Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the medical name given to the all-too-familiar symptoms of itching in the vagina, noticing a white vaginal discharge, and a strong fishy smell in the vagina. To be more accurate, BV is a condition of the vagina that is caused due to an imbalance between the good and the bad bacteria.

Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis

Here is an interesting bit about BV. Most cases of BV go unreported because women adjust to a certain level of everyday vaginal discomfort as normal. With the belief that it is an everyday phenomenon, they avoid seeking medical treatment.

Some of the most common symptoms of BV include:

• A strong “fishy” smell, particularly after sex.

• Burning while urinating.

• A thin white, gray, or green vaginal discharge.

• Pain, itching, or burning in the vagina

• Itching around the outside of the vagina

Treatment

Metronidazole, a vaginal gel/cream also available as a tablet or oral medicine, is the most commonly prescribed antibiotics to treat BV.

The gel comes with a disposable applicator. The filled applicator needs to be gently inserted into your vagina, followed by pushing the plunger for the gel to enter your vagina.

It is important to continue with the application of the metronidazole gel until your prescribed course is completed. Do not stop the application even if you begin to feel better. This step is to prevent the infection from returning and becoming resistant to common antibiotics. One must also avoid consuming alcohol while on the course of metronidazole, as it can make you feel dizzy and sick.

Metronidazole gel is effective against vaginal infection—causing bacteria and parasites, such as Trichomonas vaginalis, amoeba, and Giardia.

Common side effects of metronidazole gel include

• Skin irritation and dryness

• Burning and stinging sensation

• Vaginal itching

• Gastrointestinal cramps or pain

• Nausea

• Bloating

• Dark urine

• Skin rash

Important Information

Never use more than the prescribed dose.

This medicine is prescribed to you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

If you are undergoing an operation or any dental treatment, share the usage of this medicine with the professional.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines.

If you have any questions regarding the application of the gel, ask your doctor about it. Do not go on applying in an incorrect way.

Strictly keep it out of reach and sight from children.

Other treatments

While BV usually requires prescription medication for complete treatment; however, you can combine other home remedies along with antibiotics like metronidazole gel for quicker relief.

• You can opt for probiotics that will help regain the lost balance of microscopic flora in your vagina.

• Taking boric acid suppositories is a great preventive measure. Boric acid suppositories maintain your natural vaginal pH balanced, thereby prohibiting bad infection-causing bacteria from multiplying, improving your vaginal health, and keeping you protected.

• Pure cranberry juice, which is bitter, is also useful in preventing and treating BV. The red berry contains a tannin that may prevent the growth of infection-causing bacteria

Lastly, BV is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD). As mentioned earlier, it is a bacterial infection, and it does not seem to be directly related to sex. That being said one cannot rule out the possibility of sexual intercourse and oral sex increases your chances of getting BV. Semen and saliva can influence the balance of the natural bacterial flora in your vagina. Another important point worth noting is that, while BV is not an STD, having BV can increase your chances of contracting an actual STD. This only reiterates the need to treat your BV with proven medication, such as the metronidazole gel, to ensure that the infection goes away completely.