treatment for bacterial vaginosis consists of antibiotics. a few antibiotic remedies are routinely used. metronidazole (flagyl) taken by either oral (pill) form or by vaginal metronidazole gel (metrogel) is an effective cure. also available is the vaginal clindamycin cream (cleocin). the oral metronidazole can cause some minor but unpleasant side effects but is believed to be the most effective treatment. the gels do not typically cause side effects although yeast vaginitis can occur as a side effect of the medication. tinidazole (tindamax) is an antibiotic that appears to have fewer side effects than metronidazole and is also effective in treating bacterial vaginosis. recurrence of bacterial vaginosis is possible even after successful treatment. more than half of those treated experience recurrent symptoms within 12 months. it is unclear why so many recurrent infections develop. with recurrent symptoms a second course of antibiotics is generally prescribed.
what is the treatment for bacterial vaginosis?