what are the treatment options or prescriptions for a vaginal bacterial infection

Medication

Try an alternative remedy

• Apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar may help balance vaginal pH. ...
• Garlic. Some research suggests that garlic is a natural antibacterial. ...
• Boric acid. Eating garlic can reduce the risk of BV because it can act as a natural antibacterial. ...
• Tea tree oil. A limited body of research suggests that application of tea tree oil might treat symptoms of BV. ...

Self-care

Treatment. 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.

Nutrition

How to use garlic as one of the strongest home remedies for bacterial vaginosis:

• Make a mixture of some drops of garlic oil with a half teaspoon of coconut and vitamin E oil. ...
• Add garlic to your cooking daily as well as consume few cloves of garlic on a daily basis.
• Take garlic supplementary pills after consulting the doctor.

What is a good cure for a vaginal bacterial infection?

Can bacterial vaginosis go away on its own? BV will often go away on its own within a few days, but it also tends to come back. If you take antibiotics to treat BV, the symptoms may disappear within a day or two, but it’s important to take the full course of pills, which is usually seven days.

What is the best medicine for vaginal bacteria?

How to treat bacterial vaginosis naturally at home?

Can BV go away on its own?

What do doctors prescribe for vaginal bacteria?

Antibiotics are the mainstay of therapy for bacterial vaginosis. Medications include metronidazole (Flagyl), clindamycin (Cleocin) oral or vaginal suppositories, and metronidazole vaginal gel (MetroGel-Vaginal). Metronidazole and clindamycin are the preferred medications used to treat Gardnerella infections.

What is the best medical treatment for bacterial infections?

Antibiotics are usually reserved for bacterial infections, because these types of drugs have no effect on illnesses caused by viruses.

How do you get prescribed for bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial Vaginosis is a common vaginal infection often treated with antibiotics medicine. You can get a prescription from our online doctors to get rid of BV fast. Start with an online medical visit from the comforts of your home and get a prescription for antibiotics medication sent to a pharmacy of your choice.

Can I get metronidazole over the counter?

No, you cannot buy metronidazole over the counter because you need a prescription to buy it.

What drugs treat bacterial infections?

Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics such as amoxicillin, erythromycin and ciprofloxacin. There are many different types of antibiotic, with different ways of working; the choice depends on the type of infection you have.

Can a pharmacist prescribe for BV?

If your symptoms are affecting your daily life and causing you discomfort you should talk to your GP, pharmacist or a nurse at your local sexual health clinic. They will be able to offer advice and BV treatment options.

Why do I keep getting bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a change in the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina. What causes this to happen is not fully known, but you're more likely to get it if: you're sexually active (but women who have not had sex can also get BV) you have had a change of partner.

How do you get rid of BV over-the-counter?

Boric acid is available OTC and is relatively inexpensive. For treatment of vaginal infections, boric acid comes in gelatin capsules, which you insert into your vagina.

What is the strongest natural antibiotic for bacterial infection?

Seven best natural antibioticsGarlic. Cultures across the world have long recognized garlic for its preventive and curative powers. ... Honey. Since the time of Aristotle, honey has been used as an ointment that helps wounds to heal and prevents or draws out infection. ... Ginger. ... Echinacea. ... Goldenseal. ... Clove. ... Oregano.

What are the 3 most common antibiotics?

The main types of antibiotics include: Penicillins - for example, phenoxymethylpenicillin, flucloxacillin and amoxicillin. Cephalosporins - for example, cefaclor, cefadroxil and cefalexin. Tetracyclines - for example, tetracycline, doxycycline and lymecycline.

Can you get rid of a bacterial infection without antibiotics?

Antibiotics are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria, but even some bacterial infections get better without antibiotics. We rely on antibiotics to treat serious, life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia and sepsis, the body's extreme response to an infection.

Is amoxicillin good for bacterial infection?

1. About amoxicillin. Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections, such as chest infections (including pneumonia) and dental abscesses.

What is the name of the bacterial infection in the vagina?

