Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition affecting many women that causes symptoms like more vaginal discharge and a fishy smelling odour. Treatment for bacterial vaginosis works to kill the bacteria causing these symptoms treating the condition.

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Important: If your preferred treatment is not right for you, your doctor may suggest an alternative or give you further advice about your options.

Bacterial vaginosis treatments available

Metronidazole
Zidoval
Dalacin cream

Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment

: The medical treatment for bacterial vaginosis is a course of antibiotics (either metronidazole or clindamycin) which kill the bacteria that are causing the symptoms. There are tablets that need to be taken by mouth, or a cream or gel that you insert into your vagina using an applicator.
The treatment is 90% effective in stopping the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis but does not stop it from coming back. If you keep getting bacterial vaginosis your doctor can prescribe you a longer treatment or a different medication.
Symptoms usually start to clear up within 2 to 3 days of taking the medication. It is important to finish the course as prescribed to make sure the infection is completely cleared up.
If you forget to take your dose as instructed, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. If this is the case, just wait to take your next dose as normal. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
: No, you need a prescription to get treatment for bacterial vaginosis. This means you cannot get it over the counter.
On the NHS you need to see your doctor or attend a sexual health clinic to get a prescription.
However, you can use our service to buy it online. Our discreet service means a doctor can review your symptoms and prescribe you treatment, which can then be delivered to your door or collected from your local Asda pharmacy.
: It is unusual to get side effects when taking treatment for bacterial vaginosis, but as with all medicine side effects are possible. These vary from person to person and in how serious they are.
The most common side effects are:
feeling or being sick or having diarrhoea
a furry tongue or metallic taste in your mouth
If you get these side effects keep taking the medicine but talk to your doctor or a GP if they bother you or do not go away. You can message our doctors through your patient account at any point.
Serious side effects are very rare and affect less than 1 in 1,000 people.
Call a doctor straight away if:
your skin or whites of your eyes turn yellow
you get unexpected infections, mouth ulcers, bruising, bleeding gums, or extreme tiredness
you get bad stomach pains which may reach through to your back
you have double or blurred vision
you have a high temperature and stiff neck
feel confused or are having hallucinations
cannot cope with bright light or are having difficulty speaking
The patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine has more information on side effects. Reporting them can help other people in the future.
: You should not take metronidazole and clindamycin to treat bacterial vaginosis if you are allergic to metronidazole, clindamycin, or any of the ingredients contained in the medicine.
Tell your doctor if you are:
pregnant or breastfeeding
have liver problems or are having dialysis
unable to stop drinking while taking the medication
think you may have vaginal thrush
taking any other medication (including herbal remedies) especially those to treat epilepsy, cancer, mental illness, alcoholism, and high blood pressure
You should not drink alcohol while taking metronidazole, or for 2 days after finishing the course. This is because alcohol can cause unpleasant side effects like being sick, a pounding heart, and a headache.
: Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a change in the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina. It is not known what causes this change to happen.
You are more likely to get bacterial vaginosis if:
you are sexually active
you have changed your sexual partner
you have an IUD (coil)
you use perfumed products in or around your vagina
you are taking antibiotics
you are having hormonal changes (such as menopause)
your family has Afro-Caribbean origins
you smoke
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis
The most common symptom of bacterial vaginosis is your vaginal discharge becoming greyish-white or watery, often with a fishy smell. Symptoms can be similar to vaginal thrush or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Your doctor will help you make sure it is bacterial vaginosis before prescribing you a treatment.
Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition and is not dangerous although it can lead to complications in pregnancy. 50% of women have it without noticing any symptoms and, in many cases, bacterial vaginosis heals itself as the natural balance in your vagina is restored.
You only need to get treated if you have symptoms.
If you are pregnant and have symptoms of bacterial vaginosis it is important to get medical advice right away. Please note that we do not offer treatment for pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis symptoms.
Is bacterial vaginosis an STI?
Bacterial vaginosis can be triggered by sex but it is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). But, you are more likely to get an STI if you have bacterial vaginosis because it makes your vagina less acidic and reduces your natural defences against infection.