Bacterial vaginosis is an infection that occurs when the bacterial balance in your vagina is disrupted. This can happen for a number of reasons, including taking antibiotics, douching, and having multiple sexual partners. Though many women will not experience symptoms at all, the signs associated with bacterial vaginosis will typically include vaginal itching, inflammation, and thin, foul-smelling discharge that is grayish-white in color.
If you start to experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible, especially if you are pregnant. Pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis will have an increased risk for premature birth and low birth weight. Treatment needs to begin as soon as possible in order to alleviate symptoms and prevent any further complications.
Bacterial Vaginosis Medications
Once you have been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis, your doctor will likely prescribe a medication that will help re-establish the bacterial balance in your vaginal environment. The most common medications include:
- Metronidazole: Also known as Flagyl, this is the most commonly prescribed medication for bacterial vaginosis. It is typically in pill form and taken orally; however, your doctor might prescribe the gel form of metronidazole (Metrogel) that is applied topically inside your vagina. This medication reacts adversely with alcohol, and it can cause severe abdominal pain and nausea if you drink while taking it. Therefore, avoid alcohol while taking metronidazole and for at least 24 hours after your treatment is complete.
- Clindamycin: The brand name of clindamycin is Cleocin or Clindesse. This medication is in cream form and it is inserted into your vagina when treating bacterial vaginosis. One side effect of clindamycin is that it can weaken latex condoms for up to three days after the treatment is complete.
- Tinidazole: Like metronidazole, tinidazole or Tindamax is taken orally and has the same potential for an adverse reaction when mixed with alcohol intake. Therefore, avoid drinking during treatment and for 24 hours after treatment is complete.
Bacterial vaginosis cannot be spread from female to male, so it is not necessary to treat a woman’s male sexual partner for the infection. However, it can be spread between two female sexual partners, so they should be tested and treated for bacterial vaginosis at the same time.
Make sure to finish your medication regimen, even if your symptoms completely go away. Ending treatment before directed will increase the risk of the infection recurring.
Bacterial Vaginosis Recurrence
Even when treatment is successful, it is common for bacterial vaginosis symptoms to return within three to twelve months. If you experience frequent bacterial vaginosis infections, your doctor might recommend either trying a different antibiotic or taking an extended-use metronidazole medication.
Additionally, you could try eating more foods, such as yogurt, that contain naturally high amounts of lactobacilli bacteria. This could help boost the levels of good bacteria in your vagina and maintain a balance that will prevent future occurrences of bacterial vaginosis.
