How long does bv take to clear up with antibiotics

Although it is not clear how BV is transmitted, it is more common in women who are sexually active. It sometimes develops soon after intercourse with a new partner. Women who have female sexual partners may be at higher risk than women who have sex with only male partners. Research has not conclusively found a link between BV and specific sexual practices or acts.

However, recent evidence supports the use of condoms to reduce the risk of this infection. Diagnosis is made based on signs and symptoms and lab tests. During a medical examination, your doctor may notice:. If you have no symptoms, treatment is usually not required as this condition is self-limiting will go away by itself. Seek treatment if:. An antibiotic called metronidazole can be used to treat the infection. If your doctor prescribes metronidazole you will need to:.

Your doctor can prescribe a vaginal cream such as clindamycin if you are unable to take metronidazole. Clindamycin is applied to the vagina for seven nights.

Even after treatment, about half of the women with BV will get the condition back within six to 12 months. Treating the male partner of an infected woman does not seem to reduce the risk of recurrence, but further research is being done in this area.

During a pelvic exam, your doctor inserts two gloved fingers inside your vagina. While simultaneously pressing down on your abdomen, he or she can evaluate your uterus, ovaries and other pelvic organs. It's generally not necessary to treat an infected woman's male sexual partner, but bacterial vaginosis can spread between female sexual partners. Female partners should seek testing and may need treatment.

It's especially important for pregnant women with symptoms to be treated to help decrease the risk of premature delivery or low birth weight. Take your medicine or use the cream or gel for as long as your doctor prescribes it — even if your symptoms go away.

Stopping treatment early may increase the risk of recurrence. It's common for bacterial vaginosis to recur within three to 12 months, despite treatment.

Researchers are exploring treatments for recurrent bacterial vaginosis. If your symptoms recur soon after treatment, talk with your doctor about treatments. One option may be extended-use metronidazole therapy. A self-help approach is lactobacillus colonization therapy — which attempts to boost the number of good bacteria in your vagina and re-establish a balanced vaginal environment — possibly accomplished by eating certain types of yogurt or other foods containing lactobacilli.

Topic Contents Overview How can you care for yourself at home? When should you call for help? Where can you learn more? Top of the page. Overview Bacterial vaginosis is a type of vaginal infection. How can you care for yourself at home? Take your antibiotics as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics. Do not eat or drink anything that contains alcohol if you are taking metronidazole.

Keep using your medicine if you start your period. Use pads instead of tampons while using a vaginal cream or suppository. During coronavirus, call a sexual health clinic if you need help or advice.

Find a sexual health clinic. You'll be asked about your symptoms, and a doctor or nurse may look at your vagina. A cotton bud may be wiped over the discharge inside your vagina to test for BV and other infections. Bacterial vaginosis is usually treated with antibiotic tablets or gels or creams. You'll need to take treatment for longer up to 6 months if you keep getting BV you get it more than twice in 6 months.

A GP or sexual health clinic will recommend how long you need to treat it.