The effect of polycarbophil gel (Replens) on bacterial vaginosis: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if use of intravaginal polycarbophil gel (Replens) for 1 month will: (1) lower vaginal pH; (2) improve signs of bacterial vaginosis (BV).


METHODS
Seventeen women with BV self-administered polycarbophil gel every third day for 4 weeks in an open-label, prospective pilot study. Primary outcome measures included vaginal pH, presence of amines and Nugent scores.


RESULTS
At week 4, there was improvement in Nugent scores, vaginal odor and clue cell count (p<0.05). Eleven women converted from amine positive to negative (73+/-20%). There was no significant change in vaginal pH.


CONCLUSIONS
Polycarbophil gel is associated with improved signs of BV, although not vaginal pH.
Wu
Justine P
JP
University of Rochester, Highland Hospital, Department of Family Medicine Research Programs, 1381 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620, USA. drwuju1@yahoo.com
Fielding
Stephen L
SL
Fiscella
Kevin
K
D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008055:Lipids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009812:Odorants; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D008055:Lipids; C085472:Replens; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies; C030312:calcium polycarbophil