What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is a condition in which there is excess growth of certain bacteria that are normally found in the vagina. Symptoms often include abnormal gray or yellow discharge with a "fishy" odor. It is not considered an infection that is spread through sexual contact.

Symptoms can be annoying and uncomfortable. But bacterial vaginosis does not usually cause other health problems. However, in some cases it can lead to more serious issues.

While bacterial vaginosis may go away on its own, most doctors use antibiotics to treat it. You may have been prescribed pills or vaginal cream. With treatment, bacterial vaginosis usually clears up in 5 to 7 days.

Bacterial vaginosis often clears up on its own. But in some cases it doesn't go away on its own. If your symptoms don't go away, treatment usually helps. But sometimes bacterial vaginosis comes back after it has cleared up.

In many cases, bacterial vaginosis doesn't cause any symptoms. And it doesn't typically cause itching. But it may cause:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge. It may look grayish white or yellow. This is the most common symptom.
• A "fishy" odor. It may be worse after vaginal intercourse and during your period.

Treatment for bacterial vaginosis includes antibiotic medicine. Depending on the medicine prescribed, these may be taken either by mouth or in the vagina. Antibiotics kill the bacteria that cause symptoms. But symptoms often come back after antibiotic treatment.

Doctors diagnose bacterial vaginosis by asking about the symptoms, doing a pelvic exam, and taking a sample of the vaginal discharge. The sample can be tested to find out if you have bacterial vaginosis.

The antibiotics metronidazole (such as Flagyl and MetroGel), clindamycin (such as Cleocin and Clindesse), and tinidazole (such as Tindamax) are used to treat bacterial vaginosis. The medicine may be pills you swallow. Or it might be a cream or capsules that you put in your vagina.

You may be told by your doctor to avoid alcohol during treatment with metronidazole or tinidazole. These medicines can cause nausea and vomiting if you drink alcohol. And if you are being treated with Clindamycin cream or capsules, avoid using latex condoms during your treatment. The medicine may weaken latex. This means condoms and diaphragms may break and not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy.

Take your antibiotics as directed. Use pads instead of tampons while using a vaginal cream or suppository. Wear loose cotton clothing to help the area stay cool and dry. You can relieve itching with a cold pack or cool bath. But don't wash your vulva more than once a day, and don't douche.

Bacterial vaginosis is a condition in which there is an overgrowth of certain bacteria that normally live in the vagina. It's usually a mild problem that may go away on its own. But it can lead to more serious problems. So it's a good idea to see your doctor and get treatment.

Bacterial vaginosis can increase the risk of getting a pelvic infection. It can also raise the risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection in those who are exposed to one. During pregnancy, bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and uterine infection.

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that are normally in the vagina. No one knows exactly what causes the bacteria to overgrow. But certain things make it more likely to happen, such as douching or having a new sex partner.

Some people have tried treating bacterial vaginosis with the probiotic Lactobacillus. This is found in foods like yogurt and in dietary supplements. But more research is needed to find out if it works to treat or prevent bacterial vaginosis. It's also not clear which type of Lactobacillus would work best.