Bacterial vaginosis (BV) treatment

Your MinuteClinic provider can examine you and discuss your symptoms. They can also prescribe medication and develop a treatment plan for you.

1. Prior to scheduling your appointment, you may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment.

   If you made your appointment online:

   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:

   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:


   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
   
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
   
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send information about your visit to your primary care provider.

Most often, bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of Gardnerella vaginalis, one of the most common types of vaginal bacteria. Although vaginosis can affect women of any age, this condition most often occurs during the childbearing years. Infections can be triggered by any activity that alters vaginal pH balance, including:

• Douching or the use of vaginal deodorants
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy or caused by menopause
• Intimate contact with a new partner or multiple partners
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Irritation from detergents, fabric softeners or scented feminine hygiene products
• Neglecting to use a condom or dental dam

• Burning or pain during urination
• "Foamy" appearing discharge
• Foul-smelling or "fishy" vaginal odor
• Thin green, white or grayish vaginal discharge
• Vaginal itching or irritation

If an examination confirms bacterial vaginosis, your health care provider will prescribe an oral or topical antibiotic. It's usually unnecessary to treat a woman’s male partners. However, female partners can be infected and should also be tested. Testing both female partners enables both partners to be effectively treated.

If left untreated, BV can linger without symptoms and cause future health complications.