Quantitative and qualitative effects of povidone-iodine liquid and gel on the aerobic and anaerobic flora of the female genital tract

Abstract

Povidone-iodine solution (Betadine Solution) produces a dramatic fall in the numbers of total aerobes and anaerobes recoverable from the posterior vaginal pool in the first 10 minutes following administration. Within 30 to 120 minutes, near baseline counts for both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria are re-established. When the vehicle for the povidone-iodine is changed to polyethylene glycol (Betadine Vaginal Gel) an effective antibacterial effect can be documented over a 3 hour period.