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Types Of Antibiotics For Bv

Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment Side Effects

Understanding Bacterial Vaginosis

As mentioned earlier, pills usually have more side effects than creams. And for metronidazole pills, these typically include:

  • Headache

  • Nausea

  • Stomach pain

In addition, both metronidazole pills andcreams can give you a metallic taste in your mouth.

There is a risk of C. diff diarrhea with both metronidazole and clindamycin, but the risk is greater with clindamycin pills.

Effect Of Antifungal Therapy On Bv

Self-treatment with antifungals is widely practiced and it may be useful in women with Candida who are co-infected with BV. The general consensus is that opposing vaginal pH are required for the growth of C. albicans and BV, but because candida vulvo-vaginitis requires low acidity and BV requires high vaginal pH levels, this notion is incorrect. Indeed, Donders and collaborators reported recently that nine out of 142 women with symptomatic candidosis also had BV. Antifungal treatment cured the BV in 70% of women with simultaneous candida vaginitis. While antifungal treatment may have a beneficial effect on women with concurrent BV, it does not prevent BV from occurring in BV-negative women. A similar benefit of antifungal therapy has been reported previously in a randomized controlled trial, in which women who received ovules containing metronidazole and nystatin for BV had a better cure rate at 2 weeks of treatment than those receiving metronidazole 0.75% gel alone . Moreover, the benefits of combined therapy remained at 3 months of treatment .

How Is Bacterial Vaginosis Diagnosed

If you have symptoms of BV or have a history of multiple or a new sexual partner, then make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor or nurse practitioner will ask you about any symptoms and take a history and then perform an examination. A swab may be taken of your vaginal fluid which will be tested in a laboratory. Other possible causes will be ruled out before they arrive at a diagnosis of BV.

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What Is Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a mild infection of the vagina caused by bacteria. Normally, there are a lot of “good” bacteria and some “bad” bacteria in the vagina. The good types help control the growth of the bad types. In women with bacterial vaginosis, the balance is upset. There are not enough good bacteria and too many bad bacteria.

Bacterial vaginosis is usually a mild problem that may go away on its own in a few days. But it can lead to more serious problems. So it’s a good idea to see your doctor and get treatment.

Local Acidification Of Vaginal Fluid

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BV is characterized by the alkalinization of vaginal fluid prompting some authors to propose correcting the vaginal pH in order to treat BV. The results have been discordant. In two randomized double-blind clinical trials, vaginal acidification alone was an ineffective therapy for BV compared with placebo or metronidazole., However, in another randomized study, the combination of oral metronidazole 500 mg twice daily and 5 g lactic acid vaginal gel at bedtime for 7 days was found to be better than metronidazole alone at promoting lactobacilli colonization and reducing malodorous vaginal discharge. Moreover, not only was the lactic acid well tolerated but it also reduced recurrence of symptomatic BV.

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What Is The Treatment For Persisting Bacterial Vaginosis

If you have persistent BV then your doctor may want to take further vaginal swabs to check whether there is another cause of the discharge. They will usually suggest that you use the seven-day course of metronidazole if you have not had this before.

Another treatment which may be tried is using metronidazole gel twice a week for up to six months.

If you have a persistent BV infection which does not respond to treatment, and you have an intrauterine contraceptive device then your doctor may advise removing the device until things settle down, as there is some evidence that IUCDs can contribute to persistent BV.

If you have persistent BV and a same-sex partner then treating both of you at the same time is likely to be helpful in preventing persistence and recurrence – even if your partner does not have symptoms.

Management Of Sex Partners

Data from earlier clinical trials indicate that a womans response to therapy and the likelihood of relapse or recurrence are not affected by treatment of her sex partner . Therefore, routine treatment of sex partners is not recommended. However, a pilot study reported that male partner treatment of women with recurrent BV had an immediate and sustained effect on the composition of the vaginal microbiota, with an overall decrease in bacterial diversity at day 28 . Male partner treatment also had an immediate effect on the composition of the penile microbiota however, this was not as pronounced at day 28, compared with that among women. A phase 3 multicenter randomized double-blinded trial evaluating the efficacy of a 7-day oral metronidazole regimen versus placebo for treatment of male sex partners of women with recurrent BV did not find that male partner treatment reduced BV recurrence in female partners, although women whose male partners adhered to multidose metronidazole were less likely to experience treatment failure .

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Can Bacterial Vaginosis Be Cured

BV will sometimes go away without treatment. But if you have symptoms of BV you should be checked and treated. It is important that you take all of the medicine prescribed to you, even if your symptoms go away. A health care provider can treat BV with antibiotics, but BV may recur even after treatment. Treatment may also reduce the risk for some STDs.

Male sex partners of women diagnosed with BV generally do not need to be treated. BV may be transferred between female sex partners.

