what is bv treatment

Medication

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.

Self-care

Having BV makes you prone to sexually transmitted infections and can affect pregnancy. What is the treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV)? Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics, typically metronidazole or clindamycin. These medications come in a gel or cream you insert into your vagina. They also come in pills you can take orally.

Nutrition

Jan 13, 2022 · The best treatments for bacterial vaginosis 1. Metronidazole One of the best prescription treatments for BV is an antibiotic called metronidazole. You can take it as a pill or gel. The Centers for...

How to cure BV in three days?

Mar 29, 2021 · The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend antibiotics to treat BV. The types of antibiotics include: Oral metronidazole: 500 milligrams twice a day for 7 days. Metronidazole 0 ...

Can BV be cured naturally?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common but treatable condition, with a number of effective available treatments, including oral and intravaginal metronidazole and clindamycin and oral tinidazole. However, as many as 50% of women with BV experience recurrence within 1 year of treatment for incident disease.

Can BV go away on its own?

Jul 21, 2021 · Douching. The practice of rinsing out your vagina with water or a cleansing agent (douching) upsets the natural balance of your vagina. This can lead to an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, and cause bacterial vaginosis. Since the vagina is self-cleaning, douching isn't necessary. Natural lack of lactobacilli bacteria.

What are natural remedies for BV?

What is the most effective treatment for BV?

Metronidazole — Metronidazole vaginal gel is one of the most effective treatments; it is applied inside the vagina at bedtime for five days. Metronidazole can also be taken in pill form, 500 mg twice daily for seven days.Mar 31, 2021

What are the main causes of BV?

However, we do know the condition most often occurs in those who are sexually active. 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.

Can BV go away on its own?

Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina that may cause a fishy-smelling discharge. It's usually a mild problem that may go away on its own in a few days. But it can lead to more serious problems. So it's a good idea to see your doctor and get treatment.

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

What does BV look like inside?

Thin, gray, white or green vaginal discharge. Foul-smelling "fishy" vaginal odor. Vaginal itching. Burning during urination.Jul 21, 2021

Can a man give a woman BV?

There's no way for men to get BV. However, experts aren't as sure about whether men can spread BV to female partners. Women can develop BV regardless of whether they're sexually active. But sexually active women do have a higher risk of developing bacterial vaginosis.Jun 20, 2018

Does cranberry juice help with BV?

There is some evidence suggesting that women taking vitamin supplementation show decreased rates of BV6. Probiotics have also been found to provide relief when used in combination with systemic antibiotic therapy15. Anecdotal evidence suggests that cranberry juice may help remedy symptoms.Apr 2, 2012

What will happen if BV goes untreated?

If left untreated, BV can increase your risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV. It also can cause other problems (such as having a low-birth-weight baby or premature rupture of the membranes) during pregnancy.Jan 11, 2021

What does BV discharge look like?

The main symptom of BV is lots of thin vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell. The discharge may be white, dull gray, greenish, and/or foamy. The fishy smell is often more noticeable after vaginal sex.

How long can BV be left untreated?

Left untreated, BV can cause low–birth-weight babies (less than 5.5 pounds) and premature delivery. To treat BV, your health care provider may prescribe either oral antibiotics or topical antibiotics, which are inserted into the vagina. Unfortunately, despite treatment, BV can recur within three to 12 months.Aug 10, 2017

How long can bacterial vaginosis last?

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.

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 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 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 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 treat BV?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is usually treated with a course of antibiotics either taken by mouth or through an intravaginal applicator. 2 Boric acid suppositories also have a long history of use and have been shown to be effective. 3 They can be purchased over the counter.

What is BV in vagina?

Updated on September 26, 2019. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that causes itchiness, vaginal discharge, and a characteristic "fishy" odor. Most cases are uncomplicated and may be treated with prescription antibiotic drugs, taken either orally or with topical creams or gels.

What is the best treatment for bacterial vaginosis?

An antibiotic treatment of bacterial vaginosis is recommended for all women with symptoms. Doing so not only helps to eradicate the infection, it reduces a woman's chance of getting a sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. 1 

What is the resistance to clindamycin?

