Bacterial Vaginosis is a vaginal condition wherein the vagina produces irregular discharge due to overgrowth of certain bacteria. It is also referred to as nonspecific vaginitis and is not considered as a sexually transmitted disease. It was once called as Gardnerella vaginitis, after the bacteria thought to exclusively cause it. However, recent studies have shown that other bacteria like Lactobacillus, Peptostreptococcus, Bacteroides, Eubacterium and Fusobacterium could also cause it.
This condition is characterized by:
- A huge amount of vaginal discharge which could be of white or grayish white color.
- Foul vaginal odor
- Pain during sexual intercourse and urination
The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis can occur any time. However, the vaginal discharge usually becomes more noticeable after sexual intercourse.
Mild bacterial vaginosis usually goes away on its own. However, it is still best to consult a physician when experiencing any symptom. Doctors do not recommend using home remedies. The best treatment is to use antibiotics. Because of this most women ask the question what type of antibiotic should one use to treat it? Will Amoxicillin (Common brands: Moxatag) cure my bacterial vaginosis?
The following are some antibiotics commonly prescribed by physicians:
1. Metronidazole
This is the most common medication prescribed by doctors for this condition. It is available in three forms – a gel applied to the vagina once for one to five days, a tablet taken twice a day for five days to a week and a larger tablet taken once a day for the same length of time.
The symptoms of this vaginal condition may disappear after one to two days of taking metronidazole. However, it must still be taken continuously for the time prescribed by the doctor to prevent antibiotic resistance.
Pregnant women are not recommended to take this medication. Highly intoxicated individuals are also not recommended to take it.
2. Clindamycin
Clindamycin can come in two forms – tablet and cream form. To address bacterial vaginosis, most physicians recommend using the cream form which is usually applied directly to the vagina.
3. Tinidazole
It is an anti-parasitic and bacterial drug. Tinidazole should be taken after a meal. According to recent studies, it works better than metronidazole and has lesser side effects. Like metronidazole, pregnant women are also not advised to take tinidazole. It also may counteract with certain medications like cholestyramine.
4. Amoxicillin
It is a type of penicillin used to treat different kinds of infection such as pneumonia, tonsillitis, bronchitis, and gonorrhea. It is also used to treat infections in the nose, ear, throat, skin, and urinary tract.
To answer the question “will Amoxicillin (Common brands: Moxatag) cure my bacterial vaginosis”, yes, it can also be used to treat bacterial vaginosis. It is cheaper than other medications. However, it must be noted that some people may be allergic to penicillin. It may also not be as effective as the other medications.
The medications mentioned are some of the most commonly prescribed by physicians. However, consulting a doctor is still best whenever you experience any symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. Sexually transmitted disease must be first ruled out to better treat the condition.
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