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
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.
What causes bacterial vaginosis?
BV is often caused by gardnerella vaginalis, the most common type of bacteria in your vagina. Anything that changes the chemistry of your vagina's pH balance can mess with bacteria levels and lead to infection — like douching or using vaginal deodorants and other irritating products.
Does cranberry juice help with BV?
Anecdotal evidence suggests that cranberry juice may help remedy symptoms. Complete prevention of BV is not possible, however, there are a number of factors to be considered when attempting to reduce the risk of BV.Apr 2, 2012
What happens if bacterial vaginosis goes untreated?
Left untreated, BV can lead to other problems and complications, which may include: having an increased risk for contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea; having an increased risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of a woman's organs that may lead to ...Aug 10, 2017
How long does 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.
How is BV diagnosed?
A bacterial vaginosis test is a way to diagnose bacterial vaginal infection, a common condition. A healthcare provider will take a sample of vaginal discharge. Then they'll look at the sample under a microscope, identify a specific odor or measure the sample's pH.Nov 30, 2021
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 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: ...
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 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.
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.
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 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, ...
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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:
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.
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, such as unprotected sex or frequent douching, incr…
- Paying attention to your vaginal health is especially important for women trying to conceive or who suspect they have a fertility problem. Bacterial vaginosis is highly prevalent in women in their reproductive years, and it can affect fertility. While BV is treatable medically, the good news is that BV can also be approached naturally with diet and lifestyle changes along with herbal therapies …
Treatment
- 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 …
- The good news is that the condition is treatable and there are various bacterial vaginosis (or BV) home remedies that can be employed alongside medical options. There are numerous home treatments for bacterial vaginosis that can be applied in concert with conventional medical treatment. It is important when using any BV home remedy that you do not do so at the expense …
- Other medications with proven effectiveness for bacterial vaginosis treatment: 1. Metronidazole 2. Tinidazole...
- There are many home remedies that can kill off the bacteria responsible for vaginosis. These natural treatments help to restore a proper balance of bacteria to the vagina and reduce inflammation. Other remedies have antibacterial properties to help to kill off infections that cause discharge and a strong smell, or fishy smell. In this article I am going to look at the many effecti…
Symptoms
- Bacterial vaginosis signs and symptoms may include: 1. Thin, gray, white or green vaginal discharge 2. Foul-smelling \"fishy\" vaginal odor 3. Vaginal itching 4. Burning during urinationMany women with bacterial vaginosis have no signs or symptoms.
- Among those who do experience bacterial vaginosis symptoms (2), the most common is a vaginal discharge. This discharge will be thin, dull gray or white, and can sometimes appear foamy. It will also have a fish-like odor that intensifies during menstruation or intercourse as blood or semen interact with the chemicals the bacteria are giving off. Bacterial vaginosis can result in itching a…
- Typical symptoms of BV include the following: 1. Vaginal odor (the most common, and often initial, symptom of BV); often recognized only after sexual intercourse 2. Mildly to moderately increased vaginal discharge 3. Vulvar irritation (less common) 4. Dysuria or dyspareunia (rare) Risk factors that may predispose patients to BV include the following: 1. Recent antibiotic use 2…
- The Office on Womens Health in the U.S. says that vaginal yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus. This causes a vaginal discharge that is white and looks like cottage cheese but doesnt have a bad odor. Women could also have inflammation in the vagina and pain when urinating.1 However, the symptoms of BV are more like a white or gray milky disc…
Prevention
- To help your bacterial vaginosis heal quickly and to prevent future cases, wear cotton underwear thats breathable. Also, dont wear tight pants. According to Womens Health, using condoms can reduce your risk of bacterial vaginosis. Meanwhile, having new or multiple sexual partners can increase your risk. Because of this, always use condoms, especially with new sexual partners. T…
- To help prevent bacterial vaginosis: 1. Minimize vaginal irritation. Use mild, nondeodorant soaps and unscented tampons or pads. 2. Don't douche. Your vagina doesn't require cleansing other than normal bathing. Frequent douching disrupts the vaginal balance and may increase your risk of vaginal infection. Douching won't clear up a vaginal infection. 3. Avoid a sexually transmitted i…
- Although not a sexually transmitted disease in and of itself, the condition does make contracting an STD easier so knowing how to get rid of bacterial vaginosis is important for anyone who plans on being sexually active. Coconut oil can be used preventatively or as a direct treatment option.
