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Contents
  • Oral Antibiotics
  • Vaginal Treatments
  • Single-Dose Options

Treating Bacterial Vaginosis: What Are Your Options?

Treating Bacterial Vaginosis: What Are Your Options?

Treatment Basics

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that can be effectively treated with antibiotics. Understanding your treatment options can help you make informed decisions about your health.
Contents
  • Oral Antibiotics
  • Vaginal Treatments
  • Single-Dose Options

Oral Antibiotics

The most common oral treatment for BV is metronidazole. It's typically taken twice a day for 7 days. Another option is tinidazole, which can be taken once daily for 2-5 days. These pills work throughout your body to fight the infection. While effective, they can cause side effects like nausea or a metallic taste in your mouth.

Vaginal Treatments

Vaginal treatments include metronidazole gel and clindamycin cream. These are applied inside the vagina using an applicator, usually for 5-7 days. They tend to have fewer side effects than oral antibiotics because less medication is absorbed into your bloodstream. However, they can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection treated with antibiotics such as metronidazole and tinidazole. It can also be managed with vaginal treatments like metronidazole gel and clindamycin cream.

Single-Dose Options

Some newer treatments offer the convenience of a single dose. Secnidazole is a one-time oral treatment that comes as granules you mix with soft food. There's also a single-dose vaginal gel form of metronidazole. While these options are easier to use, they may be more expensive and aren't always as effective as multi-day treatments.

FAQs

How quickly do treatments work?

Symptoms often improve within 2-3 days.

Can I drink alcohol during treatment?

It's best to avoid alcohol, especially with oral metronidazole.

What if symptoms don't improve?

See your doctor, you may need a different treatment.

Are natural remedies effective?

Most haven't been proven to work for BV.

Can I use tampons during treatment?

It's best to avoid tampons until treatment is finished.

Making Your Choice

The best treatment for you depends on your preferences, medical history, and how you've responded to past treatments.
Discuss which BV treatment option might be best for you with Doctronic to get personalized advice.
Additional References
  1. Workowski KA, et al. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep 2021;70:1.
  2. Schwebke JR, et al. A Phase 3, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Vehicle-Controlled Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Metronidazole Vaginal Gel 1.3% in the Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis. Sex Transm Dis 2015;42:376.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.