Symptoms
A vaginal pH of 4.5 or higher is a sign of 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.
Causes
Those with BV cannot purchase medication without a prescription. However, a person can consider using home remedies to treat BV and potentially reduce the chance of BV from developing.
Prevention
Fem-Dophilus. The product Fem-Dophilus contains probiotics that help to increase healthy flora in the vagina. This encourages a natural balance that discourages the growth of the bad bacteria, gardnerella. This medication is over the counter and ingested orally for the treatment of BV.
Complications
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. You can make arrangements with your pharmacy to pick up your meds the same day.
How is bacterial vaginosis (BV) treated?
Do you need a prescription for BV treatment?
What is the best over the counter medicine for BV?
How to get rid of BV fast?
Can I get treatment for BV over-the-counter?
There are no over-the-counter products to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV). Avoid using douches or products meant for yeast infections, which could make BV worse. See your healthcare provider for treatment.
Where can I go to be treated for BV?
Your GP or sexual health clinic will want to confirm it's BV and rule out an STI. You'll be asked about your symptoms, and a doctor or nurse may look at your vagina. A cotton bud may be wiped over the discharge inside your vagina to test for BV and other infections.
Do I need a prescription for BV 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.
What is the best over-the-counter medication for BV?
Boric acid. Boric acid vaginal suppositories are commonly used to treat BV, according to a 2019 review .
Can I buy metronidazole over-the-counter?
No, you cannot buy metronidazole over the counter because you need a prescription to buy it.
What happens if BV left 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.
What is the quickest way to treat bacterial vaginosis?
The fastest way to treat BV is to visit your doctor and get a prescription to treat the condition.
What is the best medicine for bacterial vaginosis?
Boric acid capsules can be used to treat bacterial vaginosis.
How long does bacterial vaginosis last?
After seeing your doctor and starting treatment with a prescribed medication, your symptoms will likely start improving within 2 to 3 days.
What is the difference between a yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis?
BV and vaginal yeast infections have similar symptoms but different causes and treatments. Both cause inflammation of the vagina, also known as vaginitis.
What is a vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria?
Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria.
What to wear for bacterial vaginosis?
According to the University of New Hampshire’s Department of Health and Wellness, to help your bacterial vaginosis heal quickly and to prevent future cases, wear cotton underwear that’s breathable.
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 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 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 bacterial vaginosis spread between male and female partners?
It's generally not necessary to treat an infected woman's male sexual partner, but bacterial vaginosis can spread between female sexual partners. Female partners should seek testing and may need treatment. It's especially important for pregnant women with symptoms to be treated to help decrease the risk of premature delivery or low birth weight.
What is the best test for BV?
In addition to the Amsel criteria, multiple POC tests are available for BV diagnosis. The Osom BV Blue test (Sekisui Diagnostics) detects vaginal sialidase activity ( 1003, 1004 ). The Affirm VP III (Becton Dickinson) is an oligonucleotide probe test that detects high concentrations of G. vaginalis nucleic acids (>5 x 10 5 CFU of G. vaginalis/ mL of vaginal fluid) for diagnosing BV, Candida species, and T. vaginalis. This test has been reported to be most useful for symptomatic women in conjunction with vaginal pH measurement and presence of amine odor (sensitivity of 97%); specificity is 81% compared with Nugent. Finally, the FemExam Test Card (Cooper Surgical) measures vaginal pH, presence of trimethylamine (a metabolic by-product of G. vaginalis ), and proline aminopeptidase ( 1005 ). Sensitivity is 91% and specificity is 61%, compared with Nugent. This test has primarily been studied in resource-poor settings ( 1005 ), and although it has been reported to be beneficial compared with syndromic management, it is not a preferred diagnostic method for BV diagnosis.
How to diagnose BV?
