Vaginal creams are used in women in the initm area. There are different areas in which they are used: vaginal inflammation (bacterial vaginosis), fungal infection (mycosis) of the female genitals, vaginal dryness or to prevent inflammatory diseases or infections in the intimate area.
What is vaginal cream?
Vaginal cream can be used to combat various ailments in the female intimate area. Depending on its area of action, it kills unwanted fungi and / or bacteria and / or supports the natural vaginal environment. It can be applied both vaginally and to the external genital organs. Vaginal creams are particularly suitable for patients with vaginal dryness, as they are better absorbed by the mucous membranes and can also be beneficial for them.
Medical application, effect and use
The vaginal cream can be used to combat various complaints in the female intimate area. Usually, the cream is inserted deep into the vagina by means of an applicator and emptied there. If the external genital organs, such as the vulva and labia, are also affected, the vaginal cream is applied to the external areas with a finger. This is often the case with fungal infections. The affected patient notices the infection by severe itching and/or burning. Today, these fungal infections can usually be treated quickly and without problems with the so-called antimycotics, as they prevent the growth and reproduction of the fungi (mostly yeast fungi). As a rule, the cream is inserted deep into the vagina with an applicator on about 3 consecutive days in the evening, before going to bed, and applied to the external genital organs if necessary. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by bacteria, which are often naturally present in the vagina. An imbalance can cause them to multiply too much. The symptoms here are expressed primarily in that women report itching, burning, pain during sexual intercourse and foul-smelling, fishy discharge (this is usually particularly pronounced after sexual intercourse). Bacterial vaginosis is usually easily controlled with an antibiotic vaginal cream (often in combination with oral preparations), which is usually inserted into the vagina with an applicator between 5-10 consecutive days. The active ingredient of the antibiotic kills the bacteria responsible for the inflammation. Furthermore, there are also vaginal creams that counteract vaginal dryness or act preventively against inflammatory diseases or infections. These differ greatly in their application. On the one hand, there are vaginal creams that are used daily, on the other hand, there are types that are used only every few days or when needed (e.g. before sexual intercourse). These vaginal creams support the mucous membranes of the intimate area with moisture and fats, making them more supple again and/or supporting the natural ph-value of the vagina and ensuring a positive increase in benign lactic acid bacteria.
Herbal, natural and pharmaceutical vaginal cream.
Vaginal creams against fungal infections usually contain substances such as clotrimazole, econazole, nystatin or fenticonazole, so-called antifungal agents. These chemical substances prevent the fungal cells from multiplying and spreading until they finally die. In the case of bacterial vaginosis, the administration of antibiotics usually cannot be prevented. Here there are different strong types, which are selected by the treating physician depending on the bacterium and the degree of inflammation. Vaginal dryness can be treated with hormone-containing (estrogen) creams, as this often occurs during menopause, due to the change in hormone balance. However, there are also creams that do not contain hormones, but achieve their effect purely through fats and moisture. Especially for the prevention of inflammations and infections, there are vaginal creams that are based purely on plants and are therefore gentle to the sensitive mucous membrane of the intimate area. In addition, there are also purely herbal creams (for example, from herbs of the Himalayas), which promise an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal effect in one.
Risks and side effects
The risks and side effects of vaginal creams are quite different, depending on the type of cream.Vaginal creams against fungal infections primarily involve the risk of local skin irritation, whereas creams containing antibiotics can also have effects on the gastrointestinal tract or other areas. Fungal infections are particularly common after local antibiotic therapy, which are then treated immediately and do not cause any problems. In general, allergic reactions are conceivable in case of hypersensitivity to the active substances. In pregnancy, any treatment in the intimate area should be clarified with the attending physician, otherwise dangers for the baby may arise.
