Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment Overview
Care Plan
First steps to consider
- While sometimes bacterial vaginosis may go away on its own, you should see a healthcare provider for an antibiotic treatment.
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Treat
When to see a healthcare provider
If you have symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV) like fishy-smelling, off-white, watery vaginal discharge or itching or burning in the vagina, you should see a healthcare provider to get a diagnosis and treatment.
BV sometimes goes away on its own and usually does not cause complications, but you should still see a provider. Untreated BV can make you more likely to get sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It can also lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. It’s especially important to see a provider if you get BV while pregnant, since the infection is linked to premature deliveries and low birth weight babies.
Getting diagnosed
Your doctor can diagnose BV based on your symptoms and a pelvic exam. A sample of your vaginal secretions may be taken to check for levels of bacteria in your vagina. Your doctor may also insert a pH strip into the vagina. A higher pH level is a sign of BV.
What to expect from your doctor visit
You may be prescribed an oral or vaginal antibiotic to treat BV, especially if you are pregnant. Always finish all the antibiotics you are given. You may still have symptoms after you are done with the antibiotics—it can take 2 weeks for symptoms to completely go away.
Prescription bacterial vaginosis medications
- Metronidazole (Flagyl)
- Clindamycin (Cleocin)
Types of providers who treat bacterial vaginosis
- A primary care provider can diagnose BV and prescribe medication.
- BV is often diagnosed and treated by ob-gyns, who specialize in female reproductive health.
Wellness and prevention
- Limit the number of sexual partners. Experts believe that the more people you have sex with, the greater your risk of getting bacterial vaginosis (BV). While BV is technically not an STD, sexual activity is a risk factor because it can expose the vagina to more bacteria.
- Use condoms when you have sex to protect yourself from STDs.
- Don’t douche. It upsets the balance of good and harmful bacteria in your vagina, which may increase your risk of BV.
- Wipe front to back when you go to the bathroom so bacteria from the anus does not enter the vagina.
- Clean the outside of the vagina with warm water. The vagina is self-cleaning, so soap isn’t needed. Even mild soaps can irritate the area.
- Wear cotton underwear or underwear with a cotton lining. Nylon underwear can trap moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for BV.
- When you exercise, change out of your sweaty clothes right away. Sweaty clothes trap moisture and heat.
- Always use unscented pads and tampons when you menstruate, and avoid feminine sprays. Fragrance can irritate the vagina.
- Quit smoking. Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for BV because it can change levels of good and bad bacteria in the vagina.
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