Symptoms
Luckily, BV is easily treated with simple antibiotics. In some women, the infection comes back, and they have to take antibiotics for longer to get rid of the infection completely. We’ll run through the best treatments for BV here—and whether you need treatment at all. How do I know I have BV? Many women don’t know that they have BV. That’s ok.
Causes
These treatments have been around a while, and are proven to work: 80% of women treated for BV using one of these methods are clear of the infection one month after treatment. What treatment is best for me?
Prevention
See your doctor or nurse again if you have symptoms that don't go away within a few days after finishing the antibiotic. Is it safe to treat pregnant women who have BV? Yes.
Complications
If your BV comes back and you have symptoms, you will be treated with a longer course of antibiotics, and usually with a different antibiotic than the first time. After that, you can take a longer preventative treatment for 4 to 6 months to prevent it from coming back again. Does my partner need treatment if I had BV?
Do I need treatment for BV?
How long does it take for BV treatment to work?
When should I see a doctor if I have BV?
What happens if my BV comes back after treatment?
How quickly should you treat bacterial vaginosis?
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.
What happens if you wait to treat BV?
Studies have shown that women with untreated BV are at higher risk of delivering prematurely or giving birth to a low-weight baby. Not all vaginal infections cause pregnancy problems, but BV is potentially serious and requires attention. Screening and treatment is appropriate for pregnant women with symptomatic BV.
When should I follow up bacterial vaginosis?
Follow-up visits are unnecessary if symptoms resolve. Because persistent or recurrent BV is common, women should be advised to return for evaluation if symptoms recur.
Can BV clear up on its own?
Bacterial vaginosis often clears up on its own. But in some women it doesn't go away on its own. And for many women it comes back after it has cleared up. Antibiotic treatment works for some women but not others.
Can other people smell BV?
Can other people smell it too?" Dr. Kate, a gynecologist, answers: "No, all vaginas don't smell, or taste, the same...but they do all smell. Every woman has a different musky scent, and we tend to be very attuned to our own smell, even when no one else is aware of it.
Why do I keep getting BV with the same partner?
If you're in a long-term relationship with the same partner you may be on the pill or not using barrier contraceptives – so sex is very likely to trigger your BV. Don't be tempted to use intimate washes, perfumes or sprays to mask the symptoms as these can affect your balance as well and actually make things worse.
Should my boyfriend be treated for BV?
Does your partner need to get treatment, too? If your sexual partner has a penis, they generally don't require treatment. But BV can be transferred between people with vaginas, meaning that both of you may need treatment. Seek medical advice if you're concerned.
Why do I keep getting bacterial vaginosis?
BV is a result of an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria in a vagina. Douching, not using condoms, and having new or multiple sex partners can upset the normal balance of vaginal bacteria, increasing your risk for getting BV.
What Is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV)(https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/default.htm) is a condition that happens when there is too much of certain bacteria in the vagi...
How Is Bacterial Vaginosis Spread?
Researchers do not know the cause of BV or how some women get it. We do know that the infection typically occurs in sexually active women. BV is li...
How Can I Avoid Getting Bacterial Vaginosis?
Doctors and scientists do not completely understand how BV spreads. There are no known best ways to prevent it.The following basic prevention steps...
I’M pregnant. How Does Bacterial Vaginosis Affect My Baby?
Pregnant women can get BV. Pregnant women with BV are more likely to have babies born premature (early) or with low birth weight than pregnant wome...
How Do I Know If I Have Bacterial Vaginosis?
Many women with BV do not have symptoms. If you do have symptoms, you may notice: 1. A thin white or gray vaginal discharge; 2. Pain, itching, or b...
How Will My Doctor Know If I Have Bacterial Vaginosis?
A health care provider will examine your vagina for signs of vaginal discharge. Your provider can also perform laboratory tests on a sample of vagi...
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...
What Happens If I Don’T Get Treated?
BV can cause some serious health risks, including: 1. Increasing your chance of getting HIV(https://www.cdc.gov/std/hiv/default.htm) if you have se...
Where Can I Get More Information?
STD information and referrals to STD ClinicsCDC-INFO1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)TTY: 1-888-232-6348In English, en EspañolCDC National Prevention I...
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.
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 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.
How to make the best use of your time with your doctor?
To make the best use of your time with your doctor and prevent you from forgetting an important question: Make a list of any symptoms you're experiencing. Include all of your symptoms, even if you don't think they're related. Make a list of any medications, vitamins, herbs or other supplements you take.
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.
What is BV in a woman?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition that happens when there is too much of certain bacteria in the vagina. This changes the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina.
How much does a baby weigh with BV?
Low birth weight means having a baby that weighs less than 5.5 pounds at birth. Treatment is especially important for pregnant women.
Can a woman get BV from a toilet seat?
Having BV can increase your chances of getting other STDs. BV rarely affects women who have never had sex. You cannot get BV from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools.
Can BV cause a woman to get it?
Researchers do not know the cause of BV or how some women get it. We do know that the condition typically occurs in sexually active women. BV is linked to an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria that are normally found in a woman’s vagina.
