Metronidazole is available as an oral tablet or medicated cream that is applied to the vagina. Metronidazole may cause nausea or an upset stomach. Because of this, avoid alcohol use while taking this medication.
Best doctors and providers for online BV treatment
Sort by
About Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis - often referred to as BV - is a change in the bacteria within the vagina. The vagina contains naturally occurring bacteria and fungus that help protect the area and keep it clean. When this balance is thrown off, due to overgrowth and/or change in the species of bacteria growing within it, it can result in bothersome symptoms.
BV is most common in women between the ages of 15 and 50, or women in their “reproductive years”. Nearly 1 in 3 women will experience bacterial vaginosis at some point in their lives.
Bacterial vaginosis is generally very treatable and rarely causes complications. If left untreated, however, it can increase your risk of contracting an STI or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) - an infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes. In pregnant women, bacterial vaginosis has been linked to premature deliveries and babies with dangerously low birth weight.
Symptoms of BV
Over 80% of people who experience bacteria vaginosis do not experience symptoms. However, some common signs and symptoms of BV include:
- Off-white, grey, or greenish vaginal discharge
- A foul-smelling, “fishy” odor
- Itching
- Soreness or pain
BV is most common in women between the ages of 15 and 50, or women in their “reproductive years”. Nearly 1 in 3 women will experience bacterial vaginosis at some point in their lives.
Common Causes of BV
Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a change in bacterial composition in the vagina. The vagina contains naturally occurring bacteria that help protect the area and keep it healthy. These organisms are known as “good bacteria” or “vaginal flora”. BV occurs when harmful vaginal bacteria start to overtake the “good bacteria” and the pH – or acid/base balance – changes. When this vaginal balance is thrown off, due to an overgrowth and/or change in the species of bacteria growing within it, it can result in bothersome symptoms.
Common causes of BV include:
- Sex: It is rare for women to develop bacterial vaginosis if they are not sexually active. Women with multiple sexual partners, women who have unprotected sex, and women who have sex with women are at greater risk of getting BV.
- Douching: Douching kills off healthy bacteria (lactobacilli) in the vagina, increasing the risk of BV-causing bacteria (anaerobes) overgrowing and causing an infection.
Doctors still do not fully understand the link between sexual activity and the increased risk for BV. However, BV does appear to occur more often in women with multiple sexual partners than in those who do not have regular sex or only have one sex partner.
You cannot get bacterial vaginosis from swimming pools, toilet seats or bedding.
BV Risk Factors
Some factors may increase the risk of contracting a bacterial infection of the vagina. These risk factors include:
- Pregnancy
- Sexual activity with multiple partners
- Sex with a female partner
- Frequent douching (douching throws off vaginal PH balances, causing an overgrowth of bad bacteria)
- Use of vaginal deodorants
- Use of intravaginal contraceptive devices (like an IUD)
Treatment Options
Bacterial vaginosis requires a course of antibiotics to fully treat the infection. If you are experiencing symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, talk to a health care provider. Most cases of BV are effectively treated with antibiotics. During your appointment, talk to your provider about the treatment that is best for you.
Sesame FAQs
Frequently asked questions about BV treatment on Sesame
Medically reviewed by:Dr. Allison Edwards, MD
- Home
- Bacterial vaginosis
© 2025 Sesame, Inc. All rights reserved.