Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including abnormal vaginal discharge, itching, burning, and a fishy odor. While BV is not considered a serious health condition, it can be uncomfortable and lead to other health problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. Fortunately, BV is usually easy to treat with antibiotics.
There are a few different types of antibiotics that can be used to treat BV. The most common type is metronidazole, which is available as a tablet or a gel. Other antibiotics that can be used to treat BV include tinidazole and clindamycin.
If you have been diagnosed with BV, it is important to see a doctor right away to get treatment. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you will feel better. Treatment for BV usually lasts for 7-10 days. During this time, you should avoid having sex and using tampons. You should also avoid douching, as this can actually make BV worse.
How to Treat BV
To treat bacterial vaginosis (BV), follow these steps:
- See a doctor
- Take antibiotics
- Avoid sex and tampons
- Don't douche
- Maintain good hygiene
- Wear cotton underwear
- Eat yogurt with live cultures
- Avoid tight clothing
By following these steps, you can help treat BV and prevent it from coming back.