Betadine Vaginal Preparations is a povidone-iodine mixture specifically formulated for vaginal use, either in a gel, douche or suppository.
Betadine is known to be bactericidal, trichomonacidal, virucidal and fungicidal. That means it kills bacteria, trichomonas, viruses and fungi, including yeasts.
Learn how to use povidone-iodine (Betadine) vaginally
Betadine is water soluble, creating a brown liquid, and unlike iodine, does not tend to stain skin or fabrics, though it is advisable to wear a panty liner as some staining may occur with synthetic fabric. The iodine in the mixture is the antiseptic element.
What Betadine Vaginal Preparations may treat
- Vaginal infections
- Non-specific vaginitis
- Vaginitis
- Vulvovaginitis associated with Trichomonas vaginalis and monilial infection
Instructions for use and safety
- Only use as a douche if that is the formulation – do not drink
- Do not use if you are sensitive to iodine
- Do not use in cases of sexually transmitted infection or pelvic inflammatory disease – see your doctor
- If symptoms persist after five days of use, or redness or pain develops, stop using the product and see your doctor
- Betadine is spermicidal, so if you are trying to get pregnant, avoid during fertile periods
- Do not use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding – vaginal absorption of iodine does occur
Preparations, treatments and doses
Gel
- 5g application and dose
- Mahogany coloured gel
- Contains povidone-iodine USP 10 per cent (1 per cent available iodine) in diffusible, water soluble polyethylene glycols
- pH 3.5 – 4.5
- Tube 85g with applicator
Suppository
- One suppository is one dose
- Contains povidone-iodine USP 200mg (20mg available iodine) in polyethylene glycol base
- Package contains 14 with applicator
Douche
- Betadine Concentration 25ml in 1 litre of lukewarm water per dose for infection, continue for up to two weeks, including during menstruation
- Routine douche (which is not recommended) – 6-12 ml in 1 litre of warm water no more than once or twice per week
- Scented formula
- Contains povidone-iodine USP 10 per cent (1 per cent available iodine)
- pH diluted 3.0 – 3.5
- Douching apparatus purchased separatedly
- Bottles of 100ml and 250ml
- Protect from excessive heat
Jessica is a degree-qualified naturopath (BHSc) specialising in vulvovaginal health and disease, based in Melbourne, Australia.
Jessica is the owner and lead naturopath of My Vagina, and is a member of the:
- International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD)
- International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
- National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) Australia
- New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society (ANZVS)
- Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)