Hesperian Health Guides
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV, Gardnerella)
Bacterial vaginosis is a bacterial infection of the vagina. Soaps, perfumes, or deodorants that get in the vagina can make this infection easier to get. If sex irritates the vagina, it makes getting bacterial vaginosis more likely. It is not usually dangerous, but can cause someone who is pregnant to have their baby early.
Check if the medicine is meant to be taken by mouth or put into the vagina.
Signs
- more discharge than usual
- a bad, fishy smell from the vagina, especially after sex
- mild itching
Treatment
Take one of these: metronidazole by mouth or inserted vaginally, tinidazole by mouth, or clindamycin by mouth or inserted vaginally. If you are pregnant, use metronidazole by mouth, taking the smaller dose for 7 days instead of a single dose.
This page was updated:10 Jan 2023