Bacterial vaginosis medical therapy

Jump to navigation Jump to search

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Sexually transmitted diseases Main Page

Vaginitis Main Page

Bacterial vaginosis Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Bacterial vaginosis from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Screening

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

Amsel Criteria

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Other Imaging Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Surgery

Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Bacterial vaginosis medical therapy On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Bacterial vaginosis medical therapy

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Bacterial vaginosis medical therapy

CDC on Bacterial vaginosis medical therapy

Bacterial vaginosis medical therapy in the news

Blogs on Bacterial vaginosis medical therapy

Directions to Hospitals Treating Bacterial vaginosis

Risk calculators and risk factors for Bacterial vaginosis medical therapy

Medical Therapy

Pharmacotherapy

Bacterial vaginosis can be treated with antibiotics such as metronidazole and clindamycin. However, there is a high rate of recurrence.

Currently, there are very few over the counter products that address bacterial vaginosis. A vaginal gel product called RepHresh claims to regulate the pH level. Boric acid capsules inserted vaginally is considered a home treatment. Lactobacillus supplements may also be used; Fem-dophilus (Jarrow Formulas) is a lactobacillus product which specifically claims to help maintain healthy vaginal flora.[1]

It should be noted that seeking medical attention is often necessary, because none of the over the counter products can claim to treat an active infection. More importantly, patients often inaccurately diagnose BV as a yeast infection, and delay proper treatment which may lead to complications.

In a randomized controlled trial,[2] researchers found the efficacy of 0.75% metronidazole vaginal gel in treating bacterial vaginosis (cure rate 70.7%) was equivalent to that of standard oral metronidazole treatment (cure rate 71%). Treatment with vaginal metronidazole gel was associated with fewer gastrointestinal complaints.

References

  1. "Specific probiotic strains are effective for genitourinary infections Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients - Find Articles". Retrieved 2007-12-04.
  2. Hanson JM, McGregor JA, Hillier SL; et al. (2000). "Metronidazole for bacterial vaginosis. A comparison of vaginal gel vs. oral therapy". J Reprod Med. 45 (11): 889–96. PMID 11127100.