Effectiveness of combined use of sodium bicarbonate sitz bath prescription and vaginal nystatin suppository in the treatment of patients with fungal vaginitis

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the clinical effect of a combination of sodium bicarbonate sitz bath prescription and vaginal nystatin suppository in the treatment of patients with fungal vaginitis. Methods: Ninety patients with mycotic vaginitis admitted to Tianchang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from April 2018 to April 2019 were selected and divided into control group (vaginal sitz bath with 5 % sodium bicarbonate solution, n = 45) and study group (vaginal nystatin suppository in addition to vaginal sitz bath with 5 % sodium bicarbonate solution, n = 45) based on the order of admission. The therapeutic effectiveness of the two treatments was compared with respect to time of relief of various clinical indicators, incidence of adverse reactions, rate of recurrence after 3 and 6 months of drug withdrawal, and vaginal pH. Results: The time taken to relieve itching was longer in the control group (5.21 ± 2.12 days) than in the study group (3.74 ± 2.03 days; p <0 .05). There was a higher recurrence rate of itching in the control group after drug withdrawal for 3 and 6 months than in the study group (p < 0.05). Total treatment effectiveness was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (p <0 .05). However, the incidence of adverse reactions was comparable in the two groups (p > 0.05). Vaginal pH significantly improved (less acidic) in the study group, when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Application of a combination of vaginal sitz bath using 5 % sodium bicarbonate solution and vaginal nystatin suppository is effective in the treatment of fungal vaginitis. The combination produces a favorable vaginal pH environment and low recurrence of infection. However, the combined treatment should be subjected to further clinical trials prior to application in clinical practice.