Treatment FAQ

what are treatment for bacterial vaginosis

by Tamia Koss Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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.Jul 21, 2021

Medication

Jul 22, 2021 · 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. Treatment may also reduce the risk for some STDs.

Self-care

May 10, 2012 · What are the treatments for bacterial vaginosis (BV)? En Español Currently, the only effective treatments for BV are prescribed antibiotics, including metronidazole and clindamycin. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 These are prescribed as oral medications, which are taken by mouth, or as a gel or cream, both of which are inserted into the vagina with an applicator.

Nutrition

What’s the Treatment for BV? Your doctor will most likely prescribe an antibiotic medication (a pill, gel or cream) to kill the infection. These might include:

Can BV go away on its own?

What is the treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV)? Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics , typically metronidazole or clindamycin . These medications come in a …

What is the best medicine for vaginal bacteria?

Jan 12, 2022 · The regimens are the same as for nonpregnant patients and include [ 4 ]: • Metronidazole 0.75% gel one full applicator (5 g) intravaginally, once daily for five days (5 grams of gel contains 37.5 mg of metronidazole) or. • Clindamycin cream 2% one full applicator (5 g) intravaginally at bedtime for seven nights.

How to cure vaginal bacteriosis?

Dec 10, 2021 · 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. 2% clindamycin vaginal cream once a day for 5 days

Which antibiotics treat BV?

76 rows · How is Bacterial Vaginosis Treated? 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.

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How do I get BV to go away?

Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics that will usually treat bacterial vaginosis within one week. Finish all of your antibiotics, even if your symptoms go away early. If you symptoms don't go away within a few days of finishing the antibiotic, go back to your doctor.Nov 19, 2020

Can you get rid of BV by itself?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) can clear up on its own. However, if you're experiencing any symptoms, contact your doctor to get tested and treated. This is especially true if you're pregnant.

Does Monistat cure BV?

Unfortunately, there are no over-the-counter products like Monistat that will do the trick. (Monistat is a treatment for yeast infections—it won't do anything to stop the itching and clear up your condition if what you really have is BV.)May 27, 2019

What happens if bacterial vaginosis goes untreated?

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. Pelvic inflammatory disease where BV bacteria infect the uterus or fallopian tubes.

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)

Diagnostic Considerations

BV can be diagnosed by using clinical criteria (i.e., Amsel’s diagnostic criteria) ( 999) or by determining the Nugent score from a vaginal Gram stain ( 1000 ).

Treatment

Treatment for BV is recommended for women with symptoms. Established benefits of therapy among nonpregnant women are to relieve vaginal symptoms and signs of infection. Other potential benefits of treatment include reduction in the risk for acquiring C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, T. vaginalis, M.

Follow-Up

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. Limited data are available regarding optimal management strategies for women with persistent or recurrent BV.

Management of Sex Partners

Data from earlier clinical trials indicate that a woman’s response to therapy and the likelihood of relapse or recurrence are not affected by treatment of her sex partner ( 998 ). Therefore, routine treatment of sex partners is not recommended.

Special Considerations

Intravaginal clindamycin cream is preferred in case of allergy or intolerance to metronidazole or tinidazole. Intravaginal metronidazole gel can be considered for women who are not allergic to metronidazole but do not tolerate oral metronidazole.

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.

Can bacterial vaginosis be prevented?

Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition that many women can get, regardless of whether they’ve had sex. Home remedies can be used to treat and prevent it. Some may be more effective than others.

What is 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 that many women can get, ...

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 condoms help with bacterial vaginosis?

According to the Office of Women’s Health, using condoms can help reduce your risk for bacterial vaginosis. Having sex with new or multiple sexual partners without using a barrier method can increase your risk. Always use condoms or other barrier methods to help in practicing safer sex. 10.

Is yogurt good for vaginal health?

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. To get the full benefits, eat at least one serving of yogurt per day.

Does yogurt contain probiotics?

Yogurt contains some probiotics. But there are plenty of probiotic supplements available. According to a 2014 review. Trusted Source. , which focused on the effects of probiotics on bacterial vaginosis, there’s evidence that taking probiotic supplements daily can help treat and prevent bacterial vaginosis.

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 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:

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.

Is bacterial vaginosis a serious infection?

Although bacterial vaginosis is a mild infection, it can make you vulnerable to more serious conditions. Don’t put off seeing your healthcare provider if you notice anything unusual. A simple course of antibiotics could set things straight.

What is BV in women?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection caused by bacteria. It is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge that occurs in reproductive-age women (women who have not gone through menopause yet). Bacterial vaginosis may cause a "fishy" odor and cause vaginal irritation in some women. Others may not have any symptoms.

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, ...

What does BV mean in a sex?

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.”.

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 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.

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 BV in medicine?

Medications for Bacterial Vaginitis. 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. Although BV is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, ...

What is the name of the disease that causes a vaginal discharge?

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. Although BV is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, ...

What is BV in women?

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. Although BV is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, ...

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 BV cause miscarriage?

Some women with BV have no symptoms, which is a bit concerning because if BV isn’t treated it can increase the chance of women developing STD’s (such as chlamydia, herpes, HIV or gonorrhea), pelvic inflammatory disease, and possibly increase the risk of miscarriage.

What are the risk factors for BV?

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

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Causes

Treatment

Benefits

Medical uses

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Khutaija Bano
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Usually treated with antibiotics and ointments.
Medication

Nitroimidazoles: It helps to stop the overgrowth of the bacteria. Metronidazole is also available as a gel which can be inserted into the vagina.

Metronidazole


Antibiotic cream: Creams that can be applied in the vaginal area.

Clindamycin


Antibiotics: Oral medication stops the growth of bacteria.

Tinidazole

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Usage of unscented products near the vagina.
  • Avoid multiple sex partners.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Cleansing foods such as carrot, radish, beetroot, dark leafy vegetables
  • Lots of water intake
  • Cultured foods such as organic yogurt, kefir
  • Prebiotic foods such as onions, garlic

Foods to avoid:

  • Sugar
  • Fast foods
  • Fried foods
  • Red meat
  • Refined carbohydrates

Specialist to consult

Gynecologist
Specializes in the health of the female reproductive systems and breasts.
Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.

Uses

  • 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 is an excess of bad bacteria. This throws the vaginal environment out of balance.
See more on healthline.com

Preparation

  • Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition that many women can get, regardless of whether or not theyve had sex. Home remedies can be used to treat and prevent it. Some may be more effective than others. These treatments likely wont be as effective as prescription medications. But many come without some of the side effects prescription medications can cause. There are …
See more on healthline.com

Risks

  • Yogurt is a natural probiotic. This means that it has plenty of healthy bacteria in it. According to the Mayo Clinic, 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. To get the full benefits, eat at least one serving of yogurt per day. A 2003 study found that about 1 ounce of hy…
See more on healthline.com

Safety

  • Garlic has strong antibacterial properties, and its long been used as a home remedy for bacterial vaginosis. One study found that taking a garlic supplement tablet could be an option for treating bacterial vaginosis. Boric acid capsules can be used to treat bacterial vaginosis. According to UWHealth, boric acid capsules can be inserted into the vag...
See more on healthline.com

Prevention

  • Tea tree oil has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help treat bacterial vaginosis. One small study reported successful treatment of bacterial vaginosis with only tea tree oil.
See more on healthline.com

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