How do I treat Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is related to a change in the bacterial flora of the vagina which allows overgrowth of Gardnerella bacteria that can lead to a fishy, amine odor, and greyish colored vaginal discharge. Some associations of BV are:
- New sexual partner
- Douching (don’t douche as it shoots up bacteria that is in the vagina into the uterus)
- Poor diet
- Low vitamin D
If you are sexually active, and have recurrent BV, you should take the following steps:
- Have your vitamin D levels checked.
- Have your sexual partner wash their genitals with plain soap and water before sexual activity.
- Wash any sex toys with warm, soapy water. BV may be transferred from female to female sexual activity.
- Any woman with recurrent BV, may want to wear plain, white cotton underwear as opposed to thong underwear.
There are several treatments for BV including antibiotics like:
- Clindamycin (used vaginally)
- Metronidazole (oral or vaginally)
- Tinidazole (orally)
- Solosec (Secnidazole) – newer one day therapy
Let your physician know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
BV is usually. easily diagnosed by a vaginal smear showing “clue cells’ and/or a vagina DNA quick test in the office that can distinguish between BV, candida yeast infections and trichomoniasis. Please see your physician for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.
All My Best,
Speaking of Women's Health Nurse
February 26, 2019 at 9:41am