Treatment for Chronic Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a fairly common problem that affects women of all ages. If you have experienced it once, you're likely to develop it again in the future. This condition is caused by a change in the acidic environment of the vagina. When the pH level of your vagina becomes less acidic than it should be, you can develop an overgrowth of bad bacteria. Douching, using scented soaps and bubble baths can cause this condition, though sometimes it can happen without any prompting. Luckily, there are numerous treatment options for chronic bacterial vaginosis, one of which is certain to work for you.

Clears Up On Its Own

• In some cases, no treatment is even necessary for bacterial vaginosis, as it can clear up on its own. However, the condition can still be present, just not showing any symptoms. That's why it is important to have a test from your gynecologist completed anyway to ensure you no longer have bacteria present in your vagina. But if it turns out negative, you won't even require a course of antibiotics.

Oral Antibiotics

• One of the treatments for chronic bacterial vaginosis is a round of oral antibiotics. The most common drugs used in this regard are metronidazole, known by the brand name of Flagyl as well as Tinidazole. You should notice your symptoms clearing up after a few days, however, you should finish your course of treatment, as all the bacteria may not be gone, making a recurrence more likely.

Vaginal Antibiotics

• Another way to treat bacterial vaginosis is by applying antibiotics directly to the vagina. A vaginal cream version of metronidazole is used most often, as is vaginal clindamycin cream or Cleocin. In some cases, these treatments are applied by means of a vaginal suppository.

Lactobacillus Bacteria

• While some women have taken to using lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacteria found in yogurt, it has been proven this bacteria is not normally present in the vagina, making this an ineffective treatment. However, other types of lactobacillus, including lactobacillus-L. crispatus and L. jensenii are looking promising as potential treatment options.

Avoid Sexual Intercourse

• For some women, engaging in sexual intercourse can worsen bacterial vaginosis or spur on a case of it. When undergoing treatment, make sure you avoid sexual intercourse. If you do decide to participate in this activity, don't rely on barrier methods for contraception, as vaginal antibiotic creams can render condoms ineffective.