This is because most of the pathological discharge is caused by bacteria, fungi or parasites.
The proliferation of these organisms can be stimulated by habits such as improper hygiene of the genital region, the use of very tight or damp clothes and the lack of care with secondary problems such as diabetes , for example.
Thus, these drugs help to combat the causative agents and symptoms that can accompany discharge, however, it is also worth taking care of daily habits, to avoid the appearance of new secretions.
What is the best ointment for discharge?
Vaginal ointments, in general, can be of intravaginal topical use, that is, applied inside the vagina, or of external use, only in the region of the vulva.
There are different types, which can vary according to the clinical picture.
It is worth remembering that self-medication can cause serious side effects, therefore, ointments should be used only under medical guidance.
Some that can be used, according to each type of discharge, are:
White
When the discharge has a color that varies between transparent and whitish, it has no smell and is not accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, it is normal and healthy, being responsible for the natural lubrication of the genital region.
However, if the secretion is white with a pasty or creamy appearance and is accompanied by itching or burning, it may be a sign of Candidiasis , an infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans .
In this case, some ointments may be recommended:
Butoconazol
Butoconazole is an antifungal substance used in some medicines to treat infections.
Some ointments that contain Butoconazole are:
- Umma ;
- Gynazole-1;
- Womenil .
These drugs are indicated for the treatment of infections in the genital region, caused by fungi of the genus Candida.
In the case of pregnant women, the use of ointments containing butoconazole is not indicated and should be used only if there is medical advice.
Nistatina
Nystatin is an active ingredient with antifungal potential, used in some medicines to treat infections caused by different fungi.
There are several drugs that have the substance in their composition. Between them:
- Teist Vaginal Cream Nystatin ;
- Nystatin Gynecological Cream Prati-Donaduzzi ;
- Neo Mistatin .
Ointments containing nystatin should not be used by pregnant women. Administration should only be carried out under medical prescription.
Yellow
The yellow discharge can have different shades, being similar to pus or more greenish.
In general, if there are no other symptoms such as pain or irritation, discharge is indicative of changes in the vaginal bacterial flora, caused by incorrect hygiene habits, for example.
However, if there is a strong odor, burning or itching, it can be a sign of Gonorrhea , Chlamydia or Trichomoniasis – diseases usually transmitted during sexual intercourse.
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are caused by bacteria and cause a discharge of color similar to pus. Both are treated, in general, with antibiotics administered orally.
For the treatment of Trichomoniasis, which causes discharge with a greenish-yellow color, some ointments may be recommended:
Read more: Is yellow discharge normal?
Metronidazole
Metronidazole is an active ingredient used in some medicines to fight diseases caused by bacteria and protozoa.
For yellow discharge , ointment options with the component are:
- Flagyl Gel Vaginal;
- Helmizol Gel Vaginal;
- Metronidazole New Chemistry .
Medications are indicated for the treatment of Trichomoniasis, being contraindicated for pediatric use.
Tioconazol
Tioconazole is an active ingredient that makes up the formulation of some drugs, providing antifungal and antibacterial action. Some options are:
- Gynomax ;
- Gynopac;
- Tioconazol + Tinidazol Medley.
The drugs are indicated for the treatment of vaginal infections caused by Candida (fungus that causes candidiasis), Trichomonas (protozoa that causes trichomoniasis) and Gardnerella (bacteria that causes bacterial vaginosis).
Tioconazole should not be used in pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Its use can only be done if there is medical advice.
Administration to children is also contraindicated.
Secnidazole
Secnidazole is an active ingredient used in the treatment of some diseases caused by protozoa and, among them, Trichomoniasis.
Among the options of drugs with the substance are:
- Secdazol;
- Decnazol;
- Secnidazol Medley.
Ointments containing secnidazole in their composition are contraindicated for pregnant women in the first 3 months of pregnancy and during the breastfeeding period.
Verde
When the discharge is green, it can be a sign of pathologies such as trichomoniasis or vulvovaginitis.
Trichomoniasis, as already described in the previous topic, is a sexually transmitted disease.
Vulvovaginitis is an infection that affects the vulva and the vagina simultaneously, and can be caused by bacteria, fungi or parasites.
It can cause symptoms such as itching, irritation, swelling, redness in the vaginal area and discomfort when urinating.
Trichomoniasis: is there a cure? See symptoms, treatment, prevention
In general, treatment is done according to the organism causing the problem. Some of the ointments that can be used are:
Benzalkonium chloride
Benzalkonium chloride is a substance that has a germicidal action, that is, it acts to combat organisms such as bacteria and fungi, for example.
Associated with other components, it is used in some ointments for vaginal discharge. Between them:
- Bio-Vagin ;
- Colpistatin ;
- Benzoylmetronidazole + Nystatin + Benzalkonium Chloride Prati-Donaduzzi .
With a bad smell
Some discharge may not have a strong odor. Others, on the other hand, can be accompanied by a great bad smell.
