Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment

Antibiotics are often given for bacterial vaginosis, even though it may go away on its own without specific treatment. Antibiotics are given for pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis who have symptoms. Women who have bacterial vaginosis but do not have symptoms may not need to take medications. Antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis can be applied topically to the vagina or be taken orally.

Some antibiotics that have been effective in treating bacterial vaginosis include metronidazole (Flagyl, Metrogel), clindamycin (Cleocin), and tinidazole (Tindamax). Taking the medication in pill form can cause minor side effects, but this is considered to be the most effective treatment.

Many women who receive treatment for bacterial vaginosis will have recurrent symptoms and require another course of antibiotic therapy. It is not understood why this happens, but symptoms recur in over half of women within the year following treatment.

Your doctor can help you decide which treatment is right for you.