How Is Bacterial Vaginosis Treated?

Basics

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), bacterial vaginosis occurs when the bacteria levels in the vagina are disrupted and become unbalanced. Bacteria occur naturally in the vagina, which is filled with both good and bad forms of the microbes. It's when the bad bacteria overcome the good bacteria that infection forms. The condition often is associated with odor and itching and sometimes creates a discharge. The CDC reports that there is no known cause of bacterial vaginosis (BV), but douching and intercourse with various new partners seem to play a role, although women who have never had sex can develop BV. At the same time, BV can be present with no outward symptoms. While there are no complications from BV, women with the infection are more susceptible to getting an HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases if they are exposed to the viruses. BV can create serious complications in pregnant women.

Treatment

While bacterial vaginosis often goes away by itself, doctors at the CDC recommend women be treated when any symptoms are present. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) reports that untreated bacterial vaginosis can travel to the fallopian tubes or the uterus and cause more serious infections. The most common treatment is antibiotics, particularly mentronidazole or clindamycin. Medications may be delivered in pill form or through a cream that's rubbed directly on the vagina. Treatment is especially important for pregnant women. The CDC recommends that pregnant women and those preparing for a hysterectomy or abortion be treated for bacterial vaginosis prior to the procedure regardless of a lack of symptoms. The AAFP advises women to refrain from alcohol when taking the specific antibiotics used to treat BV. Alcohol can induce strong interactions as well as nausea and vomiting.

Alternatives

Unlike STDs, male partners do not have to undergo treatment to avoid re-infecting their partners. Same sex partners, however, should both receive treatment. Studies done by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conclude that a diet supplemented with lactobacillus acidophilus can help to cure bacterial vaginosis. Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the good, naturally occurring bacteria found in the vagina and is replicated in supplements and food additives such as probiotics. The NIH recommends vaginal infections be treated with an 8-ounce serving of yogurt daily or capsules containing 1.5 grams of probiotics.Probiotics can also be effective when used as a suppository.