In most women, the infection seemed to be recurrent. The main cause of Bacterial vaginosis is the growth of Gardnerella bacteria. BV Treatments include the usage of antibiotics and vaginal applications such as Clindamycin and Metronidazole Gel.

Symptoms of Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is often a harmless condition. It vanishes on its own and in many cases, it may be hard to detect. In cases of BV that need treatment, the following symptoms are noticed:

• Vaginal itching and burning sensation

• Vaginal discharge in transparent white or greyish color

• The fishy odor of the discharge

• Burning sensation while passing urine

Reasons for Bacterial vaginosis

The main reasons for the occurrence of Bacterial vaginosis are found to be:

• Smoking

• Usage of Perfumed and scented deodorants near the vagina

• A bubble bath and usage of chemical-based soaps

• More number of sexual partners

• Douching

These may affect the levels of the healthy bacteria – lactobacillus- around the vagina and promote the growth of harmful Gardnerella bacteria.

In rare cases, the birth control devices such as IUDs can also trigger BV.

Treatment for Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is often treated by using antibiotics, local creams, oral pills, and lifestyle changes.

Antibiotics: They are taken orally and are the primary line of defense to treat BV. Your doctor suggests the duration of antibiotics based on the severity of the infection. You must use the antibiotics for BV for the whole prescribed term. Stoppage after the symptoms seem to subside may increase the chances of persistency and mutated infection-causing bacteria.

Metronidazole Gel: It is the most prescribed treatment for BV. Potentially safe with minimal side effects, when used in the form of gel, Metronidazole is a comfortable way for most women. It also eliminates the probable side effects that can arise from the usage of Metronidazole-based pills. Metronidazole Gel is the safest mode of treatment for pregnant women with BV.

Clindamycin: Clindamycin is another popular gel to treat BV. It is also available in oral pill form. When using the gel, it is suggested not to use condoms as it may lead to breakage of the latex.

When discussing the treatments for BV, one common query that arises is – whether Metronidazole is an effective treatment for BV.

Side effects of Metronidazole:

Metronidazole is the most prescribed treatment for BV. However, the following side effects are worth noting:

• When consumed as pills, Metronidazole can leave a metallic taste that can be nauseating for some women.

• Studies indicate that Metronidazole pills can be harmful to the fetus compared to gel form.

• Pregnant women who used Metronidazole pills showed higher levels of late miscarriage than those who didn’t.

• When on the prescription of Metronidazole pills, avoid consuming alcohol as the side effects can be potentially dangerous.

• In some women, flushes lowered blood pressure, and miscarriage in childbirth might be witnessed.

Alternative treatments for BV

Lactic acid is often recommended to treat BV. Lactic acid is proven to increase the amounts of healthy lactobacillus bacteria. However, the tests on lactic acid are not comprehensive as other treatments such as antibiotics and Metronidazole.

Sexual partners have shown to be little effective in treating women affected with BV. Hence, the treatment for sexual partners may not be recommended. It is to be remembered that BV can arise from oral sex and anal sex.

Prevention of BV

The reason for the occurrence of BV is not identified. However, the following practices may help in the recurrence or occurrence for the first time:

• Avoid wearing synthetic underwear as they can trap the sweat and prevent airflow to the vaginal area.

• Do not douche the vaginal part. It draws away from the needed bacteria and promotes an imbalance in the bacterial culture.

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which can otherwise trigger BV.

• Boric acid is a helpful OTC to treat persistent BV. However, pregnant women should consider this only under the supervision of a doctor.

Conclusion

BV is a condition that is often malignant. However, timely treatment can avoid further complications and miscarriages in pregnant women. Antibiotics, local application gels, limiting the number of sexual partners, and healthy lifestyle practices help to prevent BV. Pregnant women and women with drug allergies must consult a doctor before trying any treatment for BV.