Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment

Antibiotics are the usual treatment for bacterial vaginosis. However, the dose can differ between pregnant and non-pregnant women. The condition does clear up on its own in some cases. However, all women with possible symptoms should receive a proper diagnosis and treatment to avoid future complications or a recurrence of the disease.

Bacterial Vaginosis Information

Treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis: An Overview

Although bacterial vaginosis (BV) will sometimes clear up without treatment, all women with symptoms of bacterial vaginosis should be treated to avoid such complications as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

While men can carry the disease, male partners generally do not need bacterial vaginosis treatment. However, the condition may spread between female sex partners.

It's important to know that bacterial vaginosis can recur (come back) after treatment.

Specific Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment

Treatment for bacterial vaginosis involves antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider. Two different drugs are recommended: metronidazole or clindamycin. Both pregnant and non-pregnant women can take these medications, but the recommended dosages differ.

Treating Bacterial Vaginosis During Pregnancy

Bacterial vaginosis treatment is especially important for pregnant women. All pregnant women who have ever had a premature delivery or low-birth-weight baby should be considered for a bacterial vaginosis examination, regardless of symptoms, and should be treated if they have BV. All pregnant women who have possible symptoms of infection should be checked and treated.

Treatment Before Certain Procedures

Some physicians recommend that all women undergoing a hysterectomy or abortion receive treatment for bacterial vaginosis prior to the procedure, regardless of symptoms, to reduce their risk of developing PID.

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