Bacterial Vaginosis: Signs, Treatment, and Practical Tips
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in people with vaginas. It happens when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina shifts and harmful bacteria grow too much. BV is not the same as a yeast infection, and treatment is different.
Common signs include thin gray or white discharge, a fishy smell especially after sex, mild itching, and burning when peeing. Some people have no symptoms. If you notice any of these changes, check in with a clinician because self-diagnosis can miss other issues.
Doctors usually diagnose BV with a short exam, a pH test, and looking at a sample under a microscope. Sometimes they send a swab for lab tests. Getting a clear diagnosis matters because antibiotics work well for BV, but wrong treatments won’t help.
The most common treatments are oral metronidazole or a metronidazole gel applied inside the vagina, and clindamycin cream. These antibiotics typically clear symptoms within a few days, though you should finish the full course. If symptoms come back, tell your clinician — BV often recurs and may need a different plan.
If you prefer non-antibiotic support, some people try probiotics containing Lactobacillus. Evidence is mixed but introducing healthy lactobacilli may help prevent recurrence for some. Don’t rely on probiotics alone for an active infection. Avoid douching — it disrupts vaginal balance and raises BV risk.
Simple prevention steps help reduce recurrence. Use condoms with new or casual partners, limit douching and scented products, and avoid unprotected sex with multiple partners. Cotton underwear and avoiding tight synthetic fabrics can keep the area drier and less hospitable to bad bacteria.
When to see care urgently: if you’re pregnant and suspect BV, call your provider. BV in pregnancy is linked to preterm birth in some cases, so clinicians often treat it promptly. Also seek help if you have fever, severe pain, abnormal bleeding, or if symptoms don’t improve after treatment.
Missed or recurrent BV can be frustrating. Ask your clinician about longer antibiotic courses, a different antibiotic, or a maintenance plan if BV returns frequently. Keep a simple symptom diary noting when symptoms appear, sexual activity, and treatments tried — that helps your clinician find patterns.
Over-the-counter tests exist but they vary in accuracy. A clinical exam remains the most reliable approach. If you buy medications online or from overseas pharmacies, use reputable sources and confirm prescriptions when required. Cheap or counterfeit antibiotics can be ineffective or dangerous.
If you have questions about medications, side effects, or buying options in Mexico, our site has guides and price listings to help you compare pharmacies and save safely. Stay informed, finish prescribed treatment, and follow up if symptoms return.
Quick FAQ: Can I have sex during treatment? Using condoms reduces smell and reinfection; better to avoid sex until treatment ends and symptoms clear. How long before symptoms stop? Many people feel better in 48 hours but finish antibiotics. Want a pharmacy tip? Ask if generic metronidazole is available — it’s cheaper and works the same.
