Your doctor might identify bacterial vaginosis treatment.
Inquire about your medical background. Your doctor could inquire about any previous STIs or vaginal infections you may have had.
Examine the pelvis. Your doctor will first check your vagina for indications of infection. The doctor will next feel your pelvic organs after that. Two fingers are inserted into the vagina while the other hand applies pressure on the abdomen, another name for the stomach region.
Get a sample of your uterine discharge. We’ll check this sample for “clue cells.” Vaginal cells coated with bacteria are known as clue cells. These are BV symptoms.
Do a pH vaginal test. Utilizing a pH strip, you can determine how acidic your vagina is. The test strip is inserted into your vagina. Bacterial vaginosis treatment may be identified by a vaginal pH of 4.5 or above.
Treatment
Your doctor may advise one of the following medications to treat bacterial vaginosis:
- Metrogel-Vaginal, Flagyl, and other brands of metronidazole. This medication is available as a tablet or topical gel. The gel portion of the tablet is put into your vagina, but you swallow it. While taking this medication and for a full day following, abstain from alcohol. It may result in nausea or stomach discomfort. Verify the product’s instructions.
- Clindamycin, also known as Cleocin and Clindesse. You apply the cream form of this medication to the vagina. Alternatively, you might use a tablet or suppository. The suppositories and cream may make latex condoms less effective. A minimum of three days after stopping the medication, you should refrain from having any sexual activity. Or try another birth control technique.
- Tindamax (tinidazole). This medication is ingested. It could disturb your stomach. So, abstain from alcohol throughout therapy and at least three days after it ends.
- Solosec (secnidazole). You should take this antibiotic once with meals. You sprinkle it over a soft meal, such as applesauce, pudding, or yogurt, from a packet of granules that it comes in. Within 30 minutes, you consume the concoction. However, be careful not to eat or crush the granules.
Typically, a male sex partner doesn’t need therapy. However, BV may transfer to partners who are feminine in sex. Therefore, testing and treatment may be required if a female companion exhibits symptoms.
Even if your symptoms disappear, continue taking your medication or using the cream or gel for the recommended duration. If you forego therapy too soon, BV can recur. Recurrent bacterial vaginosis treatment is what is causing this.
Recurrence
Even with the proper care, bacterial vaginosis treatment returns within 3 to 12 months. Researchers are investigating options for recurrent BV. Consult with your care provider if your symptoms are shortly after therapy. You may be able to get extended-use metronidazole treatment.
Probiotics could provide some advantages, but additional research is required. In a random experiment, probiotics did not prevent recurrent BV more effectively than a placebo (a therapy that included no medication). Therefore, probiotics are not advised as a therapy for bacterial vaginosis.
Getting ready for the appointment
Attempt to make your appointment on a day when you aren’t due. Your doctor may be unable to correctly detect your vaginal discharge if you are bleeding from your period. Avoid using tampons or vaginal sprays for the 24 hours before your visit, and refrain from douching or having intercourse.
How you can help
Here are some pointers for getting the most out of your provider’s time:
- Describe your symptoms. Add each one of them. Even if you don’t believe there is a connection.
- List all of your prescription and over-the-counter medications. Herbs and vitamins are included in this. Mention how much you take and how frequently you take them.
- Make a note. Bring a tablet or notebook to record vital details throughout your appointment.
- Have inquiries prepared. Rank your questions in order of importance.
Some fundamental inquiries to make about bacterial vaginosis include:
- Is there anything I can do to stop bacterial vaginosis?
- What signs should I watch out for?
- Should I take my medication?
- Should my spouse be examined or given medicine?
- What specific directions are there for using the medication?
- Are there any treatments for my ailment that I can purchase over the counter?
- What can I do if, after therapy, my symptoms return?
If there is anything you need help understanding during your session, feel free to ask questions.
What your doctor could ask you
Be ready to respond to any inquiries from your doctor, such as:
- What signs and symptoms are you noticing?
- How long have your symptoms been present?
- Do you detect a pungent genital odour?
- Have you ever had a vaginal infection treated?
- Have you tried any over-the-counter medications to address your condition?
- Have you taken antibiotics lately for any reason?
- Are you a sexual person?
- Are you expecting?
- Do you use bubble baths or scented soap?
- Do you use feminine hygiene products or the douche?