vaginosis treatment

Vaginosis is also known as bacterial vaginosis (BV). It is the most common vaginal issue for women ages 15 to 44.¹

This vaginal infection is caused by a change to the bacteria in the vagina. It can lead to discharge, itching and pain. If not properly treated, it may also lead to more serious health issues.¹

Getting examined by a provider is important so that your inflammation can be properly treated. Then they can also rule out other issues such as yeast infections or a sexually transmitted disease (STD). You should also see a provider if you have recurring symptoms.

For your convenience, we accept most major insurance. To verify that your insurance is in-network, visit the Plan Your Visit page. We also offer a discount to those patients who choose to pay in full for their visit at the time of service. Self-pay services are $199.

What Are the Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis?

Sometimes, there are no symptoms. However, you may experience:²

• Burning sensation during urinating
• Gray or white fishy-smelling vaginal discharge
• Itching
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling

Foul-smelling discharge is the most common symptom. This odor may increase after unprotected sex if semen and discharge mix.

Have questions about other reasons why your body smells? This blog will help you get the answers.

How is Vaginosis Diagnosed?

Your provider will start with a physical examination. They may take a vaginal fluid sample. This measures the balance between “good” and “harmful” bacteria inside your vagina.³

You may also be asked to take a vaginal pH test. When the natural acidity of your vagina is too high or low, it can open your body to infection.⁴ They may also give you a whiff test. Your provider will place a sample of your vaginal discharge on a slide along with a 10 percent potassium hydroxide solution. If you have this vaginal infection, there will be an obvious fishy odor.⁵

Treatments for Vaginosis

Sometimes, bacterial vaginosis may clear up without treatment. Other cases may require pill or gel antibiotics. If you are given a prescription, take the full course that is recommended by your provider. If you still have symptoms three days after you finish taking them, contact your provider.²

You can also eat probiotic-containing foods. You can also add a probiotic supplement to your vitamins. Discuss this with your provider before changing your diet.²

What Are the Different Types of Vaginosis?

There are three main forms of this vaginal irritation:

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): This is the most common form.

Aerobic Vaginitis (AV): This type is brought on by hormonal changes, such as menopause. It can also be caused by immune system deficiencies.⁶

Desquamative Inflammatory Vaginitis (DIV): This occurs when there is too much Lactobacilli bacteria in the vagina.⁷

What Causes Vaginosis?

The vagina has a natural balance of bacteria. When “harmful” bacteria overpower the “good” bacteria that usually regulate them, a vaginal infection occurs.²

It only affects women, but you are at higher risk if:¹

• Become pregnant
• Have a diet low in probiotics
• Have a weakened immune system
• Have an intrauterine device (IUD)
• Have multiple sex partners
• Have unprotected sex
• Use douches or other vaginal washes
• Use tampons
• You are African American
• You are on antibiotics
• You are sexually active
• You are a smoker 

You can’t get a vaginal flora imbalance from:¹

• Bedding
• Public showers
• Swimming pools
• Toilet seats 

How to Prevent Vaginosis

To prevent getting vaginal dysbiosis, minimize irritation to your vulva. You should also protect your vagina’s natural bacteria levels.¹

These tips may help:¹

• Add probiotics to your diet or take a probiotic supplement
• Avoid douching
• Avoid extended time in hot tubs or baths
• Avoid using scented soaps or fragrances
• Change tampons and pads regularly when menstruating
• Limit the number of sex partners that you have
• Immediately change out of wet clothes or bathing suits
• Use latex condoms (unless you are allergic) and dental dams every time you have sex
• When using the bathroom, wipe from front to back

How to Manage the Symptoms of Vaginosis

While you should see a provider for your care, you can follow some of these therapies at home:^8,9

• Wear breathable, loose-fitting and moisture-wicking cotton underwear
• Practicing healthy vaginal hygiene
• Make sure that you are properly hydrated
• Use over-the-counter medications as needed for pain and itch relief
• Cool compresses to areas burning or itching
• Take a sitz bath in lukewarm water

The Importance of Treating Vaginosis

Beyond healing your symptoms, treatment may prevent the following:⁹

Increased risk of sexually transmitted infection (STI): If left untreated, a vaginal flora imbalance may increase your risk for:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Herpes simplex virus type 2
• HIV
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Increased risk of HIV transmission: If you have HIV and vaginosis, you have six times more shedding than someone without vaginal irritation. Shedding is the measure of how much virus is present in body secretions. It puts any sexual partner at higher risk, even if you’re taking prep medication.

Pregnancy complications: If you are pregnant, a vaginal infection puts you at risk for:

• Early or preterm labor
• Giving birth to an infant with low birth weight
• Miscarriage
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Placenta and amniotic fluid infection
• Postpartum endometritis

MedExpress is here to help you deal with all of your women’s health concerns. Our care team offers convenient and confidential care that will get you back to feeling better fast. Schedule a visit online or walk in any time from 8 to 8, seven days a week.

References:

1 CDC. Bacterial Vaginosis Fact Sheet. Last updated June 1, 2017. Accessed June 17, 2024.

2 Healthline. Bacterial Vaginosis Is Extremely Common — Here’s What You Need to Know. Last updated July 18, 2019. Accessed June 17, 2024.

3 CDC. Bacterial Vaginosis. Last updated July 22, 2021. Accessed June 17, 2024.

4 Healthline. Everything You Need to Know About Your Vaginal pH Balance. Last updated August 10, 2023. Accessed June 17, 2024.

5 Medscape. Vaginitis Workup. Last updated March 25, 2024. Accessed June 17, 2024.

6 National Library of Medicine / National Center for Biotechnology Information. Aerobic vaginosis: No longer a stranger. Last updated May 11, 2017. Accessed June 17, 2024.

7 Healthline. What Is Cytolytic Vaginosis? Last updated December 16, 2022. Accessed June 17, 2024.

8 Healthline. Bacterial Vaginosis vs. Yeast Infection: Which Is It? Last updated March 25, 2019. Accessed June 17, 2024.

9 Healthline. Bacterial Vaginosis: What to Know and How to Treat BV in 2024. Last updated March 27, 2024. Accessed June 17, 2024.