Medication
Usually 2-3 days: 2-3 days after treatment begins, the odor should start to go away. It's normal to have discharge every day. Sometimes when women have BV they have more discharge than they normally do, but discharge every day is okay.
Self-care
Stopping treatment early may increase the risk of recurrence. It's common for bacterial vaginosis to recur within three to 12 months, despite treatment. Researchers are exploring treatments for recurrent bacterial vaginosis. If your symptoms recur soon after treatment, talk with your doctor about treatments.
Nutrition
How long does bacterial vaginosis (BV) last? Most of the time, one round of antibiotics — taken for up to seven days — eliminates the infection. About 10% to 15% of people need another round of treatment. Can you get bacterial vaginosis (BV) multiple times?
How long does it take for BV discharge to go away?
Discharge: The hallmark sign of BV is discharge with a “fishy” smell. Discharge from yeast infections doesn’t usually have a strong smell but may look like cottage cheese.
What happens if you stop treatment early for bacterial vaginosis?
How long does bacterial vaginosis last?
What does BV discharge look like?
Is it normal to have discharge after BV medication?
A common side effect from metronidazole (vaginal) is a thick, white vaginal discharge with or without an odor which usually goes away soon after completing a full course of treatment.
How long does it take for discharge to go back to normal after BV?
Even after treatment, about half of the women with BV will get the condition back within six to 12 months.
How long does it take for discharge to stop after taking antibiotics?
On antibiotics, azithromycin or doxycycline, symptoms usually settle quickly. Pain on passing urine and discharge go within a week, pelvic or testicular pain can take two weeks and menstrual irregularities should improve by the next cycle.
How long does it take for BV to go away after metronidazole?
Pregnant women with symptoms of BV infection are usually treated. Oral treatment with seven days of metronidazole is preferred over vaginal treatments. The best way to prevent BV is not known. However, a few basic recommendations can be made.
How can I stop daily discharge?
Wear cotton underpants during the day. Cotton allows your genital area to “breathe.” Don't wear underpants at night. Avoid wearing tight pants, pantyhose, swimming suits, biking shorts, or leotards for long periods. Change your laundry detergent or fabric softener if you think it may be irritating your genital area.
How do u know if metronidazole is working?
It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that the infection is cleared up. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days after you start this medicine or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
Why won't my BV go away with antibiotics?
Around a third of women who take antibiotic treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV) find that the problem recurs within the next two to three months. Some strains of BV organisms may have resistance to some antibiotics. You should return to your healthcare provider and describe the problems you are having.
How long does metronidazole take to work?
It takes 7 days for the medicine to work. For 7 days after you take the pills: ∎ It is best not to have sex at all (vaginal sex, oral sex, anal sex, or using sex toys). ∎ If you do have sex, you must use a condom or else you will be in danger of getting trich again or passing the infection on to your partner(s).
Why is metronidazole not working for BV?
Second, the bacteria that either cause BV or cause the anaerobic overgrowth may have become relatively more resistant to metronidazole (the most common treating agent) or to clindamycin (the other common treating agent).
How long does it take for metronidazole gel to work for BV?
Metronidazole gel provides quick relief from BV, and starts to clear up symptoms in 2 to 3 days. Even if your symptoms have cleared up, you must complete your entire course of treatment to make sure the infection is completely cleared. Otherwise, you may risk reinfection.
How do you treat yellow discharge?
Treatments for yellow discharge Treatment is typically a topical cream or gel, or antibiotic, but it will depend on the specific cause. If a sexually transmitted disease is the cause, your doctor will advise you to have your partner treated as well.
How long does it take for BV to go away?
While the infection may go away on its own, most doctors use antibiotics to treat it. You may have been prescribed pills or vaginal cream. With treatment, bacterial vaginosis usually clears up in 5 to 7 days.
What color is BV discharge?
Bacterial vaginosis BV is linked to douching and having more than one sexual partner. The discharge tends to be grayish-white and has a fishy odor.
Can bacterial vaginosis come back after a few weeks?
If you're diagnosed with BV, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Unfortunately, BV often returns after a few months.
What happens if you have BV for months?
What can happen if you have BV for a long time? Most often, BV does not cause other health problems. However, if left untreated, BV may increase your risk for: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV.
How to avoid bacterial vaginosis?
Because bacterial vaginosis (BV) isn’t fully understood, there are no foolproof ways of avoiding it. These steps may reduce your risk: Avoid douching. It changes the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina. Instead, practice healthy vaginal and vulvar care.
What does BV smell like?
Both bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections are vaginal infections that increase discharge. Here’s how you can tell the difference: Discharge: The hallmark sign of BV is discharge with a “fishy” smell. Discharge from yeast infections doesn’t usually have a strong smell but may look like cottage cheese.
What is a BV?
Bacterial Vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that happens when some normal bacteria that lives in the vagina overgrows, causing a bacterial imbalance. Symptoms include an off-white or grey vaginal discharge that smells “fishy.”. In some women, BV goes away without treatment, in others, ...
Why does my vagina smell fishy?
Bacterial vaginosis may cause a "fishy" odor and cause vaginal irritation in some women. Others may not have any symptoms. Bacterial vaginosis is associated with poor obstetrics ...
What is the name of the system that produces bacteria in the vagina?
Your vagina is home to multiple types of bacteria (called a microbiome), just like your digestive system. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) happens when some of the vaginal bacteria grow more quickly than others. Too much of one type of bacteria leads to an imbalance.
What age do women get BV?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal problem for women ages 15 to 44. In fact, an estimated one in three American women will get BV. The rate is higher in black women.
What does it mean when your discharge smells fishy?
