What can I buy over-the-counter to treat BV?

The best treatments for bacterial vaginosis include metronidazole vaginal gel, metronidazole pills, and clindamycin vaginal cream. Since around 70% of BV cases return within a year of initial treatment, further treatment may be required. If you have symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, talk to a healthcare provider.
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What can I take for BV over-the-counter?

There are no over-the-counter products to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV). Avoid using douches or products meant for yeast infections, which could make BV worse. See your healthcare provider for treatment.
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Can you buy BV over-the-counter?

A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat BV. If antibiotics are not effective, a doctor may recommend another treatment plan. Those with BV cannot purchase medication without a prescription. However, a person can consider using home remedies to treat BV and potentially reduce the chances of BV developing.
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Can I treat myself for BV?

The primary treatment course for BV is antibiotics. However, some people may wish to treat the condition at home. Options for home treatments include practicing safe hygiene, using barrier protection during intercourse, and taking probiotic supplements. BV is a common condition and typically is not cause for concern.
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Can Monistat treat BV?

Unfortunately, there are no over-the-counter products like Monistat that will do the trick. (Monistat is a treatment for yeast infections—it won't do anything to stop the itching and clear up your condition if what you really have is BV.)
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How Do I Get Rid of Bacterial Vaginosis? | This Morning



Can I get metronidazole over-the-counter?

Metronidazole is a prescription-only medication, and a doctor needs to check if you need to take it before they prescribe it for you. Drug Metronidazole is an antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial vaginosis, but it can also treat other types of infections such as trichomoniasis.
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Is vagisil good for BV?

Vagisil can worsen your condition

If you're already experiencing redness, irritation, itching, or any other symptoms associated with yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis, using Vagisil will only worsen or aggravate your condition.
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How can you get rid of a bacterial infection without antibiotics?

Seven best natural antibiotics
  1. Garlic. Cultures across the world have long recognized garlic for its preventive and curative powers. ...
  2. Honey. Since the time of Aristotle, honey has been used as an ointment that helps wounds to heal and prevents or draws out infection. ...
  3. Ginger. ...
  4. Echinacea. ...
  5. Goldenseal. ...
  6. Clove. ...
  7. Oregano.
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What cream can I use for BV?

Clindamycin, a cream you use in your vagina. It sells under the brand names Cleocin and Clindesse. Metronidazole, available as a pill you swallow or a gel you insert in your vagina. This medication sells under the brand names Flagyl and Metrogel-Vaginal.
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Can BV go away on its own without antibiotics?

Yes, BV can go away without antibiotics as the normal lactobacilli re-establish themselves. If this happens, there is often no need for treatment.
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How long BV last without treatment?

Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina that may cause a fishy-smelling discharge. It's usually a mild problem that may go away on its own in a few days. But it can lead to more serious problems. So it's a good idea to see your doctor and get treatment.
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Can sperm cause BV?

The interaction between semen and vaginal discharge can increase your risk of getting BV. Keep it natural. Avoid douching or using scented products on your vulva or in your vagina. These can throw off your vaginal pH, making you more vulnerable to BV.
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Is there a home test for BV?

A person can test for BV using a home testing kit, which they can often purchase online or at a local pharmacy. Individuals should speak with their doctor if they receive a positive result from any at-home test.
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How do I get rid of the odor down there?

6 ways to get rid of vaginal odor
  1. Types of vaginal odor.
  2. Adopt good hygiene measures.
  3. Use internal menstruation products.
  4. Care for the vagina after sex.
  5. Consume probiotics.
  6. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing.
  7. Cut sugar and boost hydration.
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What home remedy kills bacterial infection?

To use honey as an antibiotic, apply it directly to the wound or infected area. The honey can help kill off the bacteria and aid in the healing process. If possible, opt for raw Manuka honey. This form of honey offers the most health benefits.
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What can I use instead of metronidazole?

For the treatment of trichomoniasis, alternatives include fura- zolidone, clotrimazole, nonoxynol-9 or paromomycin. Alternatives for bacterial vaginosis include clindamycin topically or systemically. For giardiasis, alternative options include paromomycin, nitazoxanide or the antihelminthic benzimidazoles.
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How do you know if I have a bacterial infection in your vag?

Thin, gray, white or green vaginal discharge. Foul-smelling "fishy" vaginal odor. Vaginal itching. Burning during urination.
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How do I fix my pH balance overnight?

How to restore your vaginal pH naturally
  1. Consider using boric acid suppositories. ...
  2. Incorporate more probiotics into your diet. ...
  3. Consider taking garlic tablets. ...
  4. Find ways to destress. ...
  5. Cut back or quit smoking. ...
  6. Be mindful of how you clean your vulva and vagina. ...
  7. Pay attention to your underwear. ...
  8. Use barrier methods during sex.
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Why do I keep getting bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a change in the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina. What causes this to happen is not fully known, but you're more likely to get it if: you're sexually active (but women who have not had sex can also get BV) you have had a change of partner.
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Is Summer's Eve good for BV?

WHAT ARE RISK FACTORS FOR BV? on our clinical experience, we also discourage the use of scented vaginal products, Vagisil, and Summer's Eve for the same reasons. Studies show that cigarette smoking is another risk factor for BV.
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Can amoxicillin treat BV?

Official Answer. Amoxicillin may help to a certain extent, but is not totally useful for treatment of bacterial vaginitis which occurs due to an increase in the number of several types of anaerobic bacteria that are normally present in the vagina.
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Can boric acid cure BV?

The cure rates with boric acid ranged from 40 to 100 percent. This review, however, did not specifically focus on the bacteria that causes BV. While these results are encouraging, more studies need to be done to confirm that boric acid is, in fact, an effective add-on treatment for BV.
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How do you get prescribed metronidazole?

Adults—500 or 750 milligrams (mg) 3 times a day for 5 to 10 days. Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 35 to 50 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, divided into 3 doses, for 10 days.
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What should I do if I think I have BV?

If you think you have BV:
  1. See a doctor or nurse. ...
  2. Take all of your medicine. ...
  3. Tell your sex partner(s) if she is female so she can be treated.
  4. Avoid sexual contact until you finish your treatment.
  5. See your doctor or nurse again if you have symptoms that don't go away within a few days after finishing the antibiotic.
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What happens if BV goes untreated?

Most often, BV does not cause other health problems. However, if left untreated, BV may increase your risk for: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. Pelvic inflammatory disease where BV bacteria infect the uterus or fallopian tubes.
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