See a clinician for diagnosis (vaginal swab) before treatment
Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed
Consider metronidazole (oral or vaginal gel) if prescribed
Consider clindamycin (cream or oral) if prescribed
Avoid douching
Avoid scented vaginal products, washes, and sprays
Use condoms or avoid sex until treatment is complete and symptoms resolve
Avoid sex if it worsens symptoms
Keep the area dry; use breathable cotton underwear
Change out of wet clothes promptly
Don’t use OTC “BV treatments” unless advised by a clinician
If symptoms return, follow up with a clinician for repeat testing and a new treatment plan
Inform a clinician if you’re pregnant, have recurrent BV, or have symptoms that don’t improve within the expected timeframe
If you have fever, pelvic pain, foul-smelling discharge with severe pain, or bleeding, seek urgent medical care