What to expect from antibiotic treatment for pelvic infection for bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis happens when the usual balance of vaginal bacteria changes. A clinician may prescribe an antibiotic as a tablet, vaginal gel or cream, depending on your symptoms, pregnancy status and medical history. Treatment is different from treatment for thrush, so avoid self-treating based on discharge alone.

A fishy odour or unusual discharge may improve as the bacterial balance settles, but symptoms can return. Antibiotics can sometimes cause nausea, loose stools or a change in taste. Vaginal products may irritate the area or affect latex products, so check the instructions supplied with your medicine.

Take tablets or use vaginal treatment exactly as prescribed, and complete the course unless the prescriber tells you to stop. Do not douche or use perfumed washes, which can further irritate the vagina. Tell the clinician if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to antibiotics or taking other medicines. Ask whether sexual contact should be avoided during treatment and what to do if a dose is missed.

Contact a clinician if symptoms do not improve after treatment, return repeatedly, or are accompanied by pelvic pain, fever, bleeding after sex or pain when passing urine. Seek emergency help for difficulty breathing, facial swelling, fainting or a rapidly spreading rash after an antibiotic.

Ask which form of antibiotic you are receiving, how to use it, whether it interacts with your medicines, and whether a repeat assessment is needed if odour or discharge continues.