Can BV cause a burning sensation?
Many women with BV do not have symptoms. If you do have symptoms, you may notice: A thin white or gray vaginal discharge; Pain, itching, or burning in the vagina; A strong fish-like odor, especially after sex; Burning when urinating; Itching around the outside of the 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.
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.
Does yogurt cause BV?
BV is linked to a decrease of lactobacillus, which is found in yogurt and acidophilus milk. Some studies suggest that eating foods that contain lactobacillus may be beneficial, but more research is needed. Do not douche with yogurt or any other product. Vaginal douching is a risk factor for BV.
What age do you have BV?
vaginal condition in those aged 15–44 years. This article discusses the different medications available for BV, the antibiotics that doctors may prescribe, and frequently asked questions that people may have for a doctor treating BV.
What is BV medication?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) medication: Options, side effects, and more. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection. Antibiotics may help treat the condition and reduce symptoms. Some antibiotics can cause side effects, and there are some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warnings on certain BV drugs.
How often can you take Flagyl?
People can take metronidazole tablets (Flagyl) twice per day for 7 days or take a single tablet as a one-time dose.
How long does clindamycin stay in your vagina?
Clindamycin comes as a single, pre-filled applicator containing 5 grams (g) of the medication that a person inserts into their vagina every night for 5 days. The CDC. Trusted Source. suggests that individuals avoid using latex and rubber condoms during treatment and for 5 days after use.
What kind of antibiotics can you take for BV?
The forms of antibiotic medications that doctors can prescribe for people with BV are: Tablets: People take this type of antibiotic orally. Some tablets are available as a one-time dose. Creams or gels: A person applies this type of antibiotic directly to their vagina or with an applicator.
What are the symptoms of BV?
Trusted Source. : pain, itching, or burning sensation in the vagina. painful urination. white or gray vaginal discharge. discharge with a fish-like odor.
What is BV in vagina?
BV occurs when there is an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. BV does not always cause symptoms, but if they do occur, a person can seek medical advice from a doctor to receive a diagnosis and start a course of treatment. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat BV.
Who needs treatment for bacterial vaginosis?
Not everyone with BV needs antibiotics. In some mild or low risk cases, the vagina will restore the balance of good bacteria and the condition will resolve on its own.
What bacterial vaginosis treatment is best for me?
The best treatment for BV varies by individual and depends on a few different things :
Bacterial vaginosis treatment side effects
As mentioned earlier, pills usually have more side effects than creams. And for metronidazole pills, these typically include:
Bacterial vaginosis treatment precautions
If you are taking metronidazole (Flagyl), drinking alcohol can make you violently ill. According to the FDA, it’s best to wait a minimum of 3 days after your bacterial vaginosis treatment ends before drinking alcohol again. But keep in mind, if you’re taking any other medication, you might need to wait longer.
My bacterial vaginosis symptoms came back. What now?
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.
Does my partner need treatment if I had bacterial vaginosis?
If your sex partner has a penis, they typically don’t need treatment. It’s also worth noting that there is a lower chance of getting BV if:
Can bacterial vaginosis go away on its own?
Roughly 30% of bacterial vaginosis cases in nonpregnant women and 50% of cases in pregnant women clear up on their own. But if you have symptoms, treatment is recommended in all people. And even if your symptoms start clearing when you first start your bacterial vaginosis treatment, experts advise completing your full treatment regimen.
What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition caused by changes in the amount of certain types of bacteria in your vagina. BV can develop when your vagina has more harmful bacteria than good bacteria.
Who gets BV?
BV is the most common vaginal condition in women ages 15 to 44. 1 But women of any age can get it, even if they have never had sex.
How do you get BV?
Researchers are still studying how women get BV. You can get BV without having sex, but BV is more common in women who are sexually active. Having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners, as well as douching, can upset the balance of good and harmful bacteria in your vagina. This raises your risk of getting BV. 1
What are the symptoms of BV?
Many women have no symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they may include:
What is the difference between BV and a vaginal yeast infection?
BV and vaginal yeast infections are both common causes of vaginal discharge. They have similar symptoms, so it can be hard to know if you have BV or a yeast infection. Only your doctor or nurse can tell you for sure if you have BV.
How is BV diagnosed?
There are tests to find out if you have BV. Your doctor or nurse takes a sample of vaginal discharge. Your doctor or nurse may then look at the sample under a microscope, use an in-office test, or send it to a lab to check for harmful bacteria. Your doctor or nurse may also see signs of BV during an exam.
What can happen if BV is not treated?
Higher risk of getting STIs, including HIV. Having BV can raise your risk of getting HIV , genital herpes , chlamydia , pelvic inflammatory disease, and gonorrhea. Women with HIV who get BV are also more likely to pass HIV to a male sexual partner.
What to do if bacterial vaginosis is recurrent?
Also, make an appointment with your doctor right away if your bacterial vaginosis is recurrent. You can book an appointment with an OBGYN in your area using our Healthline FindCare tool.
What is the best treatment for bacterial vaginosis?
