Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is an infection caused by one of several bacteria. Bacterial vaginal infections may or may not be sexually transmitted.

You must see a doctor to check if you have bacterial vaginosis for sure.

What are the symptoms?

• You may have gray-white discharge from the vagina, sometimes foul-smelling.
• You may have itching, redness, or soreness of the vagina.

How long will it last?

With proper treatment the infection usually clears up in 1 week.

What is the treatment?

1. Medication

   One 500-mg tablet of Flagyl, a prescription medication, taken two times a day for 7 days is usually effective. Instead of the pills you swallow, your doctor may give you a type of medicine that you put into your vagina.

   If there is a possibility that you may be pregnant, do NOT take Flagyl and tell your doctor. Flagyl should not be used during the first 3 months of pregnancy. It should be used during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy only if it is clearly needed.

   Do not drink any alcohol while you are using this medicine and for 2 days after you finish the medication. Drinking alcohol while you are taking Flagyl may cause a severe hangover.

   Flagyl tablets may be taken with food to prevent nausea and vomiting.

   Your treatment is ___________________________________

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2. Contacts

   If you are sexually active, do not have sex until your symptoms are gone and you have finished your treatment. If you are sexually active and your infection comes back, tell your sexual partner about your infection because he should also be treated.

3. Prevention

   Because bacterial vaginosis can be sexually transmitted, there are ways that you can help prevent this infection. Not having sex (abstinence) is the best method of prevention. Use of condoms is the next best method. You are less likely to get an STD if you have just one sexual partner.

When should I call my health care provider?

Call during office hours if:

• Your symptoms get worse or last more than 1 week. Return to your physician's office to determine whether you need additional treatment.
• You have other questions or concerns.