Which Medications are Used for Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an imbalance of the bacteria found naturally occurring in the vagin. Women who have multiple sex partners or unprotected sex are more at risk for developing this condition, as are women who douche or have an IUD. There is a risk of severe complications for affected women, especially during pregnancy, and medical treatment is necessary to treat the condition and avoid complications.
Other People Are Reading
-
Medications
-
The medications used in the treatment of bacterial are the antibiotics metronidazole and clindamycin. These drugs are used to return proper balance of "good" and "bad" bacteria in the vagina. It is important to complete a course antibacterial medication prescribed for bacterial vaginosis, as symptoms can improve before the infection has completely cleared up.
Side Effects
-
According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the side effects of metronidazole include digestive problems; dry mouth or metallic taste in the mouth; dark urine and numbness in the extremities. A physician should be contacted if a rash, itching, congestion, fever or pain in the joints occur while taking metronidazole.
The side effects of clindamycin include nausea and vomiting; pain in the joints and pain during swallowing; heartburn; patches of whiteness in the mouth; vaginal discharge and vaginal irritation. Women taking clindamycin should contact a doctor if any of the following symptoms occur: blisters, rash or hives; trouble swallowing or breathing; yellow color of the eyes or skin; and a decrease in urination. Clindamycin can also cause a potentially fatal inflammation of the large intestine.
-
Complications
-
Untreated BV can lead pelvic inflammatory disease, especially after surgery, and can cause premature birth and low birth weight if the sufferer is pregnant. Women who have BV are also at increased risk for contracting other STDs and transmitting them to their sex partners.
Recurrence
-
Women may experience a recurrence of BV even if it is treated. It is also possible to transmit BV to female sex partners, so both partners of a same-sex relationship may need to be treated.
Prevention
-
There are several steps women can take to avoid developing BV. These include keeping the anus and vagina clean, avoiding douching, using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners.
-