Can Bv Come Back After Medication

What is bacterial vaginosis? | Infectious diseases | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

According to research from 2018, a person may develop BV again after a few weeks. About experience symptoms again after 1 year of getting the first infection.

In these cases, a doctor may recommend a different treatment plan.

This research also states that because antibiotics affect all vaginal bacteria, using antibiotics to treat BV may lead to a vaginal yeast infection. This occurs in about of those who take clindamycin or metronidazole.

Symptoms of a yeast infection include lumpy, white vaginal discharge or vaginal itching and redness.

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Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment Precautions

If you are taking metronidazole , drinking alcohol can make you violently ill. According to the FDA, its best to wait a minimum of 3 days after your bacterial vaginosis treatment ends before drinking alcohol again. But keep in mind, if youre taking any other medication, you might need to wait longer. Its best to ask a healthcare provider or pharmacist, as they can recommend a timeframe based on your individual health and medical history.

If your bacterial vaginosis treatment involves using clindamycin vaginally, youll need to be careful using latex condoms for protection. This is because clindamycin cream can weaken condoms to the point that they break.

What Can Cause Bacterial Vaginosis

You are more likely to get BV:

  • If you are sexually active.
  • If you have recently changed your sexual partner. Frequent changes of sexual partner, or having more than one regular partner, increase the likelihood of BV further.
  • If you have a past history of sexually transmitted infections .
  • If you smoke.
  • If you have a copper coil for contraception – an intrauterine contraceptive device .
  • If your family has Afro-Caribbean origins.
  • If you use bubble bath.
  • If you have prolonged or heavy periods.
  • Following hormonal changes. In some women BV seems to be triggered by the hormonal changes of puberty, pregnancy or the menopause. These are all conditions of changing vaginal acidity.
  • Following courses of antibiotics. Courses of antibiotics tend to kill off all our good bacteria .

Other conditions which can upset vaginal pH or lactobacillus health, and which might be expected to increase the risk of BV include:

  • Use of sex toys.
  • Your partner has had a circumcision.
  • You use condoms .
  • You have showers, not baths.

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How Is It Treated

Doctors usually prescribe an antibiotic to treat bacterial vaginosis. They come as pills you swallow or as a cream or capsules that you put in your vagina. If you are pregnant, you will need to take pills.

Bacterial vaginosis usually clears up in 2 or 3 days with antibiotics, but treatment goes on for 7 days. Do not stop using your medicine just because your symptoms are better. Be sure to take the full course of antibiotics.

Antibiotics usually work well and have few side effects. But taking them can lead to a vaginal yeast infection. A yeast infection can cause itching, redness, and a lumpy, white discharge. If you have these symptoms, talk to your doctor about what to do.

Can Bacterial Vaginosis Be Prevented

Home Remedies For Bacterial Vaginosis, Worry No More ...

Most episodes of bacterial vaginosis occur for no apparent reason and they cannot be prevented. The following are thought to help prevent some episodes of bacterial vaginosis . The logic behind these tips is to try not to upset the normal balance of germs in the vagina:

  • Do not push water into your vagina to clean it . The vagina needs no specific cleaning.
  • Do not add bath oils, antiseptics, scented soaps, perfumed bubble bath, shampoos, etc, to bath water.
  • Do not use strong detergents to wash your underwear.
  • Do not wash around your vagina and vulva too often. Once a day is usually enough, using gentle soaps and water.
  • Don’t use perfumed ‘intimate hygiene’ products.
  • Using a condom and/or a water-based lubricant during intercourse may help protect you.
  • Avoid using sex toys inside the vagina.
  • Avoid thongs and tight nylon tights.
  • Have showers rather than baths.
  • Lighter periods seem to make BV less likely to return, so if you have heavy periods and were considering seeking treatment, this might be another reason to do so.

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Are There Any Over

Over-the-counter oral antibiotics are not approved in the U.S. A bacterial infection is best treated with a prescription antibiotic that is specific for the type of bacteria causing the infection. Using a specific antibiotic will increase the chances that the infection is cured and help to prevent antibiotic resistance. In addition, a lab culture may need to be performed to pinpoint the bacteria and to help select the best antibiotic. Taking the wrong antibiotic — or not enough — may worsen the infection and prevent the antibiotic from working the next time.

There are a few over-the-counter topical antibiotics that can be used on the skin. Some products treat or prevent minor cuts, scrapes or burns on the skin that may get infected with bacteria. These are available in creams, ointments, and even sprays.

Treating And Preventing Bacterial Vaginosis

In this series

Bacterial vaginosis often causes no symptoms, or the symptoms are mild. Also, there is a good chance that BV will gradually clear without treatment.

In this article

Treating and Preventing Bacterial Vaginosis

In this article

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Should My Partner Be Treated For Bacterial Vaginosis

There is no evidence that treating a male sexual partner prevents his female sexual partner from developing BV. One small trial looked at whether using a sterilising alcohol gel on the penis protected their partners against BV – but the gel appeared to make BV more, rather than less, common in the women.

