What Can You Do To Clear It Up Faster
Once you start treatment, you should see symptoms start to go away quickly. Basically, the faster you seek treatment, the faster your symptoms will resolve.
But even if your symptoms clear up before you finish your antibiotics, its important to take the full course of treatment. This helps prevent infections that are resistant to treatment from developing .
Is Bacterial Vaginosis A Sexually Transmitted Infection
No, BV isnt a sexually transmitted infection . Still, doctors are uncertain about how much of a role sexual activity plays in getting BV since theres no definite explanation as to how BV spreads. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult to know exactly what to do to avoid the infection but, as well get more into a little later, its highly treatable.
How Do I Treat Bv
Make sure you use all of the medicine the way your doctor says, even if your symptoms go away sooner. And dont have sex until you finish your treatment and your infection clears up.
If you have BV that keeps coming back, probiotics may help. But ask your doctor before trying any supplements. Your nurse, doctor, or local Planned Parenthood health center can help you figure out the best treatment if you struggle with chronic BV.
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How Effective Are Antibiotics
Clindamycin and metronidazole are very effective against vaginosis symptoms. Studies on clindamycin cream treatments have shown the following:
- 50% of the study participants who didn’t use clindamycin had no symptoms one to two weeks after placebo treatment.
- 88% of the study participants who used clindamycin had no symptoms one to two weeks after treatment.
Several studies have also shown that clindamycin and metronidazole are similarly effective: In the studies comparing these two , over 90% of the women had no symptoms after treatment regardless of which drug they had used.
It’s not uncommon for bacterial vaginosis to return after a few weeks. That happens quite often. About half of all women have symptoms again about one year after the first infection. If bacterial vaginal infections return more frequently, it may be a good idea to discuss options for preventive treatment with your doctor.
Studies have also looked into whether it’s a good idea for your partner to also take . But that didn’t speed up the recovery time. It also hasn’t been shown that treating your partner would prevent the infection from coming back.
When To See A Medical Provider
If you are experiencing unusual vaginal discharge, odor, or other symptoms that give you a reason to believe you have bacterial vaginosis, its a good idea to seek medical advice by contacting your gynecologist or healthcare provider.
You will need to be screened and treated as soon as possible.
Once they test your vaginal fluid for signs of BV, they can give you proper treatment by prescribing a course of antibiotics that will treat your symptoms and restore your vaginal health.
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How Do I Know If It’s Bv Or Yeast
- Odor BV infections typically have a tell-tale fishy smell that will be very strongthere’s no mistaking it. Yeast infections tend to be odorless, or you may pick up a very mild yeasty odor that may remind you of bread.
- Discharge BV discharge is thin and will be a grey or greenish color. Discharge from a yeast infection will be thick, white, and chunky. It’s often described as having a cottage cheese-like texture.
Introduction: What Is Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is quite common in the United States. According to the CDC, bacterial vaginosis affects up to 21.2 million women ages 14 to 49 annually. It is considered the most common vaginal infection in women between the ages of 15 and 44. Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by a grey, watery discharge and a fishy odor, and may be accompanied by itching and general discomfort in the vaginal area. Although these are the general symptoms of BV, many women may find they have no symptoms at all. Bacterial vaginosis stems from an overgrowth of pathogens in the vaginal flora. Although scientists are not exactly sure why this overgrowth happens, they suggest that a variety of things such as sex with new partners, sex with multiple partners, douching, drawing baths with strongly fragranced products, and smoking can disrupt the delicate vaginal environment, thus causing BV. Common treatments for BV include a variety of antibiotic courses, such as Metronidazole gel, Clindamycin, or Tinidazole. Its important to take the entire treatment even if your symptoms begin to go away. Unfortunately, it is common to get another bout of BV 3 to 12 months after treatment, called recurrent bacterial vaginosis. Scientists are looking into ways to stop this, but prevention is still the best strategy against BV.
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Can Bv Go Away Without Treatment
If your body can restore its own pH balance, occasionally BV will go away on its own. If your symptoms are affecting your daily life and causing you discomfort you should talk to your GP, pharmacist or a nurse at your local sexual health clinic. They will be able to offer advice and BV treatment options.
How Bv Is Spread
Although it is not clear how BV is transmitted, it is more common in women who are sexually active. It sometimes develops soon after intercourse with a new partner. Women who have female sexual partners may be at higher risk than women who have sex with only male partners. Research has not conclusively found a link between BV and specific sexual practices or acts. However, recent evidence supports the use of condoms to reduce the risk of this infection.
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Are Lactobacillus Tablets An Effective Treatment For Bacterial Vaginosis
Lactobacillus suppositories and oral tablets are sold in some health food shops, for use in BV.
