Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment

Bacterial vaginosis treatment usually consists of a course of antibiotics -- the dose can vary 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 bacterial vaginosis treatment to avoid future complications or a recurrence of the disease.

Bacterial Vaginosis Information

Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment: An Overview

Although bacterial vaginosis (BV) will sometimes clear up without bacterial vaginosis 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 the disease, male partners generally do not need bacterial vaginosis treatment. However, bacterial vaginosis may spread between female sex partners.

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

Specific Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment

Bacterial vaginosis treatment involves antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider. Two different antibiotics are recommended as bacterial vaginosis treatment: metronidazole or clindamycin. Both pregnant and non-pregnant women can take either drug, but the recommended dosages differ.

Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment and 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 bacterial vaginosis should be checked and treated.

Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment Before Procedures

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

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD

Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD

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