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Are there any prescription treatments for bacterial vaginosis (BV)?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection of the vagina. It's caused by an overgrowth of certain bacteria. The vagina normally contains a variety of bacteria, but BV occurs when the balance is upset. Symptoms of BV include vaginal burning, discharge, and a "fishy" odor.

Doctors treat bacterial vaginosis with prescription antibiotics. Metronidazole (brand name Flagyl or >Metrogel) and clindamycin (>Cleocin) are the most effective treatments. They're both available as pills, vaginal creams, or gels. Therapy lasts from one to seven days, depending on which medicine you're using, and studies show that these treatments cure the infection 90 percent or more of the time. It generally isn't necessary to treat sexual partners of infected women.

Sources:
CDC Guidelines for treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, 1998.
Sobel, J.D. "Vaginitis," New England Journal of Medicine 337 (1997).
Majeroni, B.A. "Bacterial Vaginosis: An Update," American Family Physician 57 (1998).

This answer prepared 10/26/00.

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