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Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment - Overview

Bacterial vaginosis, sometimes referred to as BV, is a very common condition in women that results from changes in the bacteria in the vagina. Women who think they might have a BV infection can use Push Health to connect with a local medical provider who can prescribe medications for bacterial vaginosis treatment when appropriate to do so.

What Is Bacterial Vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition, affecting over 20 million women annually in the United States. Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the natural ecosystem of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, leading to an overgrowth of bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis. Factors that might increase the risk of getting a bacterial vaginosis infection include new or multiple sexual partners, reduction in lactobacilli bacterial counts in the vagina, and douching. Bacterial vaginosis symptoms include a thin discharge that may be green or white in color, pain with urination, vaginal itching, and a foul-smelling odor. Occasionally, bacterial vaginosis infections will resolve on their own.

Bacterial Vaginosis - Treatment

Bacterial vaginosis (BV), like chlamydia and gonorrhea, is generally treatable with commonly prescribed antibiotic medications. For most people, these medications are well tolerated and will resolve basic bacterial vaginosis symptoms and infections in a timely manner. It is important that women with bacterial vaginosis infections get early treatment to prevent the development of complications that infrequently occur from an untreated BV infection.

BV Medications

Oral antibiotics are generally used when treating mild cases of bacterial vaginosis. Most medication regimens for BV treatment last for under fourteen days although bacterial vaginosis symptoms, when present, may persist longer than expected. Oral medications used for bacterial vaginosis include, but are not limited to, the following drugs:

• Clindamycin (Clindesse, Cleocin)
• Metronidazole (Flagyl)
• Tinidazole (Tindamax)

Women with complicated medical histories may require additional forms of treatment. It is recommended that women avoid sexual activity while undergoing treatment for bacterial vaginosis to improve the chances that the bacterial vaginosis is fully cured.

BV Medications - Side Effects

All medications can cause side effects and medications used to treat bacterial vaginosis are no exception. Side effects that can result from medication treatment for BV include nausea, dizziness, abdominal pain, rash and a metallic taste. Even with appropriate bacterial vaginosis medication treatment, some cases of BV will not be fully cured from the first round of medications and will require additional treatment. Alcohol should not be taken with medications used to treat bacterial vaginosis. Prior to starting any BV cure or treatment, it is important to discuss concerns with a qualified medical practitioner.

More Bacterial Vaginosis Resources

• CDC - Bacterial Vaginosis
• Mayo Clinic - BV