Medication
Metronidazole 500 mg orally 2 times/day for 7 days. OR. Metronidazole gel 0.75% one full applicator (5 g) intravaginally, once a day for 5 days. OR. Clindamycin cream 2% one full applicator (5 g) intravaginally at bedtime for 7 days
Self-care
Jul 22, 2021 · 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. Treatment may also reduce the risk for some STDs. Male sex partners of women diagnosed with BV generally do not need to be treated.
Nutrition
Dec 10, 2021 · While pills and vaginal creams are effective bacterial vaginosis treatments, it’s pretty common for symptoms to come back. In fact, close to 70% of BV comes back within 12 months of treatment. Healthcare providers aren’t really sure why this happens. But it’s likely that bacterial vaginosis treatment either isn't curing the cause of BV.
What is the treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV)?
Dec 14, 2017 · The usual dose is 400-500 mg twice a day for 5-7 days. A single dose of 2 grams of metronidazole is an alternative, although this may be less effective and may cause more side-effects. ( Note: this single dose is not recommended if you are pregnant.)
How often does bacterial vaginosis come back after treatment?
Itching around the outside of the vagina. A thin white or gray vaginal discharge. A strong, fish-like odor, especially after sex. A burning sensation when you’re peeing. Stomach pain. Other ...
How long does metronidazole take to work for BV?
Dec 21, 2009 · Bacterial vaginosis can cause symptoms such as discharge with an unpleasant smell. The antibiotics clindamycin and metronidazole are both effective treatments for bacterial vaginosis. There has not yet been enough research on the possible benefits of lactic acid bacteria treatments. Bacterial vaginosis is quite common and caused by changes in the vaginal flora …
Will BV go away on its own without treatment?
How long does it take for metronidazole to work for BV?
Bacterial vaginosis treatments The three best treatments for Bacterial Vaginosis include: Metronidazole 0.75% vaginal gel once a day for 5 days. Metronidazole (Flagyl) 500 mg pills twice a day for 7 days.Dec 10, 2021
How long does it take for metronidazole to start working?
This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 hours, and while effects may not be visibly noticed immediately, but gradual improvements are usually noticable after a few days.
How fast does medicine for BV work?
Bacterial vaginosis usually clears up in 2 or 3 days with antibiotics, but treatment goes on for 7 days. Do not stop using your medicine just because your symptoms are better. Be sure to take the full course of antibiotics. Antibiotics usually work well and have few side effects.
Why am I still having discharge after BV treatment?
Frequently asked questions about metronidazole (vaginal) Does metronidazole (vaginal) cause white clumpy discharge? 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.
Is 5 days of metronidazole enough?
Most people are prescribed an antibiotic called metronidazole which is very effective if taken correctly. You'll usually have to take metronidazole twice a day, for 5 to 7 days. Sometimes this antibiotic can be prescribed in a single, larger dose.
Why won't my BV go away with antibiotics?
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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises clinicians on a variety of treatment strategies which can be tried if symptoms recur.Aug 22, 2016
Does metronidazole work straight away?
Metronidazole should be taken with or just after food and with plenty of water. How long does it take to work? The medication will start working straight away. However, it is important to take the whole course of medicine that has been prescribed.
Can BV spread to a man?
Men can't get BV because the penis doesn't have the same delicate balance of bacteria. In addition, bacterial vaginosis doesn't spread like a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
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#N#external icon#N#– An online learning experience that helps users learn how to manage vaginitis. Free CME/CNE available. (November 1, 2017)
What does a pH of 4.5 mean?
Your doctor may check the acidity of your vagina by placing a pH test strip in your vagina. A vaginal pH of 4.5 or higher is a sign of bacterial vaginosis.
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: ...
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 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 much metronidazole should I take a day?
The usual dose is 400-500 mg twice a day for 5-7 days. A single dose of 2 grams of metronidazole is an alternative, although this may be less effective and may cause more side-effects. ( Note: this single dose is not recommended if you are pregnant.)
Can BV be treated without treatment?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) often causes no symptoms, or the symptoms are mild. Also, there is a good chance that BV will gradually clear without treatment. There are various different treatments for bacterial vaginosis (BV). There are also some things which you should avoid doing, which may help the problem to resolve itself.
How long does it take for BV to return?
BV may return if you did not complete your course of antibiotics. However, even if you have completed a full course of antibiotics, BV returns within three months in many women. If it does come back, a repeat course of antibiotics will usually be successful.
Can you take antibiotics for BV?
Antibiotics are not usually recommended for women with BV ( and no symptoms) who are about to undergo 'minor' gynaecological procedures such as an endometrial biopsy - a biopsy of the lining of the womb. In fact women having these procedures are in any case not usually tested for BV, so they would not know they had it.
Can you drink alcohol while taking metronidazole?
A metallic taste is also a common side-effect. Do not drink any alcohol while taking metronidazole, nor for 48 hours after stopping treatment. The interaction of metronidazole with alcohol can cause severe sickness and vomiting, and may also cause flushing and an increased pulse rate.
Can BV be prevented?
Most episodes of bacterial vaginosis (BV) occur for no apparent reason and they cannot be prevented. The following are thought to help prevent some episodes of bacterial vaginosis (BV). The logic behind these tips is to try not to upset the normal balance of germs (bacteria) in the vagina:
What is BV in vagina?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection caused by too much of a certain type of bacteria in your vagina. Left untreated, it can raise your risk for several serious health problems. Bacterial vaginosis doesn’t always cause symptoms. But if it does, they can include:
What is the best medicine for a vaginal infection?
These might include: Clindamycin, a cream you use in your vagina. It sells under the brand names Cleocin and Clindesse. Metronidazole, available as a pill you swallow or a gel you insert in your vagina.
How long does it take for BV to come back?
Clindamycin can weaken latex condoms not only while you’re using the medication, but for at least 3 days after you stop.
Can you drink alcohol while taking metronidazole?
You should avoid alcohol while taking metronidazole, secnidazole, or tinidazole and for at least a day after you finish your prescription. This will lessen your chance of upset stomach or nausea. And if you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t take them during your first trimester.