What should you know about medicine for bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the usual balance of vaginal bacteria changes. It may cause a thin discharge or a noticeable odour, while some people have few symptoms. A clinician may examine you or test a sample because discharge and irritation can also come from thrush, an STI, or another condition. Treatment aims to restore balance and relieve symptoms; it is not the same as treating every vaginal infection.

Prescribed treatment may be a tablet or a vaginal preparation. Nausea, stomach upset, or local irritation can occur with some medicines. Avoid douching and fragranced products, which can aggravate symptoms.

Use the medicine for the duration and by the route prescribed. Do not use a leftover treatment or someone else's medicine, and check before drinking alcohol because advice varies by medicine. Tell the clinician if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to antimicrobials, or taking other medicines. If symptoms return after treatment, arrange a review instead of automatically repeating it. Condoms or avoiding sex during treatment may be advised depending on your situation.

Arrange prompt medical review for pelvic pain, fever, pain during sex, bleeding outside your period, or feeling unwell, because these symptoms may need assessment for an infection higher in the reproductive tract. Seek urgent help for severe pain, fainting, confusion, or heavy bleeding. Contact the prescriber for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or a widespread rash after medicine.

Ask how the diagnosis was confirmed, which treatment route is suitable, when symptoms should improve, and what to do if odour or discharge persists. Ask whether a partner needs assessment and which symptoms should prompt an urgent call.