More information about Bacterial you should know...

 

How accurate are the tests?

Tests for bacterial vaginosis are usually accurate. The doctor or nurse will discuss your test results with you.

Where can I get a test?

You may be offered a test as soon as you have signs and symptoms for the doctor or nurse to check. There are a number of services you can go to. Choose the service you feel most comfortable with.
A test can be done at:

• a genitourinary medicine (GUM) or sexual health clinic
• some general practices (ask a doctor or practice nurse)
• some contraception clinics and young people’s services.

What is the treatment for bacterial vaginosis?

• Treatment for bacterial vaginosis is simple and involves taking antibiotic tablets. There are several different antibiotics that can be used. These are taken either as a single dose or a longer course (up to one week).
• You may be given a cream or gel instead. You will need to use this in the vagina for 5–7 days.
• The doctor or nurse will advise you how to use the treatment. If you are given the antibiotic metronidazole, either as tablets or a vaginal gel, you will be advised not to drink alcohol during the treatment and for 48 hours afterwards. This is because it reacts with alcohol and can make you feel very unwell.
• Some creams can weaken latex condoms, diaphragms and caps. Polyurethane types can be safely used. Ask the doctor or nurse for advice.
• Do tell the doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you are pregnant, or think you might be, or you are breastfeeding. This will affect the type of treatment that you are given.
• There is currently no evidence that complementary therapies can cure bacterial vaginosis.

How effective is the treatment?

Treatment is very effective if it is used according to the instructions.
It is quite common for bacterial vaginosis to return, and some women get repeated episodes.

Do I need to have a test to check that the bacterial vaginosis has gone?

You only need another test if:

• signs and symptoms don’t go away
• signs and symptoms come back
• you are treated for bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy.

What happens if bacterial vaginosis isn’t treated?

For many women bacterial vaginosis goes away by itself.

What can be done if bacterial vaginosis keeps coming back?

We don’t know why bacterial vaginosis keeps recurring in some women. There is no agreed preferred way of treating recurrent infection. Some women may be given a course of antibiotic gel to use over a number of months. Other women may be given antibiotic tablets to use at the start and end of their period. Some women may find it helpful to use a lactic acid gel (available from the pharmacy) to restore the pH balance in the vagina. Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for advice.

Does my partner need treatment?

Men don't get bacterial vaginosis so male partners do not need treatment. Female partners should get advice from a doctor or nurse about whether they need treatment.

Will bacterial vaginosis affect my chances of getting pregnant?

There is no evidence that bacterial vaginosis will affect your chances of getting pregnant.

What happens if I get bacterial vaginosis when I’m pregnant?

Bacterial vaginosis may cause problems with a pregnancy. The infection has been found in some women who have had a miscarriage, a premature birth or a low birth weight baby.
Bacterial vaginosis can safely be treated when you are pregnant and when you are breastfeeding – this won’t harm the baby, but do tell the doctor or nurse if you are pregnant. This will influence the type of treatment that you are given.
Pregnant women who have had a previous premature birth will usually be offered a test for bacterial vaginosis.

Does bacterial vaginosis cause cervical cancer?

There is no evidence that bacterial vaginosis causes cervical cancer.
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Source:  http://www.fpa.org.uk/sexually-transmitted-infections-stis-help/thrush-and-bacterial-vaginosis#ezIxUOq8jurmFarH.99