About this topic
Bacterial vaginosis is also called BV. The vagina normally has bacteria or germs. Some germs are good and others are bad. With BV, there are more bad germs than good ones. Too many bad germs cause problems like bad odor, pain, itchiness, or fluid from the vagina. BV is the most common vaginal disease in women, but is not a sexually transmitted disease or STD. You are more likely to get BV if you are sexually active and pregnant. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says you need to do.
- Use good body cleaning habits. Do not douche.
- Talk to your doctor about what drugs are needed.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits. Some tests may be done depending on your response to the treatment. Be sure to get treated if you are pregnant. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to help kill and control good and bad germs. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Activities will not be limited in most cases. ‚
What problems could happen?
If not treated, BV might cause high risk in pregnant women. You may also get infected with other types of germs. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Doctors do not know the best way to prevent BV. Here are some things that might help: ‚
- Limit the number of sex partners you have.
- Use condoms.
- Use good vaginal cleaning habits. Always wipe from front to back.
- Do not use douches.
- Keep taking your drugs as ordered, even if signs are better after a few doses.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction, such as wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of infection, such as a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine, or anal itching or pain.
- Signs of any yellow or green vaginal discharge
- Belly or back pain, throwing up
- Rash or lesions
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
- Do not wear clothes that may hold moisture, such as nylon or polyester.
- Wear loose-fitting pants. Avoid tight clothing.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help prevent this health problem.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, pain with passing urine, yellow or green vaginal discharge, or a rash.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Pediatrics ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/sexually-transmitted/Pages/Bacterial-Vaginosis.aspx ‚
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