Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when the balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. Normally, “good” bacteria called lactobacilli help keep the vaginal environment healthy by producing acid. When these protective bacteria are reduced, anaerobic bacteria can overgrow and cause infection.

Women in their reproductive years are more likely to get bacterial vaginosis. With fast access to an online doctor, women can get personalized treatment for BV symptoms quickly and avoid complications.

Bacterial vaginosis is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but sexual activity can influence its development, especially with new or multiple partners.

Other risk factors that may trigger BV include:

• Using sex toys without proper cleaning, which can introduce or spread bacteria
• Douching, which disrupts healthy bacteria and increases risk of vaginal bacterial infection
• Hormonal changes related to birth control, pregnancy, or menopause
• Antibiotic useb which can disrupt the natural vaginal flora
• Menstrual cycles, as changes in pH during a period may increase BV risk

Because BV is a vaginal infection rather than an STI, partner treatment isn’t usually necessary. Still, working with an online doctor helps identify triggers and create a personalized treatment plan to reduce recurrence.

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent BV, healthy daily habits can lower your risk of developing this common vaginal bacterial infection. Practical steps include:

• Avoid douching and scented feminine hygiene products—these disrupt the natural balance of “good” bacteria in the vagina.
• Use mild, pH-balanced soaps if cleansing is needed, and wash only the outside of the vaginal area (the vagina cleans itself naturally).
• Practice safer sex by using latex condoms, which may reduce the risk of vaginal infections triggered by new bacteria.
• Clean sex toys thoroughly between uses and avoid sharing them, since bacteria can linger on surfaces.
• Limit the number of sexual partners, as new bacterial exposures can increase the chance of imbalance.
• Support overall vaginal health by maintaining a healthy lifestyle—staying hydrated, managing stress, and avoiding smoking may all help reduce BV recurrence.

These preventive steps are especially useful for women who experience recurring BV symptoms. 

Bacterial vaginosis doesn’t always cause noticeable problems, but many women experience uncomfortable symptoms that make it hard to ignore. The most common BV symptoms include:

• Thin gray, white, or green vaginal discharge, usually more watery than with a yeast infection
• Strong “fishy” vaginal odor, often most noticeable after vaginal sex
• Vaginal itching or irritation, though not always present
• Burning sensation during urination due to changes in vaginal pH

Other possible signs include mild discomfort during sex, increased vaginal discharge, or a feeling that something just isn’t right. 

When to seek urgent care: If you develop fever, pelvic or abdominal pain, or blood in your discharge, these could indicate a more serious infection such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). In these cases, you should seek in-person medical care immediately rather than relying on virtual treatment alone.

Because many vaginal infections cause overlapping symptoms, it can be confusing to know what’s really happening. Here’s how to tell the difference between common causes:

• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Usually causes thin, grayish vaginal discharge with a strong, fishy odor. BV symptoms often include mild irritation, but significant itchiness is less common.
• Yeast Infection: Caused by fungal overgrowth. Symptoms include thick, white, cottage cheese—like vaginal discharge with intense itching, burning, and irritation—but usually no strong odor.
• STIs (such as Trichomoniasis): Often produce frothy, green or yellow discharge with a noticeable odor, and may be accompanied by pain, burning, or discomfort during urination or sex.

If you’re unsure whether you have a vaginal yeast infection, BV, or a sexually transmitted infection, a 24hrdoc licensed clinician can review your health history and make an accurate diagnosis.

Prompt bacterial vaginosis treatment is important. Left untreated, BV can lead to complications such as:

• Increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can affect fertility
• Higher chance of contracting STIs like HIV, chlamydia, or gonorrhea
• In pregnancy, greater risk of premature labor and low birth weight
• Recurrent BV episodes if the infection isn’t fully treated with antibiotics

Getting treatment for BV online means you don’t have to wait for a doctor’s appointment. With 24hrdoc’s affordable telehealth solution, you can get relief from uncomfortable symptoms before they become more serious.

The good news is that BV can be effectively treated with antibiotics:

• Metronidazole (oral tablets or vaginal gel) – The most common antibiotic medication for BV.
• Clindamycin (oral or vaginal cream) – An alternative option if needed.
• Tinidazole (oral) – Sometimes used for recurrent or hard-to-treat cases.

Treatment usually lasts 5–7 days, and most women find relief quickly. If prescribed metronidazole, avoid alcohol during therapy to reduce side effects. For recurrent BV, your online doctor may recommend longer therapy to prevent future infections.

Our online providers can send prescriptions to your pharmacy within 45 minutes—so you get fast relief at affordable prices without the hassle of an in-person doctor’s appointment.