The most common treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a course of antibiotics. These antibiotics can be taken orally (by mouth) or applied directly to the vagina as a cream or gel. Common antibiotics used to treat BV include metronidazole and clindamycin.
It is important to take all of the prescribed medication, even if your symptoms go away before you finish the course of treatment. This will help to ensure that the infection is completely cleared and prevent it from returning.
In addition to taking antibiotics, there are a few things you can do to help manage the symptoms of BV and prevent it from returning:
Practice good hygiene: Keep the area around your vagina clean and dry. Avoid douching or using scented soaps or sprays.
Use condoms: Using condoms during sex can help prevent the spread of BV and other STIs.
Avoid wearing tight, synthetic clothing: Tight clothing can trap moisture and heat, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Wear loose, breathable clothing instead.
Limit your number of sexual partners: Having multiple sexual partners increases your risk of getting BV and other STIs.
Have showers instead of baths
Don’t skip your follow-up appointments: If you are prescribed antibiotics, it is important to follow up with your healthcare provider as directed to ensure that the infection has been completely cleared.
Recurring bacterial vaginosis
It’s common for bacterial vaginosis to come back, usually within a few months. If it comes back, you’ll usually be given more antibiotics to treat it.
If you keep getting it (you get it more than 4 times in a year), you may be given an antibiotic gel that you put in your vagina. You may need to use this for a few months to help stop bacterial vaginosis coming back.
A health provider or sexual health clinic will recommend how long you need to treat it. They can also help identify if something is triggering your bacterial vaginosis, such as sex or your period.