What You Need To Know About Bacterial Vaginosis Medications?
Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition found in women. It is a type of inflammation caused by bacterial growth. Bacteria are naturally found in the vaginal area. When the natural balance gets disturbed by the overgrowth of bacteria, it leads to bacterial vaginosis.
Women who are in their reproductive years are most likely to get bacterial vaginosis. To understand the condition here are some of the symptoms:
• Frequent Vaginal discharge
• Fishy vaginal odor.
• Itching or irritation.
• Burning sensation while urinating.
Although these are the common signs of bacterial vaginosis, many women can also get no symptoms at all.
When Should One Consult A Doctor?
One must always see a doctor as soon as they start seeing vaginal discharges with odor or discoloration. The doctor will be able to identify the problem and may also recommend primary tests apart from certain medications. If you are planning for medication for BV over the counter solutions should be your first choice. But before you take medicine, you must talk to a doctor to be on the safe side.
Women with a previous history of vaginal infection are likely to get affected by bacterial vaginosis. In such cases, one must not delay consulting a doctor.
If you have multiple sex partners or have changed your partner recently, you are likely to get a sexually transmitted infection. This is why it is necessary to practice safe physical intimacy with proper protection and hygiene.
Best Medication And Treatment For Bacterial Vaginosis
At the early stage of treatments doctors generally recommended antibiotics. In most cases medications for BV, over-the-counter options work well. The antibiotics kill bacterial growth. The prescribed antibiotics can be in pill, cream, or gel form. The common antibiotics used to treat bacterial vaginosis are:
Clindamycin cream.
Metronidazole pill or gel.
Secnidazole pill.
Tinidazole pill.
But no medicines will be suitable for all types of BV conditions. This is why you need to consult a doctor before you take medicine. Always try to avoid self-medication and go for prescribed antibiotics.
The creams and gels are to be used intravaginally for 7 days. On the other hand, the pills should be taken 2 times a day for 7 days or as advised by your doctor.
Treatments Procedure For Bacterial Vaginosis
After the initial evaluation of the condition, the doctor will prescribe over-the-counter medicines or ointments. Antibiotics can effectively treat BV and cure the problem fast. Apart from that, the doctor will also advise the patient to maintain proper vaginal hygiene every day and especially before and after sex.
The condition starts to show improvement within 3 to 4 days of taking antibiotics. But bacterial vaginosis tends to come again. Therefore, one has to complete the entire course of the medication and do exactly what the doctors advise.
In some cases, antibiotics can also cause yeast infections. If such symptoms occur, you need to talk to your doctor immediately.
Best Prevention Method For BV
As they say, prevention is always better than cure, it is important to note that there are certain ways to prevent bacterial vaginosis. These are:
• Always keep the vaginal area clean and dry. Mild and non-fragrant soap is best to use in intimate areas. Also, when using sanitary napkins, always go for unscented ones.
• Do not clean the vaginal area regularly. Normal washing with water is best as it does not disrupt the balance. Too much douching will only increase the risk of BV.
• Avoid doing unsafe sex. Try to maintain hygiene while having sex with your partner.
Bacterial vaginosis is a condition that can be treated and cured if you are particular about hygiene. Moreover, you need to discuss with a professional health advisor before you take any medications.
Self-treatment is not a good thing. And one must not neglect to see a doctor as soon as symptoms start showing.