Discharge that smells "fishy.". "Fishy" smell that is strongest after sex or during the menstrual cycle. Rarely, an itchy or sore vagina. BV symptoms are similar to other infections. It’s important to visit your healthcare provider to determine if what you have is BV or another vaginal infection.
How long does it take for bacterial vaginosis to recur?
It's common for bacterial vaginosis to recur within three to 12 months, despite treatment. Researchers are exploring treatments for recurrent bacterial vaginosis. If your symptoms recur soon after treatment, talk with your doctor about treatments. One option may be extended-use metronidazole therapy.
How long does Clindamycin last in vagina?
This medicine is available as a cream that you insert into your vagina. Clindamycin cream may weaken latex condoms during treatment and for at least three days after you stop using the cream. Tinidazole (Tindamax). This medication is taken orally.
What is the best medicine for bacterial vaginosis?
To treat bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may prescribe one of the following medications: Metronidazole (Flagyl, Metrogel-Vaginal, others). This medicine may be taken as a pill by mouth (orally). Metronidazole is also available as a topical gel that you insert into your vagina.
How to boost the number of good bacteria in your vagina?
A self-help approach is lactobacillus colonization therapy — which attempts to boost the number of good bacteria in your vagina and re-establish a balanced vaginal environment — possibly accomplished by eating certain types of yogurt or other foods containing lactobacilli.
How to diagnose bacterial vaginosis?
Open pop-up dialog box. Close. Pelvic examination. Pelvic examination. In a pelvic exam, your physician inserts two gloved fingers inside your vagina. While simultaneously pressing down on your abdomen, he or she can examine your uterus, ovaries and other organs. To diagnose bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may: ...
Can a doctor observe a discharge?
That way, your primary care doctor or gynecologist can observe and evaluate your vaginal discharge without menstrual discharge getting in the way. Avoid using tampons and vaginal deodorant sprays, and don't douche or have sex for 24 hours before your appointment.
Question
I was diagnosed with b.v. about two weeks ago. The doctor prescribed tindamax, two pills for two days, and i'm still experiencing a discharge. I told my doctor and she asked if i was experiencing any other symptoms and i said no. She said it was normal,that it was just regular vaginal secretions.
Answer
Two weeks after being treated for bacterial vaginosis, you should begin experiencing either a reduction in vaginal discharge, an improvement in the smell of your vaginal discharge, or both. If you really have not improved in either of those symptoms, then I would then want to known what type of work up you have had done.
Need more info?
Zocdoc Answers is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor (in the United States) 911 immediately. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment.
Can bacterial vaginosis be cured?
BV will sometimes go away without treatment. But if you have symptoms of BV you should be checked and treated. It is important that you take all of the medicine prescribed to you, even if your symptoms go away. A health care provider can treat BV with antibiotics, but BV may recur even after treatment.
Resources for Clinicians
Vaginitis Self-Study Module external icon – An online learning experience that helps users learn how to manage vaginitis. Free CME/CNE available. (November 1, 2017)
How does bacterial vaginosis affect health?
Bacterial vaginosis increases the risk for several health problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or sexually transmitted infections. Work with your healthcare providers to schedule regular appointments to check for health problems. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
What is the cause of vaginal vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is an infection in the vagina. It may cause vaginitis (irritation and inflammation of the vagina). The cause is not known. Bacteria normally found in the vagina are imbalanced. Your risk increases if you are sexually active, you use a douche, or you have an intrauterine device (IUD).
How long does it take for BV to return?
If you’re diagnosed with BV, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Unfortunately, BV often returns after a few months. However, taking the following steps may help reduce your risk of recurring BV infections.
What is BV in vagina?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) affects the mix of bacteria in the vagina. It occurs when the balance of healthy bacteria in the vagina is upset by more harmful bacteria, such as Gardnerella vaginalis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), BV affects up to 50 percent. Trusted Source.
What is the most common infection in the vagina?
Bacterial vaginosis is a common infection that most often affects sexually active people who have vaginas. It doesn’t always cause symptoms. When it does cause symptoms, they can include a fishy-smelling discharge, and vaginal itching and irritation.
How to reduce the risk of recurring infections?
You can lower your risk of recurring infections by addressing your vaginal hygiene and pH, and using condoms if you have sex with a person who has a penis. Using OTC gels and supplements and reducing your stress levels may also help keep recurring infections at bay.
What to wear for vaginal health?
Wear breathable underwear . Your underwear may influence the overall health of your vagina. In general, it’s a good idea to choose underwear that’s loose-fitting, lightweight, breathable, and made from a natural fabric, like cotton.
How do you know if you have BV?
In fact, according to the Center for Young Women’s Health, between 50 and 75 percent of women with BV don’t show symptoms. If symptoms occur, they can include: burning during urination. itchiness, irritation, or pain around the vaginal opening. white, or gray vaginal discharge, sometimes with a fishy odor.
Why is my vagina pH too high?
When vaginal pH is too high—that is, too basic or alkaline—it may encourage the growth of bacteria associated with BV. As a result, maintaining a vaginal pH that’s slightly acidic may help prevent reinfection. One way to prevent your vaginal pH from becoming too alkaline is by using gels that contain lactic acid.
What is the name of the vaginal ph corrector?
There is a vaginal ph corrector called Refresh, by the same people that make Replens, the long lasting vaginal lubricant. I have used the Rephresh before for the very start of the vaginal irritation and it sometimes stop it from getting worse. My hormone have always been a mess.
Is yeast infection an STD?
It occurs in moist areas with antibiotics, diabetes and sometimes just because. It is not an STD. Even nuns get it. In your case, it's most likely because your antibiotic killed the good bacteria with the bad making it easy for the yeast to start.