Intravaginal lactobacillus treatment seems as though it ought to be an obvious solution – why not put the right bacteria where they are meant to go? However, results of studies on vaginal treatments with lactobacilli are also mixed, with some studies suggesting this treatment is effective and others not.
What Medicine Treats Bacterial Vaginosis And Reccurent Bv Can Antibiotics Cure It
Bacterial vaginosis can be cured with antibiotics. Even after a woman has been cured, however, BV often recurs. The second course of antibiotics is necessary if a woman experiences recurrent bacterial vaginosis that produces symptoms.
Antibiotics are the recommended treatment for bacterial vaginosis. A few antibiotic remedies are routinely used and include:
- metronidazole taken by either oral form or vaginal metronidazole gel . Oral metronidazole can cause some minor but unpleasant side effects but is believed to be the most effective treatment. The gels do not typically cause side effects, although yeast vaginitis can occur as a side effect of the medication.
- vaginal clindamycin cream
- tinidazole is an antibiotic that appears to be effective in treating bacterial vaginosis and may have fewer side effects than metronidazole.
Recurrence of bacterial vaginosis is possible even after successful treatment. More than half of those treated experience recurrent symptoms within 12 months. It is unclear why so many recurrent infections develop. With recurrent symptoms, a second course of antibiotics is generally prescribed.
Treatment of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women is recommended to decrease the risk of pregnancy-associated complications related to infection. Treatment prior to Cesarean delivery, total abdominal hysterectomy, and insertion of an IUD are also recommended by most experts.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
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Check If You Have Bacterial Vaginosis
The most common symptom of bacterial vaginosis is unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell, particularly after sex.
You may notice a change to the colour and consistency of your discharge, such as becoming greyish-white and thin and watery.
But 50% of women with bacterial vaginosis do not have any symptoms.
Bacterial vaginosis does not usually cause any soreness or itching.
If you’re unsure it’s BV, check for other causes of unusual vaginal discharge.
How To Prevent Bv
Wouldnt it be great if you could just avoid BV entirely? Paying attention to vaginal hygiene is of great importance in preventing bacterial vaginosis.
Some of the ways you can do this include avoiding douching, avoiding the use of scented vaginal soaps, using unscented cotton pads and tampons, and wearing breathable cotton underwear. Some other tips for preventing bacterial vaginosis include practicing safe sex, such as by limiting the number of sexual partners, using condoms as protection, and avoiding the use of IUDs, which can also cause an increased risk of bacterial vaginosis.
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What Are The Side Effects
Antibiotic treatment kills not only gardnerella , but also useful bacteria in the vaginal flora that work to keep other germs in check. This means that antibiotic treatment can sometimes end up causing a vaginal yeast infection . This happens to about 10% of women who use clindamycin or metronidazole. Itching and a thick, white discharge are typical signs of a yeast infection, and it can also be treated with medication.
Other side effects may also occur. Metronidazole tablets leave behind a metallic taste in about 10% of women. Less commonly, they cause nausea and vomiting. Clindamycin is very well tolerated when used as a cream, and aside from yeast infections it has no other known side effects.
How To Cure Bv In One Day
Having bacterial vaginosis can really throw a wrench in how a woman feels about herself and her sex life, and can just be straight up uncomfortable. The majority of bacterial vaginosis antibiotic treatments can take up to seven days for completion. However, according to Dr. Holly L. Thacker, a new one-day treatment has just been approved by the FDA.
Called Solosec , it comes in granules that are supposed to be sprinkled over applesauce, yogurt, or pudding and eaten within 30 minutes without chewing or crunching the granules. It is recommended for most women aged 15 to 44, although women who are breastfeeding should not breastfeed for 96 hours after taking the treatment. For those women wondering how to cure bacterial vaginosis in one day, this is currently the only way to cure bacterial vaginosis in one day.
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Which Antibiotics Treat Bacterial Vaginosis
Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following antibiotics:
- metronidazole tablets
- metronidazole vaginal gel
- clindamycin vaginal cream
- clindamycin vaginal suppositories
- tinidazole tablets
They are only available with a prescription. Your healthcare provider will tell you for how long you need to take the treatment. It’s usually for between five and seven days.
Most women should try one of the first three antibiotics first. Treatment of BV is recommended for all women who have symptoms.
Treatment is especially important for pregnant women. If you have bacterial vaginosis while pregnant, your baby is more likely to be born prematurely or with a low birth weight .
There is a risk of relapse if the entire course of antibiotics is not finished. It’s important to finish all the pills in the prescription, even if symptoms start to disappear.
Both metronidazole and tinidazole can cause stomach upsets and nausea if you drink alcohol while using them — it’s best to avoid alcohol until a full 24 hours after completing the course.
How Are Antibiotics Used
Symptoms are usually treated with an antibiotic such as clindamycin or metronidazole as a cream, vaginal suppositories or tablets, or oral tablets. Treatment can last one to seven days depending on the exact drug used, its form and the dose, and the severity of the symptoms. Your doctor can help you decide what type of treatment is most suitable for you.
