What are the treatments for bacterial vaginosis?

Treating bacterial vaginosis

The recommended treatment for bacterial vaginosis involves prescription antibiotics, metronidazole or clindamycin. These medications can be taken orally or by applying a gel or cream treatment directly inside the vagina. Patients report fewer side effects with intra-vaginal treatments over oral medication.

Treatment options for bacterial vaginosis:

• Oral metronidazole 500mg 2x/day for 7 days
• 0.75% metronidazole gel for 5 days applied inside the vagina
• 2% clindamycin cream for 7 days inside the vagina

Single dose 2g metronidazole is no longer recommended by the CDC to treat bacterial vaginosis. Clindamycin cream can weaken latex condoms.

Treatment for bacterial vaginosis is recommended for all women due to risks of pregnancy complications and pelvic inflammatory disease. There is no benefit to treating male partners.

Reinfection of bacterial vaginosis is common and reoccurs in 30 to 70% of treated women within 3 months. The CDC recommends trying an alternative second treatment method that is different than the first treatment.