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 ). Vaginal Gram stain, considered the reference standard laboratory method for diagnosing BV, is used to determine the relative concentration of lactobacilli (i.e., long gram-positive rods), small gram-negative and gram-variable rods (i.e., G. vaginalis or Bacteroides ), and curved gram-negative rods (i.e., Mobiluncus) characteristic of BV. A Nugent score of 0–3 is consistent with a Lactobacillus -predominant vaginal microbiota, 4–6 with intermediate microbiota (emergence of G. vaginalis ), and 7–10 with BV. Clinical diagnosis of BV by Amsel criteria requires at least three of the following four symptoms or signs:
What is the Max Vaginal Panel?
The Max Vaginal Panel provides results by an algorithmic analysis of molecular DNA detection of Lactobacillus species ( L. crispatus and L. jensenii) in addition to G. vaginalis, A. vaginae, BVAB2, and Megasphaera type 1. This test has 90.5% sensitivity and 85.8% specificity for BV diagnosis, compared with Amsel criteria and Nugent score. It also provides results for Candida species and T. vaginalis. The Aptima BV detects G. vaginalis, A. vaginae, and certain Lactobacillus species including L. crispatus, L. jensenii, and L. gasseri, with sensitivity and specificity ranging from 95.0% to 97.3% and 85.8% to 89.6%, respectively (using either clinician- or patient-collected vaginal swabs). The three laboratory-developed tests (NuSwab VG, OneSwab BV Panel PCR with Lactobacillus Profiling by qPCR, and SureSwab BV) have to be internally validated before use for patient care yet have good sensitivity and specificity, similar to FDA-cleared assays. BV NAATs should be used among symptomatic women only (e.g., women with vaginal discharge, odor, or itch) because their accuracy is not well defined for asymptomatic women. Despite the availability of BV NAATs, traditional methods of BV diagnosis, including the Amsel criteria, Nugent score, and the Affirm VP III assay, remain useful for diagnosing symptomatic BV because of their lower cost and ability to provide a rapid diagnosis. Culture of G. vaginalis is not recommended as a diagnostic tool because it is not specific. Cervical Pap tests have no clinical utility for diagnosing BV because of their low sensitivity and specificity.
Is BV treatment recommended for women?
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. genitalium, HIV, HPV, and HSV-2 ( 971, 986 – 988, 990, 1010 ). No data are available that directly compare the efficacy of oral and topical medications for treating BV.
Can you douch for BV?
Douching might increase the risk for relapse , and no data support use of douching for treatment or symptom relief.
Should women with BV be tested for HIV?
All women with BV should be tested for HIV and other STIs.
Can BV be used during pregnancy?
BV treatment is recommended for all symptomatic pregnant women because symptomatic BV has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes , including premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth, intra-amniotic infection, and postpartum endometritis ( 989, 991, 1036 ). Studies have been undertaken to determine the efficacy of BV treatment among this population, including two trials demonstrating that oral metronidazole was efficacious during pregnancy by using the 250 mg 3 times/day regimen ( 1037, 1038 ); however, oral metronidazole administered as a 500 mg 2 times/day regimen can also be used. One trial involving a limited number of participants revealed treatment with oral metronidazole 500 mg 2 times/day for 7 days to be equally effective as metronidazole gel 0.75% for 5 days, with cure rates of 70% by using Amsel criteria to define cure ( 1039 ). Another trial demonstrated a cure rate of 85% by using Gram-stain criteria after treatment with oral clindamycin 300 mg 2 times/day for 7 days ( 1040 – 1043 ).
How to get rid of BV fast?
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. You can make arrangements with your pharmacy to pick up your meds the same day. Discover how online treatment can be the best ...
Is bacterial vaginosis a disease?
Don’t worry, the name sounds worse than the infection. Bacterial vaginosis is very treatable, and sometimes disappear on its own.
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 to diagnose BV?
To diagnose BV, a doctor may perform a pelvic exam and take a sample of the vaginal discharge.
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.
How long does it take for BV to go away after taking clindamycin?