If you’ve been prescribed , it’s important to be careful about using them correctly. That especially means using the medicine regularly and for as long as prescribed: Stopping early, for instance if the symptoms have already cleared up, contributes to the development of resistant strains of .
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How Long After Taking Medication For Bacterial Vaginosis Will Symptoms Subside
Q.I started taking Metronidazole on Friday, and it is a 7 day, twice daily treatment. I just wanted to know how long until I will notice my symptoms subside. Also, how long until it is safe to have sex again?A.bacterial vaginosisDo i still continue to take my bacterial vaginosis medication if i start my period?Q.I just got the antibiotics from my doctor today. You take two pills a day and I took one and then my period started. Does it matter if my period starts?I should just keep taking my anitibiotics right?I also have some rephresh tampons. Theyre supposed to restore your ph and keep the bacteria vaginosis away. My doctor recommended I use their produtcs.. will it be a bad idea to use the tampons at the same time of the medication?A.bacterial vaginosisWhat are some early symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?Q.A.How long does it take to Cure Cure Bacterial Vaginosis With Apple Cider Vineger ?Q.A.Will grapefruit seed extract work to cure bacterial vaginosis?Q.A.
What Is Bacterial Vaginosis And How Is It Diagnosed
In general, our bodies are home to lots of bacteria, many of which help keep us healthy. But when the population of healthy types of bacteria decreases, it leaves room for others to settle in and cause problems .
And believe it or not, its quite common. Some estimates say one in three women will experience BV at some point in their lives .
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When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider
- Discharge that changes color or consistency.
- Discharge that smells different than usual.
- Vaginal itching, burning, swelling or soreness.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Although bacterial vaginosis is a mild infection, it can make you vulnerable to more serious conditions. Dont put off seeing your healthcare provider if you notice anything unusual. A simple course of antibiotics could set things straight.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/05/2020.
References
What Should You Do If You Get Bacterial Vaginosis During Pregnancy
Getting BV during pregnancy is related to pregnancy risks such as miscarriage, preterm birth, and low birth weight. According to a 2018 study, a connection between BV and miscarriage does exist, but more research is required before reaching a definitive conclusion.
Research shows that BV can be treated during pregnancy. If you think you have BV and youre pregnant or trying to conceive, its important to consult with your healthcare provider.
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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.
A prescription treatment will likely clear up your symptoms in 2 to 3 days. If youre pregnant or undergoing any medical procedures, its especially important to have your BV taken care of sooner rather than later.
Your doctor may prescribe an oral or vaginal antibiotic, like clindamycin, metronidazole, or tinidazole.
What Can I Do About Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis
If your symptoms come back and you did not have a test using a sample of your vaginal discharge taken initially, your doctor or nurse may suggest that they take swab tests now. This is to confirm that it is BV causing your symptoms.
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. A small number of women have repeated episodes of BV and need repeated courses of antibiotics.
If you have a copper coil for contraception – an IUCD – and have recurrent BV, your doctor or nurse may suggest that they remove your IUCD to see if this helps to improve your symptoms. You will need to consider alternative contraception measures.
If you have a same-sex partner then, even if she has no symptoms, treating both of you at the same time may reduce recurrence.
You should also take particular notice of the advice not to use douches, bath additives and vaginal deodorants. Long-term use of metronidazole gel is sometimes advised. Specialist guidelines in the USA recommend using twice-weekly for up to six months. UK specialist guidelines are less certain on the frequency and duration of preventative treatment, and your doctor may want to talk with a specialist for advice on this.
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More On Bacterial Vaginosis At Thebodycom
To find out more about bacterial vaginosis, we recommend the following articles:
In addition, our Q& A experts sometimes address questions about bacterial vaginosis in our “Ask the Experts” forums. Here are some of those questions and our experts’ responses:
- Bacterial Vaginosis Is it possible to contract bacterial vaginosis through anything besides sexual contact? A woman who has it is constantly using our toilet and showering at our place.
- What can I do to eradicate chronic bacterial vaginosis? It seems to be antibiotic resistant because it does not go away. I have been treated with metro gel and cleosin.
Preventing Overgrowth Of Bv Associated Organisms
Although intermittent therapy, on an episodic or prophylactic basis, is frequently used for recurrent BV, there are very few publications on this. Hay et al advised women with recurrent BV to collected daily vaginal specimens for between 112 months, to try to identify the times of recurrence. BV recurrences most often arose within the first 7 days of the menstrual cycle, and frequently followed candida infection. Consequently they advised oral or intravaginal metronidazole for 3 days at the onset of menstruation for 36 months, and add antifungal treatment if there is a history of candidiasis.
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