266 STIs and Other Infections of the Genitals
Treatment:
Yeast is not dangerous, and it can often be cured using natural remedies. It is best to
treat a pregnant woman before the birth, or the baby can get thrush (see page 117).
One natural treatment is to mix 3 tablespoons of vinegar with 1 liter (quart) of
boiled and cooled water. Soak a piece of clean cotton in the mixture and insert it
into the vagina every night for 3 nights. Remove the cotton each morning.
Medicines for Yeast Infection
Soak a clean piece of cotton in gentian violet 1%. Insert the cotton into the vagina, every night for
3 nights. Remove the cotton each morning. Or use any of the following medicines.
Medicine
How much to take
When and how to take
miconazole �����������������������������������put one 200 mg inser t high �������������������������������� in the vagina, each night for 3 nights
or nystatin ���������������������������������������put one 100,000 Units insert ������������high in the vagina, each night for 14 nights
or clotrimazole �������������������������put two 100 mg inserts in ���������������������������� the vagina, each night for 3 nights
Prevention:
Wearing loose clothing and underclothes made of cotton, rather
than polyester or nylon, lets air around the genitals. This helps
prevent yeast. Wash or change the underclothes often. Do not put
soap in the vagina when bathing. Do not douche.
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is not sexually transmitted. If you are
pregnant, it can cause your baby to be born too soon.
Signs:
• more discharge than usual
• fishy smell from the vagina, especially after sex
• mild itching
If you are NOT AT RISK for an STI
Medicines for Discharge: to treat Bacterial Vaginosis
To decide if you are not at risk for an STI, see page 263.
Medicine
How much to take
When and how to take
metronidazole ���������������������������400 to 500 mg by ����������������������������������������������������� mouth, 2 times a day for 7 days
or metronidazole �������������������2 grams (2000 mg) by ���������������������������������������� mouth, in a single dose
(avoid metronidazole in the first 3 months of pregnancy)
or clindamycin 300 ��������������������������� mg by �������������������������������������������������������������������������� mouth, 2 times a day for 7 days
or clindamycin 5 ��������������������������� grams of 2% cream high ���������������������������������� inside the vagina at bedtime for 7 days
(one full applicator)
Also treat the woman’s partner with 2 grams of metronidazole by mouth, one time only.
Important Do not drink alcohol during the time you are taking metronidazole.
Where Women Have No Doctor 2012