Studies on the efficacy of clindamycin have shown that 88% of the study participants did not experience any BV symptoms 1–2 weeks after using the cream.
What are the best foods to take for BV?
Probiotics: Probiotics are bacteria found in food such as yogurt and probiotic supplements. A 2014 review found that they may be beneficial in preventing and treating BV without causing any adverse effects.
What is BV treatment?
Over-the-Counter Treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an overabundance of bad bacteria, called gardnerella, in the vaginal tract. Bacterial vaginosis is not well understood, however, the condition has been associated with sexual activity and having multiple sexual partners. ...
How to treat BV?
They claim that beta-dine applied in a mixture with gentian violet will treat BV when applied topically. In addition, they advocate taking anti-oxidants to promote a health pH balance.
Does goldenseal help with BV?
There is some evidence that a mixture of goldenseal as a vaginal suppository and vitamin A have some positive effect against BV. Because goldenseal is an immune system enhancer it seems to counterbalance the infection.
Does yogurt help with vaginal bacterial vaginosis?
Eating yogurt might also be helpful in restoring natural flora in the vagina by promoting the growth of good bacteria. According to Bacterial-vaginosis.com, there are numerous natural remedies that might help fight bacterial vaginosis. In addition, they advocate taking anti-oxidants to promote a health pH balance.
Is fem-dophilus over the counter?
This encourages a natural balance that discourages the growth of the bad bacteria, gardnerella. This medication is over the counter and ingested orally for the treatment of BV.
Does tea tree oil help with vaginal pH?
This natural lubricant is thought to maintain healthy vaginal moisture balance and bacterial levels by promoting healthy pH balance. It also contains 3 percent tea tree, which kills the bad bacteria in the vagina and helps maintain a healthy balance.
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.
How long does it take for boric acid to cure BV?
An older study found that seven days of antibiotics followed by three weeks of 600 milligram boric acid suppositories per day had a cure rate of 87%, 78%, and 65% at 12, 16, and 28-week follow-ups. Still, researchers say more studies are needed on the efficacy of boric acid as a solution for recurrent BV and pregnant women should not use it due to a lack of information on safety and potential side effects.
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 .
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.
Is BV under investigation?
New approaches to treating BV are currently under investigation in clinical studies designed to meet safety and effectiveness criteria set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approving medication, Dr. Hemmerling notes.
What is the best way to treat BV?
Make the most of some useful essential oils. Essential oils are known for their incredibly soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. So it comes as no surprise that essential oils are also useful Bacterial Vaginosis home remedies to treat BV symptoms at home.
How to treat BV?
10. Make use of Boric Acid capsules for BV treatment. Using Boric Acid for Bacterial Vaginosis is among the most well-known natural home remedies. This home remedy for BV is not only inexpensive but also shows no side-effects so far, making it a must-try technique!
What to Do If You Have Bacterial Vaginosis?
If you suspect having Bacterial Vaginosis, visit your doctor for medical advice.
What Are The Best Bacterial Vaginosis Home Remedies?
If you’re tired of relying only on antibiotics, are in severe pain, or the Bacterial Vaginosis infection keeps on recurring, as the last resort you could try holistic healing techniques for naturally treating BV at home.
What is the best treatment for bacterial vaginosis?
Many women’s go-to home remedies for Bacterial Vaginosis include the use of aloe vera plant gel.
What are some good foods to eat to prevent BV?
Add more green veggies such as cabbage, kale, spinach, and lettuce to your diet. Lentils and bananas have also shown holistic healing effects for vaginal infections. On the other hand, these are some foods that can cause BV recurrence:
What is the best food for BV?
If you’re looking for instant Bacterial Vaginosis home remedies, add these nutritious foods to your BV diet: Yogurt can be your best friend when it comes to inflammatory problems. It contains probiotics which are the “good bacteria,” useful for naturally treating Bacterial Vaginosis at home.
Causes
Treatment
Benefits
Medical uses
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.
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 …
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…
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...
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.