If you have a female partner then it does appear that treating her for BV at the same time as you – even if she doesn’t have symptoms – will prevent recurrence .

Can I Get A Prescription For Bv

Bacterial Vaginosis & Yeast Infections

If your symptoms haven’t cleared after using pharmacy medication, you may need to see your GP. They can prescribe antibiotics to help treat the infection if necessary. If you experience recurring BV you may have a repeat prescription from your GP. If youd like your prescription delivered to your home we can help with our free prescription delivery service LloydsDirect by LloydsPharmacy.

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When Should I Get Treatment For Bacterial Vaginosis

The body is often very good at getting back its own balance. The disruption in the balance of vaginal germs that causes BV may correct naturally, with time. So, if you have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, you may not need any treatment, particularly if you take some of the general healthy steps above?

You normally need treatment for BV if it is causing symptoms, or if the characteristic smell is noticeable to you. If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or about to have a gynaecological procedure then you may be advised to get treatment for BV.

PregnancyIf you are pregnant and you are found to have BV then you will usually be offered antibiotic treatment with oral metronidazole .

If you are trying to conceive and you think you may have BV, it is a good idea to try to eradicate the BV through natural methods or treatment prior to conceiving. If you have symptoms then you should discuss having antibiotic treatment with your doctor.

Termination of pregnancyIf you are found to have BV and are undergoing a termination of pregnancy, treatment with antibiotics may be advised even if you do not have any symptoms. This is because there is otherwise a risk of BV causing infection of the womb or pelvis after the procedure. This could lead to later fertility problems.

How Is Bacterial Vaginosis Treated

Antibiotics prescribed by your doctor are usually necessary to treat BV. These may be in the form of tablets or vaginal creams. BV tends to recur, so you may need to take more than one course of antibiotics. Always finish the course of treatment prescribed, even if you feel better halfway through.

Male sexual partners dont normally need to be treated for BV however, female sexual partners will need treatment.

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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 antibiotics, 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 bacteria.

What Treatments Are There For Bacterial Vaginosis

Diet for Bacterial Vaginosis

There are various different treatments for BV. There are also some things which you should avoid doing, which may help the problem to resolve itself.

These include avoiding the use of douches, vaginal deodorants, bath additives and harsh soaps. Refraining from intercourse for a couple of weeks, or using a condom and a water-based lubricant, can be helpful.

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What Is The Treatment For Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis often causes no symptoms, or the symptoms are mild. Also, there is a good chance that BV will gradually clear without treatment. There are various different treatments for bacterial vaginosis . There are also some things which you should avoid doing, which may help the problem to resolve itself.

These include avoiding the use of douches, vaginal deodorants, bath additives and harsh soaps. Refraining from intercourse for a couple of weeks, or using a condom and a water-based lubricant, can be helpful.

When Not To Use Antibiotics

Antibiotics are not the correct choice for all infections. For example, most sore throats, cough and colds, flu, COVID or acute sinusitis are viral in origin and do not need an antibiotic. These viral infections are self-limiting, meaning that your own immune system will usually kick in and fight the virus off.

Using antibiotics for viral infections can increase the risk for antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria cannot be fully inhibited or killed by an antibiotic, even though the antibiotic may have worked effectively before the resistance occurred. This can also lower your options for effective treatments if an antibiotic is needed eventually due to a secondary infection. Using unnecessary antibiotics also puts you at risk for side effects and adds extra cost.

It’s important not to share your antibiotic or take medicine that was prescribed for someone else, and don’t save an antibiotic to use the next time you get sick. It may not be the right drug for your illness.

To better understand antibiotics, its best to break them down into common infections, common antibiotics, and the top antibiotic classes as listed in Drugs.com.

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Why Antibiotics Dont Work On Bv

You may have a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis with or without symptoms. Either way the problem is the same: Gardnerella vaginalis and friends have made a sticky bacterial biofilm on your vaginal cells and they are not giving up their position.

The usual treatment for BV is antibiotics, however more often than not, the BV comes back after a month or two. The three-month success rate of antibiotics is about half.

This is because in many cases,the BV never really goes away the bacterial biofilm home-grown by Gardnerella vaginalis and friends is still in there, stuck to the fabric of your vagina, the epithelial cells.

This biofilm causes your vagina to become too alkaline, kills off the Lactobacillus, and causes unpleasant symptoms. Antibiotics merely put a few bullet holes in the biofilm, but they are not effective in dissolving it.

Antibiotics work for some women, and should be tried, because if they do work they are an excellent option and save much heartache. Dont forget to always follow up antibiotics with probiotics.

Weve written a book, Killing BV, detailing how to get rid of the bacterial biofilm caused by G. vaginalis.

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