The medications used to treat Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) are typically antibiotics. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics for BV include:
- Metronidazole (Flagyl):
- Metronidazole is a widely used antibiotic for the treatment of BV.
- It is available in various forms, including oral tablets, vaginal gel, and vaginal suppositories.
- The typical oral dose for adults is 500 mg taken twice a day for seven days.
- Vaginal gel or suppositories are used once daily for five days.
- Clindamycin (Cleocin):
- Clindamycin is an alternative antibiotic effective in treating BV.
- It is available in different forms, including oral capsules and vaginal cream.
- The oral capsule dosage may vary but is typically taken twice daily for a week.
- Vaginal cream is typically applied once daily for seven days.
- Tinidazole (Tindamax):
- Tinidazole is another alternative antibiotic used to treat BV.
- The standard oral dose is typically 2 grams taken as a single dose.
The choice of antibiotic and the specific treatment duration may depend on individual factors, such as the severity of the infection and a person’s medical history. It’s important to follow the treatment regimen prescribed by your healthcare provider and complete the full course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms improve before the treatment is finished. Stopping treatment prematurely can lead to the recurrence of BV or antibiotic resistance.
In some cases, healthcare providers may also recommend probiotics or other supportive measures to help restore and maintain a healthy vaginal flora.
If you think you may have BV or are experiencing symptoms, see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. If BV is not treated, complications may arise, so it is important to seek medical attention. Your doctor can recommend the best course of action for your particular situation, including medication and treatment.