What is Bacterial Vaginosis and Antibiotics for BV?
Bacterial vaginosis is an infection that affects one in every three women in the United States. The symptoms and their severity vary from person to person.
Some women may not experience any symptoms at all. However, for others, the infection can cause itching and watery discharge with a fishy smell.
The infection is more common in women of childbearing age i.e., the age between fifteen years to forty-four years. Although Bacterial vaginosis is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, the chances of its occurrence are more in the sexually active woman. Also, it can increase your risk of other sexually transmitted infections like HIV.
What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
As the name suggests, bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina caused by bacteria. The vaginal ecosystem consists of a type of bacteria called lactobacillus. These bacteria keep the vagina slightly acidic and prevent the growth of bad bacteria.
Many factors like smoking, douching, or sexual activity disrupt the natural balance of the vagina. As the level of lactobacillus drops, there could be an outgrowth of bad bacteria causing an infection.
Bacterial vaginosis, also called vaginal bacteriosis, does not create other health issues. However, you need to get it treated as soon as possible if you are pregnant or have other health issues. The infection is also associated with conditions like preterm delivery, infection after surgery, or hysterectomy.
Treatment of bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis clears up without any treatment in some cases. However, if you are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms, then you must see a doctor to avoid unnecessary complications.
A doctor may prescribe a dose of antibiotics for the treatment of BV.
However, these medications are not available over-the-counter.
BV antibiotics, both oral and topical, can help in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Some of the BV antibiotics used in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis are as follows:
1. Metronidazole
The most common BV antibiotic is Metronidazole. It is available in tablet as well as gel form. Your doctor can prescribe either an oral Metronidazole pill to be taken once or twice daily for seven days.
The two-time-a-day dose is most effective and helps in avoiding recurrence of the infection. It is also the preferred treatment if the women are breastfeeding or pregnant.
In a single tablet dose, there are chances of getting the infection for the second time.
The oral medication has the potential of causing stomach upset, nausea, and abdominal pain. Hence, the patient should avoid alcohol during the treatment and for another forty-eight-hour after the treatment.
The topical Metronidazole gel is inserted into the vagina and is prescribed for five days.
2. Clindamycin
Clindamycin is an alternative BV antibiotic that is prescribed in cases where Metronidazole does not work. The cream is also helpful for patients with recurring infections.
However, the topical cream can weaken barrier contraception methods such as latex condoms, diaphragms, and caps. The effect can continue for up to three days after the treatment.
3. Tinidazole
Tinidazole is another medicine that can be prescribed if metronidazole is ineffective or the infection reoccurs. The pill is taken orally as a single dose.
However, the BV antibiotic medicine can cause nausea and stomach upset. Hence, it is advisable to avoid alcohol during the treatment and for three days after the treatment.
4. Ternidazole
Another medication that can help in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis is Ternidazole. The single-dose BV antibiotic is available in granular form.
You need to sprinkle and mix the granules with soft food such as pudding or yogurt. Avoid chewing or crunching on the granules, and finish the mixture within half an hour.
These are some of the BV antibiotics that are extremely helpful in treating the infection and combating its symptoms. However, if your symptoms do not go away or return after the treatment, further tests may be required for the treatment.
Untreated bacterial vaginosis can cause serious issues for pregnant women. Hence, they should visit their doctor at the earliest.