Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection caused by too many bacteria of a certain type in your vagina. Untreated, it can increase your risk of several serious health problems.

Bacterial vaginosis does not always cause symptoms. But if so, they may include:

Pain, burning or itching in the vagina

itching outside the vagina

A thin white or gray discharge from the vagina

A strong fishy smell, especially after sex

A burning sensation when peeing

stomach pain

Other conditions have similar symptoms. See your doctor and get tested for BV to make sure this is the cause of your symptoms. What is the treatment for BV?

Your doctor will most likely prescribe an antibiotic (a pill, gel, or cream) to kill the infection. These can be:

Clindamycin, a cream you use in your vagina. It sells under the Cleocin and Clindesse brands.

Metronidazole, available in pill form to swallow or gel to insert into the vagina. This drug is sold under the brand names Flagyl and Metrogel-Vaginal.

Secnidazole, available in a single pill to be taken once. It is sold under the Solosec brand.

Tinidazole, available in pill form to ingest. It is sold under the Tindamax brand. It is important that you take your medications for as long as your doctor prescribes. If you stop taking it early, you increase the chances of BV coming back.

Clindamycin can weaken latex condoms not only while taking the drug, but for at least 3 days after stopping. The other 3 do not affect the contraceptive pill or patch.

You should avoid alcohol while taking metronidazole, secnidazole or tinidazole and for at least one day after finishing your prescription. This reduces the risk of stomach upset or nausea.

What if my BV comes back?

It is common for this infection to recur within a year. If this happens, talk to your doctor about treatments. They can prescribe metronidazole for long-term use. Can probiotics treat BV?

You may have thought about taking these good bacteria to help maintain a healthy bacterial balance in your vagina.

There are at least seven types of bacteria that thrive in the vagina. Lactobacilli are one of them. BV is associated with a decrease in lactobacilli present in yogurt and acidophilus milk. Some research suggests that consuming foods containing lactobacillus may be beneficial, but more research is needed.

Do not shower with yogurt or other products. Douching is a risk factor for BV.