This varies according to the cause of the discharge. The secretion caused by trichomoniasis causes a bad smell, while that of candidiasis does not, for example.
If the odor is similar to that of spoiled fish and is accompanied by a grayish discharge, it may be a sign of Bacterial Vaginosis, an infection usually caused by the bacteria Gardnerella sp .
As in the case of yellow discharge, ointments such as Metronidazole and Secnidazole can be used for this type of problem.
Read more: What is the drug Secnidazole indicated for?
In addition, other ointments can also help to resolve the situation. Between them:
Clindamicina
Clindamycin is an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by bacteria.
The substance is present in some ointments, such as:
- Anaerocid Creme Vaginal;
- Clindamycin Phosphate Cream EMS ;
- Prind-Donaduzzi Clindamycin Phosphate .
The 3 drugs are indicated for the treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis and act by inhibiting the proliferation of bacteria that cause the disease.
Tinidazol
Tinidazole is a substance with antimicrobial action – against microorganisms such as protozoa and bacteria – and antifungal.
It is present in some medications, among them:
- Crevagin;
- Takil ;
- Gino-Colon.
Ointments are indicated for the treatment of different types of vaginal infections.
Tinidazole is not indicated for pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy, only if there is medical advice.
In pregnancy
The discharge in pregnancy is not necessarily a sign of pathology.
In cases of pregnancy, if the secretion is whitish or transparent and does not present a strong odor, it may be a physiological discharge, which aims to lubricate and sanitize the region of the vagina.
This discharge is stimulated by the hormone estrogen and can have a relatively large volume.
If there are no other symptoms, it is completely normal.
However, if the secretion accompanies other colors and symptoms, such as an unpleasant odor, itching and discomfort in the region, it may be a sign of some pathological problem such as candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis.
In these cases, some ointments can be used, depending on the source of the problem. Between them:
- Clotrimazol Creme Vaginal Prati-Donaduzzi;
- Terconazol EMS
- Ginconazol;
- Miconazole Nitrate Teuto Gynecological Cream .
Childish
Childhood discharge, although not normal, is common.
It is usually caused by a set of factors such as poor hygiene and the anatomy of the genital area itself.
This is because, as children, girls are still devoid of pubic hair, and the small and large lips are not fully developed for the protection of the vagina, which increases the vulnerability to infections.
In addition, often when going to the bathroom the child does not do the correct cleaning of the genitals.
Thus, through toilet paper, germs can be transmitted from the anus to the vagina.
These factors result in discharge that, in general, is treated through the greatest care in relation to hygiene practices.
However, depending on the clinical picture, some ointments may be indicated, such as Metronidazole and Clindamycin , already mentioned in the previous topics.
Despite this, it is worth remembering that the child’s genital region is even more sensitive than that of an adult. Thus, it is important that the use of ointments is done only under strict medical guidance.
Is there a home remedy for discharge?
Some homemade recipes can help relieve symptoms usually associated with discharge, such as itching, irritation or a bad odor.
However, it is worth remembering that not necessarily these home remedies will treat the problem, but the symptoms.
One option is to take a sitz bath, which consists of washing the outer vaginal area with warm water and some ingredients.
In general, they aim to restore the pH of the vaginal area, helping to fight infections.
Two options are:
Sitz bath with baking soda
The sitz bath with sodium bicarbonate is a good option for those with white, pasty and itchy discharge (which can be a sign of Candidiasis).
This is because bicarbonate helps to alkalinize the pH of the vagina, making the environment unsuitable for the development of fungi and bacteria such as Candida , which causes Candidiasis.
To do the sitz bath, the steps are:
- Boil 1 liter of water and wait for it to warm;
- When the water is warm, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda;
- Mix the 2 ingredients and pour into a bowl (where there is a possibility to sit inside);
- Before performing the sitz bath, wash the genital area under running water;
- Then, wash the genital area again, now with the prepared liquid, and remain seated in the basin containing the solution for approximately 15 minutes.
This recipe can be made 1 to 2 times a day, for 1 week or until the symptoms improve, according to medical advice.
Read more: White discharge: what can it be?
Sitz bath with guava leaves
Guava leaves can be good allies for yellow-green discharge and symptoms of itching or burning. This, because they have antifungal and antibacterial action.
To prepare the solution:
- Boil 1 liter of water;
- After boiling, add 30 guava leaves and let it drizzle for approximately 5 minutes;
- Strain the liquid;
- Transfer the solution to a basin (where you can sit inside);
- Before performing the sitz bath, wash the genital area under running water;
- Then wash the entire genital area with the solution and sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
The washing can be done 2 to 3 times a day, until the symptoms disappear.
When the body is not healthy, the body can send out some warning signs.
Changes in odor and color in vaginal discharge may be indicative of the presence of some pathology.
In this case, it is important to seek medical assistance, which will assess the best treatment for each clinical condition.
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