Metronidazole resistance is believed to be building in response to a type of vaginal bacteria known as Atopobium vaginae. The same is less commonly seen with clindamycin. By contrast, clindamycin resistance has become a growing concern with regards to Prevotella bacterial strains.

What is the cause of vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is caused when "good" vaginal flora, called lactobacilli, is depleted, allowing "bad" bacteria to predominate and cause infection. As such, it has been suggested that probiotics, rich in healthy bacteria like Lactobacillus acidophilus, may be useful in replenishing vaginal flora. However, the CDC says no studies support this, though researchers continue to investigate the role of lactobacillus formulations in BV treatment. 2 

What is the best treatment for yeast infection?

Here is what we know: Boric acid has been used to treat yeast infections ( vaginal candidiasis) for over 100 years. A 2015 study explored its use as a vaginal suppository in women with BV and found that after 10 days, the rate of infection clearance was similar to that of antibiotics. 3. Hydrogen peroxide, delivered in a 3 percent intravaginal ...

Can you drink alcohol while on antibiotics?

Failure to do so may increase the risk of antibiotic resistance. It is advised that you abstain from alcohol during the course of therapy and for 24 hours after. Drinking may trigger adverse symptoms such as a headache, flushing, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and fainting.

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 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.

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.

Can BV cause pregnancy?

However, if you have symptoms, you should seek medical care. Having BV makes you prone to sexually transmitted infections and can affect pregnancy.

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 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.

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 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 ...

Why do we need condoms?

Safer sex. 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.

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.

Is spandex breathable?

Certain types of underwear, including spandex, aren’t as breathable as cotton underwear. Wearing underwear made of these materials can trap moisture. This can cause a breeding ground for bacteria and can worsen a bacterial vaginal infection.

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.

How to prevent BV?

These include wearing breathable cotton underwear, which may help prevent the growth of bacteria around the genital s by preventing moisture from building up in the area.

What is BV in medical terms?

Medical treatment. When to see a doctor. Diagnosis. Summary. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection that develops due to an imbalance in the natural bacteria in the vagina. It occurs when “bad” bacteria, which do not need oxygen to survive, outnumber “good” bacteria, known as lactobacilli. BV is the most common.

How to diagnose BV?

A doctor will begin the diagnostic process for BV by asking the individual questions about their symptoms and lifestyle. They may also ask about: 1 previous treatments 2 sexual activity 3 risk of STIs 4 vaginal douching or soap use 5 use of deodorants or vaginal washes

How do you know if you have BV?

The symptoms of BV include: a thin vaginal discharge that is white or gray. a bad-smelling discharge, which may become worse before a period or after having sex. pain when having sex. itchy or discolored genitals. a burning sensation when urinating.

What is the normal pH level for a vagina?

A healthcare professional can test the vaginal fluid to check its pH level. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, a pH level of 3.5–4.5 is normal for people of reproductive age.

Can you take antibiotics for BV?

It is not usually possible to treat BV with over-the-counter (OTC) medication. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Trusted Source. recommend antibiotics to treat BV. The types of antibiotics include: Oral metronidazole: 500 milligrams twice a day for 7 days.

Is BV a STI?

BV is not an STI, but people with multiple sexual partners may have a higher risk of developing it. A person needs to restore the balance of natural bacteria in the vagina to treat BV. Several treatments are available to help ease symptoms and get rid of BV.

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Overview. Bacterial vaginosis is a type of vaginal inflammation caused by the overgrowth of bacteria naturally found in the vagina, which upsets the natural balance. Women in their reproductive years are most likely to get bacterial vaginosis, but it can affect women of any age. The cause isn't completely understood, but certain activities, ...

What to do if you have a vaginal discharge?

Make an appointment to see your doctor if: You have vaginal discharge that's new and associated with an odor or fever. Your doctor can help determine the cause and identify signs and symptoms. You've had vaginal infections before, but the color and consistency of your discharge seems different this time.

Prescriptions

Home Remedies

Pregnancy Recommendations

Antibiotic Resistance

Complementary Medicine

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