84% of women with BV do not have symptoms.
Whensymptomsare present, the most common is a strong fishy vaginal odor and an increase in vaginal discharge.
Metronidazole(such as the brandFlagyl)is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial vaginosis.
PixelsEffect / Getty Images
PixelsEffect / Getty Images
Metronidazole for Bacterial Vaginosis
Metronidazole is considered the first line oftreatment for BV.
This means its one of the preferredantibioticsused to treat BV.
Metronidazole is the generic version.
It can be given orally (by mouth), vaginally, or intravenously.
Prescriptions to treat BV are typically for oral or vaginal administration.
Is Metronidazole Safe If You’re Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
Both oral and vaginal metronidazole are safe to take while pregnant and breastfeeding.
Stopping antibiotics too early can cause the infection to return and for you to buildresistanceto the antibiotic.
Stomach upset is less common with vaginal metronidazole compared to oral administration.
Your provider may prescribe Diflucan (fluconazole) by mouth orprobioticsto decrease this risk, especially with extended treatment.
Metronidazole vaginal cream can weaken birth control methods such as latex condoms and diaphragms.
Its best to use another form of birth control during treatment and for five days after treatment is complete.
Probiotics can help with a more permanent or long-term solution to balancing thevaginal flora(microorganisms).
If you have a recurring infection, your healthcare provider may increase the dose and time you take antibiotics.
Sometimes, they prescribe a maintenance dose of vaginal cream to help prevent a recurrence.
Its best to avoid sexual contact until treatment has ended and your symptoms have resolved.
However, if your intimate partner is male, research does not indicate that they need treatment.
Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat BV.
It can be given orally (by mouth) or intravaginally (inserted into the vagina).
The most common side effects are stomach upset.
Metronidazole is highly effective, but the chances of the infection recurring are high.
A Word From Verywell
Having bacterial vaginosis can be inconvenient, frustrating, and embarrassing.
It can occur and reoccur even when you have been trying your best to prevent it.
Finish the entire metronidazole prescription for BV.
Not taking all of it can increase your chance of recurrence or resistance to the antibiotic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms usually start to resolve after taking metronidazole for a few days.
For some, it can take a couple of weeks.
Its important to take all antibiotics even if the symptoms are gone.
The intravaginal dose is typically 0.75% gel, with one applicator for five nights.
This is especially true if the infection returns after initial treatment.
Yes, sometimes BV resolves on its own.Some women dont realize they have BV because they never have symptoms.
For others, symptoms may come and go.
Its best to seek treatment any time you have symptoms.
This helps decrease your risk of getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other complications of BV.
Planned Parenthood.What is bacterial vaginosis?
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Flagyl (metronidazole).
2021;20. doi: 10.1016/j.humic.2021.100081
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About bacterial vaginosis (BV).