Boric acid . Boric acid capsules can be used to treat bacterial vaginosis. In an early study, a combination of suppressive antimicrobial therapy and intravaginal boric acid were used to treat recurring bacterial vaginosis in 58 women.
What is the best way to get rid of bad bacteria in your vagina?
1. Yogurt. Yogurt is a natural probiotic, which means it has plenty of healthy bacteria in it. Eating yogurt may help introduce healthy bacteria back into the body. This helps establish a balanced vaginal environment and could help fight off the bad bacteria.
What is a vaginal infection?
Bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. The vagina naturally has an environment containing “good” and “bad” bacteria. In cases of bacterial vaginosis, there’s an excess of bad bacteria, which throws the vaginal environment out of balance. Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition ...
What happens if you don't treat bacterial vaginosis?
Risks and complications. If home remedies don’t work, bacterial vaginosis could continue and worsen if it’s not treated. Having raw areas of skin in and around your vagina increases a number of risks, including: increased risk of contracting HIV if exposed to the virus.
How long does it take for tea tree oil to work?
If there’s no reaction in 24 to 48 hours, it should be safe to use. There are different ways to use tea tree oil to treat bacterial vaginosis, including mixing it with coconut oil (or another carrier oil) and soaking a tampon in it. Insert the tampon into the vagina and remove it after an hour.
Is garlic good for bacterial vaginosis?
Garlic has strong antibacterial properties, and it’s long been used as a home remedy for bacterial vaginosis. A 2014 study. Trusted Source. compared the use of garlic tablets and oral metronidazole, an antibiotic, in treating the condition.
What to do if you have BV?
These include: eating probiotic-containing foods, such as yogurt with live and active cultures or taking a probiotic supplement.
How many times can you get BV?
For context, when you have BV, the “bad” bacteria in your vagina can be present in levels that are 100 to 1,000 times. Trusted Source. more than usual. Although doctors don’t know exactly why, they do know that being sexually active increases risk for bacterial vaginosis.
Why is BV common?
Usually, your body works to maintain the perfect balance between different bacteria, preventing specific types from growing out of control. But sometimes, this delicate balance is upset, resulting in bacterial vaginosis (BV). It’s a pretty common condition, but if you don’t keep an eye on it, it can lead to complications and increase your risk ...
Why do they take a vaginal fluid sample?
Next, they might also take a vaginal fluid sample to test for the presence of certain bacteria. Both of these will help rule out conditions with similar symptoms, including yeast infections. Keep in mind that testing vaginal fluid samples isn’t always reliable, as vaginal bacteria levels change frequently.
How to prevent bacterial vaginosis?
But there are several things you can do to reduce your risk: Use barrier methods. Use barrier methods of protection, such as condoms and dental dams, during sexual activity. The interaction between semen and vaginal discharge can increase your risk of getting BV.
Why does BV happen?
BV happens when certain kinds types of bacteria are present in greater amounts than usual. This overpowers the beneficial bacteria that usually keep their levels in check. more than usual.
Does BV cause a burning sensation?
BV doesn’t always cause symptoms. But when it does, they can include: burning sensation when urinating. gray or white discharge. fishy-smelling discharge. itching and pain in vulva. Strong-smelling vaginal discharge is a hallmark symptom of BV.
What happens if you have a BV?
As a result, women living with recurrent BV have a higher chance of developing other vaginal and uterine infections (especially after surgeries like a hysterectomy or dilation and curettage), contracting STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia, and acquiring and transmitting HIV.
How do you know if you have BV?
While many women may have BV without any symptoms, the telltale signs of a life-disrupting infection include surprise plops of gray, green, or white vaginal discharge, a fishy odor, itchy skin, a burning sensation when you pee, and painful sex —all of which can make even the most empowered woman feel anxious and insecure.
What to do if you have a burning rash after boric acid?
Dweck. In the case that your BV returns after a boric acid treatment, consult with your healthcare provider before trying it again .
How long does it take for Lactin V to recur?
Of the women who were given LACTIN-V after initial antibiotic treatment, only 30% had a recurrence within 12 weeks compared to 45% of those who received a placebo. It could be years until a BV treatment like LACTIN-V is available on the market.
Can probiotics grow in vagina?
Dr. Hemmerling says that non-native strains of probiotics like those found in yogurt douches derived from cow’s milk tend to not grow well in the vagina or produce acid to shift pH as effectively as native strains. But some women say they’ve been helpful in keeping their recurrent BV at bay.
Does boric acid help with vaginosis?
For some women, introducing carefully-measured acidifiers such as boric acid— yes, the same stuff used as roach poison!—could help maintain a low vaginal pH and in turn potentially ward off bacterial vaginosis, says Alyssa Dweck, M.D., a board-certified gynecologist in Westchester County, New York.
Can BV cause a sex life?
Besides putting a dent in your self-esteem and disrupting your work and sex life, recurrent BV can also lead to serious complications. “Once the imbalanced vaginal microbiome is overpowered as a line of defense and bacterial vaginosis sets in, other bacteria and viruses can grow,” says Dr. Hemmerling.