- Another way to use coconut oil to help prevent bacterial vaginosis is to incorporate more of this amazing oil in your diet. For example, in my article about cooking with coconut oil you can find out how to use this versatile oil for cooking, adding it to smoothies, and baking with it. You may be able to prevent bacterial vaginosis by making sure that you do not have vitamin D deficiency. Yo…
Causes
- 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.
- Bacterial vaginosis results from overgrowth of one of several bacteria naturally found in your vagina. Usually, \"good\" bacteria (lactobacilli) outnumber \"bad\" bacteria (anaerobes). But if there are too many anaerobic bacteria, they upset the natural balance of microorganisms in your vagina and cause bacterial vaginosis.
- Your vagina is riddled with bacteria, but dont worrymost of them are harmless and fall into a category called lactobacilli, also known as the good kind of bacteria. As mentioned, bacterial vaginosis occurs when the anaerobe bacteria in the vagina multiply to the point where they disrupt the normally lactobacilli-dominated environment. This usually happens because something has …
- Bacteria that dominate the vaginal flora in a BV infection include Gardnerella vaginalis or Mobiluncus, although other bacteria, such as Escherichia coli from the rectum have also been shown to cause the disease. The overgrowth of these harmful bacteria are at the expense of the protective bacteria lactobacilli, which secrete a natural disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide, that mai…
Diagnosis
- In addition to the history and vaginal examination, microscopic examination is vital to the clinical diagnosis of BV.On microscopic examination of the discharge, demonstration of 3 of the following 4 Amsel criteria is considered necessary to diagnose BV most accurately : 1. Demonstration of clue cells on a saline smear (the most specific diagnostic criterion) 2. A pH gr…
- 1. Other vaginal infections - eg, candida, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes simplex. 2. Other benign causes of vaginal discharge - eg, physiological discharge, chemical irritants, foreign body, pregnancy, cervical ectropion. 3. Tumours of the vulva, vagina, cervix, or endometrium. 4. Postmenopausal vaginal discharge due to atrophic vaginitis. 5. Vaginal dischar…
- To diagnose bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may: 1. Ask questions about your medical history. Your doctor may ask about any previous vaginal infections or sexually transmitted infections. 2. Perform a pelvic exam. During a pelvic exam, your doctor visually examines your vagina for signs of infection, and inserts two fingers into your vagina while pressing on your abdomen with the ot…
- BV is diagnosed through a examination of the vagina by a health care provider. A woman who suspects that she may have BV should not douche or use a feminine hygiene spray before the appointment with the health care provider. Laboratory tests are conducted on a sample of the vaginal fluid to see if the bacteria present are those associated with BV. The health care provide…
Complications
- Bacterial vaginosis doesn't generally cause complications. Sometimes, having bacterial vaginosis may lead to: 1. Preterm birth. In pregnant women, bacterial vaginosis is linked to premature deliveries and low birth weight babies. 2. Sexually transmitted infections. Having bacterial vaginosis makes women more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV, herpe…
- 1. Endometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease after TOP. 2. BV can increase the risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV and other STIs. 3. In pregnancy, BV is associated with various complications including: 1. Late miscarriage. 2. Preterm delivery. 3. Premature rupture of membranes. 4. Low birth weight. 5. Postpartum endometritis.There is, however, no evidence for …
Management
- General principles of treatment of BV include the following: 1. Antibiotics are the mainstay of therapy 2. Data on the efficacy of dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus (acidophilus) are conflicting 3. Asymptomatic women with G vaginalis colonization do not need treatment 4. BV occurring in pregnant women should be treated 5. Treatment before cesarean delivery, total abd…
- 1. Advise avoidance of vaginal douching. 2. Advise against the use of shower gel, and use of bubble bath, antiseptic agents or shampoo in the bath. 3. Asymptomatic women usually do not need treatment, unless they are pregnant. If they are having a TOP, treatment beforehand is appropriate to reduce risk of complications. If there are additional risks of preterm birth, asympt…
Risk Factors
- Risk factors for bacterial vaginosis include: 1. Having multiple sex partners or a new sex partner. Doctors don't fully understand the link between sexual activity and bacterial vaginosis, but the condition occurs more often in women who have multiple sex partners or a new sex partner. Bacterial vaginosis also occurs more frequently in women who have sex with women. 2. Douchi…
Epidemiology
- 1. BV is the most common cause of pathological vaginal discharge in women of child-bearing age. 2. Reported prevalence rates vary widely. In the past, prevalence has been reported as 5% in a group of asymptomatic college students, 12% in pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic, 30% in women undergoing termination of pregnancy (TOP) and up to 50% in rural Uganda. 3. Pre…
- According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women in their late teens to middle 40s.3...