Medications for Bacterial Vaginitis. Other names: Bacterial Vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis ( BV) is a bacterial infection in the vagina. It is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal odor and discharge in young women and is caused by a change in the balance and type of bacteria which are normally present in the vagina.

What does BV mean in menstruation?

This can result in BV, and symptoms may include: Mild itching in and around the vagina. Bad-smelling, fishy odor that is more noticeable during menstruation or after sex) Pain when urinating.

What are the risk factors for BV?

These include: A history of multiple sex partners. A new sexual partner.

Can a swab be taken for BV?

A swab may be taken of your vaginal fluid which will be tested in a laboratory. Other possible causes will be ruled out before they arrive at a diagnosis of BV.

Can a woman with BV have vaginal douching?

Vaginal douching. Presence of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD). Although most risk factors are associated with sexual activity, women who have never had vaginal intercourse can also develop BV.

Is BV a sexually transmitted disease?

Although BV is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, the risk of developing BV seems to increase the more sexual partners a woman has. Normally, Lactobacillus bacteria are the most common type of bacteria within the vagina. These produce chemicals that keep the vagina mildly acidic.

Can you take antibiotics for BV?

Antibiotics prescribed by your doctor are usually necessary to treat BV. These may be in the form of tablets or vaginal creams. BV tends to recur, so you may need to take more than one course of antibiotics. Always finish the course of treatment prescribed, even if you feel better halfway through.

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.

What are the different types of bacteria that grow in the vagina?

There are at least seven types of bacteria that grow in the vagina. Lactobacillus is one of them. BV is linked to a decrease of lactobacillus, which is found in yogurt and acidophilus milk.

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:

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Can you take a swab of your vaginal discharge?

Try to make your appointment on a day when you won’t have your period. This allows your doctor to take a swab of your vaginal discharge for testing. Your doctor will likely prescribe either oral antibiotics or an antibiotic cream that can be inserted into the vagina. Last medically reviewed on February 12, 2021.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

What is the best treatment for vaginal vaginosis?

For this type of vaginitis, your doctor may prescribe metronidazole (Flagyl) tablets that you take by mouth or metronidazole (MetroGel) gel or clindamycin (Cleocin) cream that you apply to your vagina.

What is the best medicine for yeast infections?

Yeast infections. Yeast infections usually are treated with an over-the-counter antifungal cream or suppository, such as miconazole (Monistat 1), clotrimazole, butoconazole or tioconazole (Vagistat-1). Yeast infections may also be treated with a prescription oral antifungal medication, such as fluconazole (Diflucan).

What is the instrument used to check for vaginal inflammation?

During the pelvic exam, your doctor may use an instrument (speculum) to look inside your vagina for inflammation and abnormal discharge. Collect a sample for lab testing. Your doctor might collect a sample of cervical or vaginal discharge for lab testing to confirm what kind of vaginitis you have. Perform pH testing.

How to treat labial fungus?

Follow package directions and complete the entire course of treatment, even if you're feeling better right away. Apply a cold compress, such as a washcloth, to the labial area to ease discomfort until the antifungal medication takes full effect .

Can you take fluconazole for yeast infection?

Yeast infections may also be treated with a prescription oral antifungal medication, such as fluconazole (Diflucan). The advantages of over-the-counter treatment are convenience, cost and not waiting to see your doctor. However, you might have something other than a yeast infection.

Can estrogen be used for menopause?

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (vaginal atrophy). Estrogen — in the form of vaginal creams, tablets or rings — can effectively treat this condition. This treatment is available by prescription from your doctor, after other risk factors and possible complications are reviewed. Noninfectious vaginitis.

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)

Is clindamycin covered by Medicare?

This drug is less popular than comparable drugs. There are currently no generic alternatives to Clindamax. It is not covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but manufacturer and pharmacy coupons can help offset the cost.

Is metronidazole covered by Medicare?

It is available in multiple generic and brand versions. Generic metronidazole is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.

Causes

Treatment

Benefits

Medical uses

Uses

Preparation

• To treat bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may prescribe one of the following medications: 1. 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. To reduce the risk of stomach upset, abdominal pain or nausea while u...

See more on mayoclinic.org

Risks

Safety

Prevention