Antibiotic drugs can be used to treat vaginal discharge caused by a bacterial infection. However, the use of antibiotics for vaginal discharge cannot be arbitrary and must be according to a doctor's prescription. If antibiotics are not used properly, this can actually cause various side effects.
Please note that vaginal discharge is a natural fluid that comes out of a woman's body through the vagina. This fluid serves to clean and protect the vagina. Normal vaginal discharge is odorless, clear to slightly cloudy in color, and is not accompanied by other complaints such as itching and pain.
Normal vaginal discharge or vaginal discharge usually occurs due to hormonal changes with the menstrual cycle, ovulation, increased libido or sexual desire, and pregnancy or breastfeeding.
When Should Antibiotics Be Used for Leucorrhoea?
Vaginal discharge can be said to be abnormal if the fluid changes color, such as yellow, greenish, grayish, brownish, or even bloody vaginal discharge. Generally, abnormal vaginal discharge also causes an unpleasant odor, and makes the vagina feel itchy and painful.
There are various things that can cause abnormal vaginal discharge, including:
- Bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections of the vagina
- Irritation or allergies in the vagina due to the use of vaginal cleansing soap
- Contraceptive side effects
- Certain diseases, such as diabetes, pelvic inflammatory disease, and vaginal or cervical cancer
Not all of the above conditions can be treated with antibiotics. The use of antibiotics for vaginal discharge can only be used to treat vaginal discharge caused by a bacterial infection, for example in bacterial vaginosis.
This condition occurs when the vagina becomes inflamed due to an imbalance in the number of bacteria that live naturally in the vagina. In addition, antibiotics can also be used to treat vaginal discharge due to bacterial infections in sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.
To determine the cause of the vaginal discharge that you are experiencing, you are advised to consult directly with a doctor.
Several Types of Antibiotics for Leucorrhoea
If the doctor confirms that the vaginal discharge you are experiencing is indeed caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor will give the appropriate antibiotic to treat the vaginal discharge.
Some types of antibiotics that are often used to treat vaginal discharge due to bacterial infections are:
- Metronidazole
- Tinidazole
- Clindamycin
- Cefixime
- Doxycycline
- Azithromycin
- Levofloxacin
Antibiotics for vaginal discharge can be in the form of pills that are taken orally, creams that are applied to the vagina, as well as suppositories or capsules that are inserted into the vagina. In pregnant women, doctors will generally give antibiotics in oral form.
In certain cases of vaginal discharge, the doctor may also give injections of antibiotic drugs, such as: ampicillin, ceftriaxone, and kanamycin.
Taking antibiotics must be in accordance with the dose recommended by the doctor. If used without a prescription or doctor's instructions, antibiotics can be ineffective in treating vaginal discharge due to a bacterial infection.
In addition, inappropriate use of antibiotics also risks causing various side effects, such as making germs resistant or resistant to antibiotics.
How to Prevent Vaginal Infections
Given the many side effects that the inappropriate use of antibiotics can cause, it's best to try to avoid bacterial vaginal infections in the first place.
You can prevent vaginal infections by doing the following:
Keeping intimate organs clean
You can take care of your intimate organs by cleaning them with clean or warm water regularly, especially after urinating and defecating. After washing the vagina, dry from front to back (from the vagina to the anus) using a clean towel or tissue.
Avoid using vaginal cleansing soap because it can kill the good bacteria in the vagina. If you want to use soap, use a mild chemical soap that doesn't contain fragrances or irritating ingredients.
Wearing underwear that can absorb sweat
To keep the skin around the intimate organs dry and comfortable, use cotton underwear to easily absorb sweat. Avoid using pants or panties that are too tight because they can cause the intimate area to sweat a lot.
Avoid risky sexual behavior
Sexually transmitted diseases are one of the causes of abnormal vaginal discharge. Therefore, to prevent it, live safe sex behavior, namely by wearing a condom during sex and not changing sexual partners.
If you experience vaginal discharge caused by a bacterial infection, especially if you experience other symptoms, such as pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, fever, weight loss, pain when urinating (anyang-anyangan) or having sex, you should immediately seek medical attention. to the doctor.
Avoid using antibiotics for vaginal discharge without a prescription or doctor's instructions. Consult with your doctor first about the vaginal discharge you are experiencing to determine the cause, so that appropriate treatment can be given.